Mansfield, Ohio Offers World's Quirkiest Museum Experiences

MANSFIELD, OH, March 18, 2011 (Press-News.org) There's no better way for travelers to immerse themselves in a new destination than to soak up the local way of life through its cuisine and culture. Mansfield, Ohio offers travelers a chance to check out some of the most unique and unusual museum collections in the nation. From a walk through fire service history to meeting the world's first robot, the north central Ohio region offers some of the most extraordinary and rare museum experiences. Travelers can find complete information on Mansfield and its museums at www.MansfieldTourism.com or by calling (800) 642-8282.

The world's first robot, ELEKTRO, was built in 1937 at the Westinghouse appliance plant in Mansfield, Ohio. Built in secrecy, this 7-foot-tall, 300-pound robot was designed as the ultimate home appliance and was expected to have the ability to cook, do laundry and entertain children. ELEKTRO could walk, talk, raise and lower his arms, turn his head and move his mouth as he spoke. Today, ELEKTRO and predecessor Herbert Televox are permanently on display at the Mansfield Memorial Museum as part of the "Mechanical Men of Westinghouse" exhibition. The one-of-a-kind display features rare appliances from the 1920s and 30s, artifacts related to ELEKTRO's public and private life, design and engineering drawings and memorabilia. The robot even starred in the 1960s cult classic movie "Sex Kittens go to College." In addition, the museum has two floors packed with unique artifacts, including an oddball collection of truly unusual Victorian taxidermy displays, where expired rats celebrate a wedding and dead ducks sit down to dinner.

The various aspects of the history of fire service are truly brought home at the Mansfield Fire Museum, from the bucket brigade to early horse-drawn equipment. Seeing a reproduction of a turn-of-the-century fire station takes guests back in time as they hear the ring of an antique fire alarm. More then just a museum, visitors will find replicas of the original local City News, Coney Island Diner and an old-time drug store with an authentic marble soda fountain. The education center keeps guests informed on the latest fire safety techniques. Tours are available 1-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, mid-May to mid-October.

The Holy Bible comes to life with tours of the world's only biblical wax museum. BibleWalk features 300+ figures in 62 life-size dioramas accompanied by special effects and an audio tour. BibleWalk also features the world's largest collection of unique American votive folk-art, comprised of large sculptures made from jewelry, hat pins, tie pins, beadwork, cuff links, collar studs, coins, and other trinkets to create enchanting biblical scenes. Rare Braille Bibles, word art, intricate John Burns Woodcarvings and a live dinner theater complete the museum's amazing collection of artifacts and events.

Mansfield, Ohio offers a wealth of other unusual travel adventures, including everything from overnight ghost hunts in a haunted former state prison to world-class motorsports. Breathtaking scenery and rural and hometown experiences are complimented by hiking, biking, golf, cross-country and downhill skiing, bird watching and loads more unique adventures. Complete area travel information and a free Visitors Guide are available at (800) 642-8282 or www.mansfieldtourism.com.

Weirick Communications, Inc. is a Midwest-based PR firm focused on telling the world about great travel, culinary and event experiences. Contact Weirick Communications at 614.848.8380 or amy@weirickcommunications.com.