CHICAGO (WLS) — A traveler who spent almost 10 years making his way to every presidential museum in the United States has brought that long-running quest to a close at the Obama Presidential Center, completing a personal mission tied to a larger goal of experiencing American history before the nation’s 250th birthday.
Joshua Zimerman wrapped up the nine-year, seven-month journey after touring all 14 presidential museums and collecting passport stamps at each site through the Presidential Museum Passport program. His last visit took him to Chicago’s Obama Presidential Center, where he was presented with a commemorative pin in recognition of the achievement.
“It is my honor to pin you with an Obama presidential center pin,” a representative told Zimerman during the ceremony.
The moment marked the end of a yearslong trek that took him across the country.
“I probably went over 10,000 miles doing this,” Zimerman said.
Zimerman said the challenge began while he was pursuing a separate travel ambition.
“I’ve been working on going to all 50 states. I’m currently at 42 out of 50, and along the way I saw two air sites for the presidential museums, and I figured, why not?” he said.
Zimerman said fewer than 1% of participants have completed the presidential museum passport challenge, which requires travelers to visit every presidential museum and collect a stamp at each location. Those who finish the full route are awarded a special commemorative coin.
Zimerman said he was determined to finish the challenge two days before America’s 250th birthday, viewing the milestone as a chance to reflect on the nation’s history and future.
At the Obama Presidential Center, officials said the anniversary highlights the continued work of strengthening democracy and civic engagement.
“Every single generation has a responsibility and an obligation to continue to perfect this experiment that is the United States, 250 years of us trying and grinding through difficult questions about who we want to be as a country,” said John Roberson, executive vice president of the Obama Presidential Center.
Zimerman praised the center’s focus on civic education and public participation.
“A lot of the exhibits explain, like they have Democracy 101. They explain how you get in contact with your representatives, which the other museums don’t explain, and it’s really, they’re trying to make it more of an educational experience for non-scholarly people,” he said.
Roberson said the center aims to inspire visitors and serve as a symbol of hope.
“The message that it sends is that hope now has a home, and it’s right here on the South Side of Chicago,” he said.
Although he has completed his presidential museum tour, Zimerman said his travels are not over. He plans to continue working toward his goal of visiting all 50 states and encouraged others to explore museums and learn more about history.
“Support your country. Go out, explore these museums, not just the presidential ones, just explore history,” he said.
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