Behind the Tour

Episode 22: Behind the NEW Memorial

SUMMARY 
On this week's episode we go Behind the Tour and talk about a brand-new memorial in Washington, D.C.  It is the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial in memory of President Eisenhower, our nation’s 34th President. 
 
Host Aaron Cronk is joined by ACTS Education Program Leader Traci Gregory to discuss this memorial and the man behind it.   First the discussion focuses on Behind the Person and talks about the life of Dwight Eisenhower from a young boy through his years in the military and finally as president.  They talk about some of the achievements of Eisenhower.  Most notable would be his leading U.S. Troops in the Invasion of Normandy and the defeat of the Axis armies in Europe.   Also, reminders of Eisenhower’s achievements as President are talked about and the demonstrations of his faith in God. 

The discussion then moves Behind the Memorial.  The guides walk us through the memorial highlighting some of the features and meanings. 

Then Aaron takes us into Cronk’s Corner where he shares a story of evangelist Billy Graham and his interactions with President Eisenhower and his faith journey. 

Finally, there is a Call to Action.  Traci shares a dramatic story of Eisenhower as a boy with the audience and Aaron uses it to encourage us to good works and endurance. 

The hosts also put out and invitation for listeners to “join” our “Behind the Thanks” podcast. 

To participate, make a short voice recording of yourself sharing about that person, thing, or event you are thankful for.  Then email and attach it to us at behindthetour@acts-tours.com   We are hoping to include a number of these “Behind the Thanks” recordings in our podcast as we get closer to Thanksgiving.  Recording may be edited.  Not all recordings may be included.    Recordings should be submitted by the end of October 2021.  

    

LINKS: 
-Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial (National Park Service site) 
https://www.nps.gov/ddem/index.htm 
 
- Dwight D. Eisenhower D-Day Speech  
Eisenhower D-Day Speech 
 
-Dwight D. Eisenhower – Inauguration Speech video.  Eisenhower prays in the first couple minutes. 
Eisenhower's Inauguration Video 

KEY WORDS: 
American Christian Tours, ACTS, Behind the Tour; Dwight D. Eisenhower; President; 5 Star General; Normandy; D-Day Invasion; In God We Trust; NASA; 1957 Civil Rights Legislation; Holocaust Memorial  

Episode 21: Behind the Tour - 9/11 Remembered: 20 Years Later

EPISODE 21:  Behind the Tour   9/11 Remembered:  20 Years Later 

SUMMARY 
This week on Behind the Tour we remember a challenging day in American history.  Twenty years ago, our nation was attacked in what we now know as 9/11.  Saying those two numbers elicits a mental and emotional response in most adult Americans. 

We start off with a short recap of the events of that day. We then segway into a section where one of our Education Program Leaders, who happened to have a tour group in Arlington National Cemetery that morning, shares the story of himself and his group of students. Then our host Aaron Cronk, and podcast guests Sabrina Carlson, President of ACTS and EPL Jay Proffitt each highlight one of the 9/11 Memorials that our groups can visit during different tours with ACTS.  
 
We wrap up the podcast with a call to action. 

LINKS: 
- 9/11 Memorial  9/11 Memorial & Museum 

- National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial  Pentagon Memorial 

- Flight 93 National Memorial   Flight 93 Memorial   
 
- Book by Lisa Beamer about her husband Todd and the story of Flight 93.   Let’s Roll!: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage 
 
- Stephen Siller’s story of courage at Tunnel to Towers Foundation   Stephen Siller’s Story 
 

 "A common field one day, a field of honor forever."
 

 "We will never forget."

 

 

 "Absence made visable."

 
KEY WORDS: 
American Christian Tours, ACTS, Behind the Tour; student educational tour programs; 9/11 Memorial; Pentagon Memorial; Flight 93 Memorial; 9/11; Ground Zero 

Episode 20: Behind the Tour - Season Two Begins!

SUMMARY
During today’s episode, we go behind the scenes for a recap.   Sabrina Carlson, President at American Christian Tours, joins host Aaron Cronk for a discussion the start of Behind the Tour Season Two.

First they recap the past year and a half and how ACTS and the schools and organizers we work with moved through the start of the pandemic and shutdown.  The 2020 and Spring 2021 tour seasons are addressed and how God blessed us through those challenging days.  They also recap Season One of Behind the Tour and look forward to Season Two and some of the season topics on deck.

