Billy Graham Library

One place I would recommend anyone visit is the Billy Graham Library. Actually, it's more of a museum than a library (though it does have a rather large bookstore). Billy's childhood home has been moved to the site and has tones of pictures of his family inside. The library is shaped like a huge barn with a giant cross-shaped window.

As you enter, you pick up your free tickets at the information center and the kids can pick up a scavenger hunt sheet that they can turn in for a prize at the end. It really does help them pay attention to the displays, though everything is so well done, that's not too hard to do.

The first thing you watch is a talking, gospel music-singing animatronic cow. Billy did grow up on a dairy farm after all (hence the barn shaped building and dairy bar restaurant attached). after the cow, you're herded (moo) into an open theater area to hear some video testimonies of people who eventually came to faith in Christ. This blending of story telling, technology and a humble presentation of the Gospel carries through the entire tour. You can take your time walking through 20th century history as seen through what God did throughout Billy Graham's life and ministry.

As a big Disney park fan, I appreciate environmental theming detail, and this place is AMAZING! Plus, they have tons of Smithsonian-worthy artifacts from Billy's life from the medal he received when knighted by Queen Elizabeth to a hand written poem from Bono of U2. The whole place is riddled with beautifully sharp video screens and peaceful inspiring music plays in the background everywhere you turn.

Keep in mind that everything you can see is totally free and purposed to give glory to God alone. Everyone involved, including the very friendly volunteer staff, looks at this place as primarily a tool for sharing the Gospel of Christ.

I've spoken with several volunteers and have found out that Franklin Graham was the primary person behind the design of the library and that he did enlist at least one former Disney employee when the animatronics were built and the displays were configured (no there's no animatronic Billy, don't worry).

We went here for my birthday and went again when B's family was in town. You can't take flash pictures inside and I haven't brought a tripod there but I was able to snap a few pics of the family on the grounds. I'm not sure why it seems we're all squinting in each shot--blame the photographer!! (=