The Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum in Montgomery, Alabama, was my destination. I knew only the address and the tour hours. One warm Saturday afternoon, I discovered a stately, early 20th century home. I have since found out that the home was built in 1909, and Scott and Zelda lived there in 1931-32.
I learned that Scott and Zelda had rented the whole house, but now only the first floor is open for public tour. The second floor is divided into apartments.
I also learned that tourists can choose to watch a documentary video, browse through correspondence and newspaper clippings, and become entranced by Zelda's painting.
After the tour I did a little further research. I found that Scott worked on his novel Tender Is the Night while living here, and that Zelda began writing her only novel Save Me the Waltz in this house.
Since that first literary tour, I've realized that a little prior knowledge can make a literary tour even more enriching. Here are some steps that I now try to follow when planning for a literary tour.
1. Research the museum and area where you will be going. Look up information in guide books and on the Internet. Look at maps and plan your route.
2. Find out what related sites are nearby. There will often be parks, monuments, or other enjoyable sites that could be missed if you don't do a little research.
3. Always call and ask about tour hours and admission fees before you go. Sometimes homes are closed because of special meetings or repairs. And admission fees are always changing.
4. Schedule group tours ahead of time. Give the home the number and ages of people who will be with you. Tell them if some tour members have disabilities that will need special attention so tour guides can alter the tour route if necessary. Ask them to focus on certain topics or time periods if your group has a specific interest.
5. Ask if there are listening sheets or activity pages that can be distributed. This will be especially helpful for children. If there are not any available, consider using information from research that you did earlier to make listening sheets for your children.
6. Know the rules. Can children chew gum in the house? Will purses and tote bags be inspected? Can you take photos inside?
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