Mostly praising God for His amazing protection, provision, and care!

CALL TO ACTION:

• Go back and listen to any episodes of Season One you may have missed.
• If you have not already – consider planning a tour for the coming 2021 tour season and beyond.
• We have some open tours posted on the ACTS website that you can join. Consider joining an existing tour.
• Keep our schools, administrations, parents, teachers, and mostly students in prayer as they all maneuver through these challenging days.

LINKS:

- American Christian Tours – Open tour referenced
https://www.acts-tours.com/ACTSAdultPrograms

 

KEY WORDS:
American Christian Tours, ACTS, open tours, Behind the Tour Season Two, tours

Episode 19: Behind the Tour Guide - Traci Gregory

In Episode #19 of Behind the Tour, we continue our journey of digging a little deeper into another one of the people that leads education program tours for American Christian Tours.  
 
We believe that each one of our EPLS was connected with ACTS for "Such a Time as This."  We believe that God has given each one of our guides the gifts and talents they possess to help share with travelers on our programs the great story of our nation and how God has worked throughout our history.

This episode is an extended version of Behind the Tour Guide.  We will spend time with Traci Gregory, a veteran Education Program Leader (EPL) with American Christian Tours®.  Traci has led several hundred tours with ACTS over the years.  She is full of life and laughter and has a passion for knowing God.  In this episode, we will get to know a little bit about Traci, her love for America, and her passion for sharing God with the people on her tours.

Traci will tell us a bit about her background.  She will share what connected her with ACTS and what brings her back year after year, how she stays energized, her favorite tour destinations, some personal stories of special moments on tours, and more.  So, sit back and go Behind the Tour Guide with us!

LINKS:

We mention in the podcast a collection of resources for people to prepare to go on a tour with ACTS.  The link is below for Next Steps.
Next Steps
https://www.acts-tours.com/next-steps

(mentioned by Traci as places not well known that she likes to show her groups.)
Trylon of Freedom
Trylon of Freedom Historical Marker (hmdb.org)

The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial
https://avdlm.org/

KEYWORDS:|
American Christian Tours; ACTS; Behind the Tour; Behind the Tour Guide; Traci Gregory; Education Program Leader; EPL

#18: Behind the Tour - Sight and Sound Theatres

Episode 18 of our Behind the Tour podcast takes us out into the rolling hills and farmlands of Lancaster County, known for its large Amish community.  Here, ACTS podcast host Aaron Cronk sits down with Katie Miller, Communications Director for Sight & Sound Theatres - a theater “Where the Bible Comes to Life.”

About 40 years ago Glenn and Shirley Eshelman started a traveling multimedia presentation that they showcased around the country.  It was so successful that the Eshelmans, who now had a young family, decided to set up their presentation permanently and have people come to them.  The Sight & Sound Theater was born.  

Now with its 2,000-seat state-of-the-art theater featuring their cast of around 50 singing live vocal music, a massive, 300-foot panoramic stage that wraps around the audience, live animals, sets up to 40 feet high, and state-of-the-art technology, the Sight & Sound shows have audiences fully engaged.  

Currently, through the end of 2021, you can see Queen Esther at the Lancaster location with the next production coming in March of 2022 is David.  Jesus was the latest show in Lancaster.  Now, in response to the past year, the Sight & Sound Theatres has a virtual location.  You can watch their productions online or on devices with Sight & Sound TV – a location that will live beyond the pandemic. 

So go Behind the Tour with us and learn more about Sight & Sound Theaters!

LINKS:
Sight & Sound Theatres
https://www.sight-sound.com/

Sight & Sound TV
https://www.sight-sound.tv/browse

Sight & Sound Conservatory
https://www.sight-sound.com/conservatory

KEYWORDS:
American Christian Tours, ACTS, Behind the Tour, Sight & Sound Theatres, Jesus, Queen Esther, David, live theater, live animals, Sight & Sound Conservatory, Lancaster County Pennsylvania, Branson Missouri

#17: Behind the Tour: Museum of the Bible

In episode #17 of this Behind the Tour podcast, we head a few blocks south of the National Mall in the heart of Washington, D.C. to visit with Museum of the Bible.  Host Aaron Cronk sits with Shannon Bennett, CMO for Museum of the Bible and takes our listeners on a quick journey of some of the highlights of this amazing museum.

