WORLD FOOTPRINTS

World Footprints will explore Wilmington, Delaware and the Brandywine Valley’s rich American history and vibrant arts and cultural scene with its European flair.

Known for its collection of American art, the internationally acclaimed Brandywine River Museum of Art in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, houses three generations of Wyeth artists—N.C. Wyeth, his son Andrew Wyeth and grandson Jamie Wyeth.  Guide Reno Winter takes us inside the Andrew Wyeth studio to learn about these legendary American artists.

The DuPont name is synonymous with Delaware, at the Hagley Museum and Library, five generations of DuPont’s built a fortune on black powder and left an indelible mark on American history.  Guide Elaine Croft shares the legacy of the DuPont family as she takes us on a stroll through the grounds of Hagley.

Longwood Gardens, Winterthur Mansion and Nemours Estate are some amazing attractions that were built by the DuPont family in the Wilmington area.  Each property has a distinct European feel that resembles the DuPont’s French heritage.  Lyn Lewis from Visit Wilmington explores these attractions and some of the arts and cultural scene that contributes to Delaware and the Brandywine Valley’s dynamism.

Many people say that if Christopher Columbus were to return to our modern world today, Dominica would be the only island he would recognize.  This volcanic island is called "The Nature Island" for a reason.  It has a breathtaking natural beauty that sparkles like an emerald jewel and has remained moderately developed.  World Footprints will share our cultural and music tour of Dominica with stops along Waitukubuli National Trail , the Jazz and Creole Festival, the Kalingo territory and Champagne Reef where we snorkel with tiny bubbles.

At 100+ years old, Hakone Gardens is a National Trust and one of the oldest Japanese estate and gardens in the Western Hemisphere.  In honor of its centennial, Hakone is celebrating its beginning and lasting endurance with multi-year events and activities.  Historian and Hakone Foundation Board Member, Connie Young-Yu, shares the richness and history of this oasis that sits on the edge of Silicon Valley.

We'll examine the emerging trend of chocolate travel with travel writer and Chocolatour publisher, Doreen Pendgracs.

Speaking of wine...California has been a leader in developing and implementing sustainable programs in a number of industries, but most prominently in its winemaking practices.  Allison Jordan with California's Wine Institute takes us on an excursion through the state's famous winegrowing regions and she offers the backstory behind their earth-friendly practices.

Lansing, Michigan has blossomed into a dynamic cultural center and the city has grown far beyond the small plot of land that European explorer Hugh Heward discovered while canoeing down the Grand River in 1790.  Lori Lanspeary from the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau tells us why Lansing, home to Michigan State University, is much more than a college town.

Finally, we'll shine a destination spotlight on the Dominican Republic and Cabo San Lucas from the floor of the Adventure Travel Show in Washington, D.C.

Nialls Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, will take us on a historical journey through the Emerald Isles.  Niall will introduce some of Ireland's lesser known stories, including the country's ancient monastic history and language heritage.

For Americans, the island of Cuba has been the forbidden fruit that many have desired to taste.  Some Americans have risked the threat of jail and others have spent a small fortune to travel to the land where time has stood still.  For photographer Jay Seldin, one trip to Cuba was never enough and now he has compiled hundreds of photos from years of traveling to the island in a powerful photo book called The Cubans.

Travel journalist Bijan Bayne recently experienced the explosion of Detroit, Michigan's revitalization and growth.  He also ventured to port cities along Michigan's coastline and uncovered some interesting maritime history.  Bijan returns to World Footprints to share what Detroit and adjacent mid-Michigan port cities have to offer to travelers who want to experience the rebirth of the "Big D" and Michigan's unique history.

World Footprints will tour Ireland with guide Will Collins who will take us on a well-rounded journey through the Emerald Isle.  Will shares some of Ireland's culinary and sporting traditions as well as the country's interesting festivals, including a match-makers weekend, Ireland's history and historical figures.

Ireland's cultural influences are very rich and vast.  Damien O'Brien, Cultural Director of Failte Ireland, tells us that the country's contributions to literature, gastronomy, science, sports and the arts have had a significant global impact.

Visitors to Ireland never lack for accommodations.  There are many options from B&Bs, Manor Houses, castles and more to choose from.  Michelle McGuire from Ireland Blue Book tells us that their association has an eclectic collection of properties that include a repurposed ice house and old Oriental Express train car.  She will share some of the Blue Book collection including those that offer cooking classes.

Emmy nominated, Irish singer-songwriter, Michael Londra took a leap of faith in his early 30s when he decided to pursue his passion for music.  Michael's courageous move lead him to leading theatrical roles in Dublin, the role of Bobby Kennedy in the world premier of "JFK" and later as the lead performer in the world tour of Riverdance.  Today, Michael's life path has also lead him to using his celebrity to raise awareness about global poverty and the need for clean water.

We will also take a city break in Belfast and hear what the city is doing to honor it's Titanic ship history.

Phil Keoghan is host of the multi Award-winning reality show, "The Amazing Race".  We talked to Phil about how the show mirrors his life, his passion for travel and his commitment to give back to others.   Phil also shared how a near death experience inspired his mantra to leave "No Opportunity Wasted".

