Indie On the Road

Tag: learn

  • A Unique Learning Center in Talihina, OK

    Ursa Minor Curiosities
    Ursa Minor Curiosities, Talihina, OK

    On Dallas St., the main drag in Talihina, Oklahoma, there is this antique shop, named Ursa Minor Curiosities. Talihina could be easily misconstrued as a ghost town. But when you open the shop’s door, you enter into an amazing learning center where you can discover many historic and scientific unknowns of nature and wildlife right here in America.

    Ursa-Minor-Curiosities-a-Unique-Antique-Shop

    Where else can you find megalodon teeth or Texas lone stars!

    Megalodon Tooth – Megalodon Hunters

    The megalodon was the biggest shark in the world roaming the oceans millions of years ago. Their teeth are everywhere if you know where to look. The amazing thing is that these are right here in America. 

    Texas Lone Stars
    Wes Kirpach -Hunting for Texas Lone Stars

    Former teachers, Wes and Kerry Kirpach, created this business to showcase many of the ancient findings they uncover in their travels around the world. Visit the shop. You can purchase all sorts of oddities, fossils, and crystals. Their website includes numerous videos, pictures, and announcements.

    What kind of learning experience do you believe our young people (and older) want to experience in America today? Something like what these two people are offering – independent learning experiences?

    Please send me information about the interesting learning sites you have visited indie@indieonetheroad.net.

  • Minter Field Air Museum

    Earily this year, we toured the Minter Field Air Museum in Shafter, CA near Bakersfield and stayed overnight in our RV in their parking lot (Minter is a Harvest Host). The field was a major Army pilot training facility during World War II. The museum’s mission statement states:

    Statement of Purpose: To educate the public about Minter Army Air Field and Kern County aviation’s impact on local, regional, and global history through preservation efforts, specialty presentations, and community outreach programs.

    The museum houses artifacts and photographs of over 11,500 cadets and staff (men and women) who were stationed there during its use as a military training school. Artifacts include military uniforms, radio equipment, a Link Trainer, a Norden Bomb Sight; Medals and Patches, Echelons (Class Books), Snap Roll Newsletters, hundreds of photographs and documents, and beautiful aviation art.

    When we visited, there were a few members on site including Ronald Pierce who is the Chairman of the Board. He gave us a 2+ hour hands-on tour showing vintage training planes, vehicles, and historical artifacts from the heyday of the field’s training school.

    Vintage Jeep
    Vintage Basic Trainer
    Link trainer
    Tower Radio Equipment
    Another Basic Trainer
    1940s Pilot Information
    Chalis made from Mortar Shell
    Wing Fragment
    Minter Field Logo

    The museum provides tours and holds various events to get involved with the local communities and schools to educate and attract future pilots. Check the website for hours and events.