Opened to the public in November of 2017, the Museum of the Bible has been a favorite stop of many ACTS tour participants.  The museum aims to be among the most technologically advanced and engaging museums in the world and offers its visitors an immersive and personalized experience with the Bible and its ongoing impact on the world.  The museum showcases many rare and fascinating artifacts spanning 4,000 years of history. 

Highlighted in this podcast is information on some of the popular exhibits, features of the building – its famous doors and main floor ceiling, the museum’s indoor “ride” Washington Revelations, information on how the museum was started, some of the challenges with artifacts, and much more. 

LINKS:

Museum of the Bible
https://www.museumofthebible.org/

Museum of the Bible | Virtual Tours
https://www.museumofthebible.org/tour?tourId=BibleInTheWorld

Museum of the Bible | Online Engagement
https://www.museumofthebible.org/online-engagement

Museum of the Bible | Upcoming Magna Carta Exhibit
Magna Carta: Tyranny. Justice. Liberty. | Museum of the Bible

illumiNations – translating the Bible for all peoples, nations, and tongues.
https://illuminations.bible/

ACTS Education Programs to Washington, D.C. with Museum of the Bible
https://www.acts-tours.com/product-page/washington-dc-capital-city

Museum of the Bible Podcast

https://www.spreaker.com/show/museum-of-the-bible-the-podcast

Washington Revelations
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qefp6pGfTng

Most American Christian Tours Education and Leisure Program Tours include Museum of the Bible if possible.
Check out "The Pilgrimage."  This ACTS tour features Museum of the Bible, Creation Museum and Ark Encounter, and Sight and Sound Theaters in Lancaster, PA.

KEYWORDS:

American Christian Tours, ACTS, Behind the Tour, Museum of the Bible, bronze doors, illumiNations, Magna Carta, Washington Revelations

#16: Behind the Tour - The Ark Encounter

 
SUMMARY 
During today’s episode, we go behind the door of the Ark!   Mr. Eddie Lutz, Senior Manager of Sales at the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum, joins Aaron Cronk and Jay Proffitt for a discussion about this amazing full-sized replica of the biblical Ark built by Noah.  
 
Eddie shares with us the vision of the Ark Experience, the dimensions of the Ark, and a story about its construction.  He also gives the audience the layout of the Ark and its exhibits and talks about the on-site zoo.  There is also some reference to the Creation Museum – the sister site of the Ark Encounter just down the road. 
 
We also have some resource links for you where you can find materials to share with your family, friends, and churches to encourage your faith and knowledge of God’s wonderful plan of redemption for mankind.  
 
CALL TO ACTION: 

• Read Genesis 1 – 11 for the basis for all biblical doctrines 
• Plan your visit to The Ark Encounter and The Creation Museum 

LINKS: 
- The Ark Encounter 
https://arkencounter.com/ 
 
- The Creation Museum 
https://creationmuseum.org/ 
 
- Answers in Genesis 
With information on curriculum, VBS (Vacation Bible School), conferences, and the books, movies, and more. 
https://answersingenesis.org/ 

- American Christian Tours - “The Pilgrimage Tour” referenced in the podcast 
https://www.acts-tours.com/product-page/the-pilgrimage 

 

KEY WORDS: 
American Christian Tours, ACTS, Behind the Tour, the Ark Encounter, the Creation Museum, Answers in Genesis, The ACTS Pilgrimage Tour, Noah’s Ark 

 

#15 Behind the Tour: Springtime in Washington, D.C.

SUMMARY 
Its Springtime and in Washington, D.C. as the Cherry Trees and the flowers are all in bloom the city celebrates new life. 

We begin with our segment on Colonial Colloquialisms exploring Red Letter Days and good old Yankee Doodle.   We are joined by Julie Groton, ACTS EPL and discuss springtime in Washington, D.C.   We talk about the lady behind the beautification of the city, another lady who helped bring a special treasure to the city, and then we touch briefly on the assassination of Abraham Lincoln – which took place on Holy Week in 1865. 
 
We then discuss the Easter sunrise services and transition into a discussion about Arlington Cemetery with a special story about Section 60 with Julie Groton and a recent tour. 

