When you first step through the door of the museum you’ll be immediately greeted with a 1955 Fleetwood Cadillac at the Cole Porter exhibit.Yep, it was the composer and songwriter’s personal automobile the same Cole Porter who contributed to the musical comedies Kiss Me Kate and Fifty Million Frenchmen. How fitting since he was born in Peru, Indiana where he learned the violin at age six and the piano at age eight. And I guess we should mention his operetta at age 10.Next you’ll see a historical representation of the circus that was so vital to Miami County (where the International Circus Hall of fame is still located). In fact, the circus was so much a part of Miami County that we’ll include some circus-related articles in upcoming posts.You’ll most likely next notice a stagecoach linked to Tom Mix, legendary American film actor who starred in 336 films between the years 1910 and 1935 (including nine that were silent features).On this first floor you will also see a wonderful exhibit of the Miami Indians and early pioneer living.Venture up to the second floor and you’ll have to pinch yourself that you haven’t traveled back in time as you are met with an early 1900′s church history exhibit, a dental office recreation, Victorian-era rooms and even a railroad exhibit.Visitation at the museum is self-guided. And we bet you’ll appreciate that since it gives you ample opportunity to let your mind roam back to a time that was.