Robert Rose is the executive producer and host of the popular show "Raw Travel".  The show integrates voluntourism, social responsibility and philanthropy with pure raw travel.  Robert escaped the corporate jungle a few years ago and began sharing the gift of travel with others.  We'll talk about our mutual passions for travel, social responsibility, his recent trip to Africa and our interest in connecting with our global community. 

The Caribbean Island of Dominica is legendary for its unspoiled beauty but the island is more than a pretty face with pristine waters.  Dominica Tourism Director, Colin Piper says that Dominica also offers a rich blend cultures including the only remaining population of pre-Columbian Carib Indians. 

National Geographic's show, "The Great Human Race" explores the evolution of mankind from Africa to the United States.  Co-host and outdoor survival guide, Cat Bigney, traverses the globe uncovering mysteries and testing survival skills using only the tools that early man used.  Along the way, Cat reaffirmed that we all share a common humanity and that even a smile can overcome language barriers.

In one of her last interviews, the late Dr. Maya Angelou spent time with us to share her early life, lessons learned along her adult journey and golden nuggets of wisdom. 

Artist Michelle Wood is a Coretta Scott King award-winning illustrator who joins us to explore American history through Gospel music.  Michelle brings history to life with colorful images in her book, "I See the Rhythm of Gospel".

Ellis Marsalis, Jr., is the partriarch of a musical family that includes internationally acclaimed musicians Branford and Wynton Marsalis.  As an accomplished pianist, Ellis has been a major influencer in jazz.  His work as an educator has helped foster the careers of countless musicians including Harry Connick, Jr., Terence Blanchard and Nicholas Payton.  Ellis is also helping to preserve America's jazz heritage.

Known as the Queen of Afro Beat, revolutionary artist Sandra Izsadore discusses her evolution as a child of the civil rights era, her path to discovering her voice, and her experience with Nigeria's Afro Beat performer, the late Fela Kuti.

New Orleans has been the backdrop of many dark chapters in American history, but perhaps none so shocking as the slave rebellion of 1811.  We will explore the history of America's largest slave revolt with author Daniel Rasmussen who organized his research in his book, American Uprising:  The Untold Story About America's Largest Slave Revolt.

The New Orleans African-American Museum of Art, Culture and History, located in Faubourg Treme, is helping to keep the stories of America's oldest and continuous black community alive.  Established in 2000, former executive director John Hankins tells us that the Museum has held the mission "to preserve, interpret and promote" the African American cultural heritage of New Orleans, with a particular empasis on the Treme community.

Le Musee de F.P.C. is a beautiful house museum that honors the legacy of New Orleans' Free People of Color. History will echo off the walls and along the wooden floor boards as we walk through this Greek Revival house in Upper Treme with Beverly McKinna. 

The rich and varied culture of New Orleans is seen in its food, music, traditions and architecture.  History professor, Dr. Mary Mitchell, says that New Orleans has its own rhythm and energy that is influenced by Africans, Native Americans and European settlers and she gave us a taste of New Orleans as we soaked up the world flavors in the French Quarter.

We'll share stories about some of the Underground Railroad and a Destination Spotlight will shine on the Faukland Islands and Romania.

The City of Norfolk, Virginia is an important 400-year-old port city and home to the largest naval base in the world.  But, surprisingly as a southern mid-Atlantic city, Norfolk also played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad as one of the last port stops on the road to freedom north.  Much of this history is now being shared through Norfolk's self-guided Waterways to Freedom Tour that our guest, Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander from Norfolk State University helped to create.

Historian and author Debra Sandoe McCauslin has deep roots in Gettysburg and Adams County, Pennsylvania.  We learned about her family history and, in our car ride with her along the Underground Railroad, Debra brought to life the voices of some fugitive slaves and the Quakers who helped them.

Lewiston, New York was the final stop for runaway slaves from the South who sought to cross the border into Canada to freedom.  Once slaves reached Lewiston, locals helped them cross the Niagara River by boat or by foot when the river was frozen. 

After the War of 1812, Canada's reputation as a safe haven for fugitive slaves grew because of the development of settlements like the Southern Ontario farming community of Buxton, formerly the Elgin Settlement.  Buxton was one of four planned settlements for former and runaway slaves and its founder, Reverend William King, a white man, fought other white settlers to establish the area.

Birmingham, Alabama is considered ground zero in the civil rights movement.  In the 1950s, African-Americans of all ages in Birmingham drew a proverbial line in the sand against racial segregation.  Their stories, struggles and ultimate success over Jim Crow laws is on display at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in an effort to keep the stories of this dark chapter in American history alive.

Across the street from the Civil Rights Institute is the 16th Street Baptist Church where a 1963 bombing that killed four young girls changed the course of history in Birmingham and America.  We will walk through this church that has, today, become a place to unify a community and people from all over the world.

Downtown Birmingham is the home to the Civil Rights Heritage Trail.  Kelly Ingrham Park, also known as Freedom Park, was the staging area for many of the demonstrations that took place in Birmingham led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth and others.  Today, Freedom Parkt is a sculpture garden that honors those who peacefully demonstrated. 

We will revisit our conversation with jazz legend, the late Frank "Doc" Adams.  He shared his music and life with us when we met him at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame just weeks before his passing at the age of 86.

Photos:  Tonya Fitzpatrick.  All rights reserved.