So, my last post touched on the idea of the Field Museum of Natural History being a piece of Chicago’s heritage, if not the whole world’s heritage. I’d like to expand on that idea a bit, because it’s one that fascinates me. But, more than that, I want to know about your places.

I think we all have some basic idea of what this means. Even if we couldn’t name a one, we all know there are designated World Heritage Sites, but I’m not sure how many of us know exactly what that means. I know I didn’t. I just had, and have had, a sense of the word “heritage” and places I’d consider part of my/our cultural heritage.

I also find “heritage” to be one of those words where I feel I know the meaning, but probably couldn’t give a good verbal definition if asked. I think I’d say something like, “something that is practically a part of your being, by virtue of birth or specific circumstances”. Ergo, I consider the Field, it’s collections and research, to be an integral part of Chicago’s very being. Dictionary.com indicates, I’m close. Certainly close enough for the purposes of this discussion.

So, I want to know about the museums/parks/restaurants/schools/battlefields/etc you consider part of the heritage of your places. Maybe there’s a little bakery that’s been around for a couple hundred years. Maybe there’s a big museum that has amazing collections of art. Maybe you live in Massachusetts and can claim Harvard as a public university! If you’re a transplant, tell me about that part of your hometown you miss horribly or that place you are so glad is now part of you in your new area.

Tell me about it. Tell me your place. Tell me WHY this or that is so vital to your place. Maybe share a memory. And, for sure, tell me the address (if there is one), so I can visit your place if I ever come visit you or visit your old hometown.