LINKS: 
- Washington Cherry Blossom Festival 
https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/ 

 - About the Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center 
https://www.wildflower.org/about/history 

- National Park Service article on Lady Bird Johnson and the Beautification Project 
https://www.nps.gov/articles/lady-bird-johnson-beautification-cultural-landscapes.htm 

- National Park Service article on the Washington D.C. Cherry Trees 
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/history-of-the-cherry-trees.htm 

- Video of Section 60 in Arlington National Cemetery 
Section 60 Arlington National Cemetery - YouTube 

 

KEY WORDS: 
American Christian Tours, ACTS, Behind the Tour, Washington Cherry Blossom Festival, Tidal Basin, Cherry Trees, Mrs. Taft, Lady Bird Johnson, Beautification Project, Easter Sunrise Service, Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, Section 60 

 

#14: Behind the Tour: Plymouth Part II - The Forefathers Monument - with Dr. Marshall Foster

SUMMARY 
This week on Behind the Tour we meet again with special guest Dr. Marshall Foster (check out Behind the Tour – Episode #13.)  Dr. Foster has been working with American Christian Tours for several decades teaching our staff as our Director of Christian Education and also heads the World History Institute (see link). 

We start off with our quick segment on Colonial Colloquialisms learning some “Pilgrimish” words. Dr. Foster then focuses on sharing with us the matrix of liberty that can be found in the National Monument to the Forefathers – or the Forefathers Monument, as many refer to it. This 81-foot-tall granite statue stands in Plymouth, Massachusetts looking out on Cape Cod. Dr. Foster will explain the different elements of the monument and share how people can build or rebuild a free society based upon Biblical ideals. 

Dr. Foster has a new reprint of his best-selling book “The American Covenant” coming off the press in a few weeks and we share the information on finding that. He also has a tour planned for this September/October of 2021 with American Christian Tours and we share the link to that. 

LINKS: 
-World History Institute 
http://www.worldhistoryinstitute.com/welcome 

 
- Information on the reprint of The American Covenant 
Bestselling book by Dr. Marshall Foster with updated content and new material 
The American Covenant 
 
- Dr. Foster’s World History Family Tour  
Washington, D.C. | Philadelphia | New York City | Boston | Plymouth    
September 27 - October 1, 2021 
American Christian Tours World History Family Tour 

-Monumental: In search of America’s National Treasure MONUMENTAL FILM: In Search of America's National Treasure (monumentalmovie.com)

-Monumental: National Monument to the Forefathers - a video of Dr. Foster walking around the Forefathers Monument explaining the matrix of liberty.  Monumental - National Monument to the Forefathers: Liberty and Faith - YouTube

KEY WORDS: 
American Christian Tours, ACTS, Behind the Tour; The Forefathers Monument, National Monument of the Forefathers, World History Institute, Dr. Marshall Foster, Pilgrims, the American Covenant, Matrix of Liberty, Monumental 

#13: Behind the Tour - Pilgrims and Plymouth with Dr. Marshall Foster, Part 1

On this week's episode we go Behind the Tour and talk about the Pilgrims and Plymouth with special guest Dr. Marshall Foster. Dr. Foster has been working with American Christian Tours for several decades teaching our staff as our Director of Christian Education. 

Dr. Foster also heads the World History Institute researching and teaching the “cause and effect” paper trail of personal liberty and human rights; of private enterprise and constitutional government; and of charity and the explosion of faith around the world. The Institute embraces the providential view of history, which observes history as a purposeful saga under the direction of a loving Creator.  

We start off with a quick segment on Colonial Colloquialisms. We then will discuss with Dr. Foster the Pilgrims and learn about the risk they took to come across the ocean to a foreign land, what their culture was like in England and why they left. Who were some of the main characters in the Plymouth Settlement? What helped make the Plymouth settlement successful. And what can we learn from the Pilgrims to apply to our own lives and culture today. 

Dr. Foster has a new reprint of his best-selling book “The American Covenant” coming off the press in a few weeks and we share the information on finding that. He also has a tour coming up this September/October of 2021 and we share the link to that. 

 

LINKS: 
-World History Institute 
http://www.worldhistoryinstitute.com/welcome 
 
- Information on the reprint of The American Covenant 
Bestselling book by Dr. Marshall Foster with updated content and new material 
The American Covenant 
 
- Dr. Foster’s World History Family Tour  
Washington, D.C. | Philadelphia | New York City | Boston | Plymouth    
September 27 - October 1, 2021 
American Christian Tours World History Family Tour 

 

 

KEY WORDS: 
American Christian Tours, ACTS, Behind the Tour; Plimoth, Plymouth Plantation, World History Institute, Dr. Marshall Foster, Pilgrims,