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What makes this museum so special I’ve never experienced such a personalized visit to a museum, and that’s what the family who runs it offers each visitor who walks through their doors. Owner Alberto Gándara grew up racing pigeons, visiting The American Pigeon Museum with his dad and, eventually, doing some volunteer work for the organization. He took a break from racing during his college and young adult years, when he met his wife, Lauren. Alberto was reintroduced to the sport, and the museum, in his early 30s. Lauren was brand new to the world of pigeons, but when the old museum property became vacant when the new facility opened, it was a dream realized for the couple to lease and then purchase the space that had been so rooted in Alberto’s childhood. “It was a dream come true to come back to where he had such great memories as a kid,” said Lauren. Now the Gándara family, including their 5-year-old son Henry, make their home in the former museum, Lauren opens and runs the museum next door and their family cares for the museum’s pigeons. They also raise their own pigeons, plus Alberto owns a commercial landscaping company and Lauren owns a pigeon auction business. Even Henry helps raise pigeons and belongs to a young race team. While Lauren never pictured her life revolving around pigeons, the pleasure she takes in her work and her investment in museum guests enjoying a personalized experience is palpable. “I love seeing the joy when people come to visit,” said Lauren. “People don’t really stumble upon it, so they’re making an effort to come and they’re excited to be there and learn. I enjoy sharing the experience with them.” Lauren and Henry introduced us to the live birds, pointing out their differences, telling us about their quirks and personalities and explaining their care.
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ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS AT THE AMERICAN PIGEON MUSEUM IS MEETING AND LEARNING ABOUT THE PERSONALITIES OF A VARIETY OF LIVE BIRDS.
As we wandered from exhibit to exhibit, we sought Lauren out to ask her (approximately one million) questions, especially about how pigeon races are conducted, how fast pigeons can fly and how their times (and winners) are tracked. “Pigeons are more interesting than people assume they are going to be,” said Lauren. “To get to see all the things pigeons can do is really entertaining, and people often get more out of their experience than they thought they would.” For me, this museum inspired a childlike wonder — learning about a brand new and unexpected subject (pigeons!) alongside my kids made for an unforgettable experience. The American Pigeon Museum is open on Fridays from 1 to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by private appointment. Groups and field trips are welcome. Admis - sion is free; donations are accepted. Learn more at theamericanpigeonmuseum.org.
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