Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
Each summer for much of his life, Alexander Graham Bell—of Scottish descent, but his family emigrated to Canada when he was young—fled the heat and humidity of Washington, D.C., for this hillside retreat perched above Bras d’Or Lake. The mansion, still owned and occupied by the Bell family, is visible across the harbor from various points around town. Today it’s part homage, part science center. The modern exhibit center highlights Bell’s amazing mind; you’ll find exhibits on his invention of the telephone at age 29, of course, but also information about other projects: ingenious kites, hydrofoils, and airplanes, for instance. Bell also invented the metal detector—who knew? Science buffs will love the place, and most visitors are surprised to learn Bell actually died in this home. (He’s buried on the mountaintop.) Then there’s an extensive "discovery" section, where kids are encouraged to apply their intuition and creativity to science problems. All in all, it’s a very well-thought-out attraction—and attractive, too.
Each summer for much of his life, Alexander Graham Bell—of Scottish descent, but his family emigrated to Canada when he was young—fled the heat and humidity of Washington, D.C., for this hillside retreat perched above Bras d’Or Lake. The mansion, still owned and occupied by the Bell family, is visible across the harbor from various points around town. Today it’s part homage, part science center. The modern exhibit center highlights Bell’s amazing mind; you’ll find exhibits on his invention of the telephone at age 29, of course, but also information about other projects: ingenious kites, hydrofoils, and airplanes, for instance. Bell also invented the metal detector—who knew? Science buffs will love the place, and most visitors are surprised to learn Bell actually died in this home. (He’s buried on the mountaintop.) Then there’s an extensive "discovery" section, where kids are encouraged to apply their intuition and creativity to science problems. All in all, it’s a very well-thought-out attraction—and attractive, too.
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