I was 10 years old in 1976, when the United States celebrated its bicentennial. I remember fireworks, lots of patriotic bunting, and commemorative packaging galore, but what really caught my eye was the privately organized American Freedom Train rolling museum, which toured the country with exhibits about the nation's history. My parents were too busy to transport me—actually, in those free-range days I may not have even asked. I rode my bicycle several miles into Tarrytown, New York, and bought a ticket to tour the train. I'm not sure many kids could do that these days without raising eyebrows.
