The Passport to the World series allows visitors to see, hear, touch and explore other cultures without leaving Cincinnati. Each Passport celebration highlights one heritage in an array of activities. The series provides a forum to interact and learn with community members of different cultures.

Organized by The Appalachian Community Development Association (ACDA) in conjunction with Cincinnati Museum Center, Appalachian Culture Fest activities include:

* Shopping for handmade wares from skilled mountain crafters;

* Performances by talented bluegrass musicians such as the Rabbit Hash String Band and Ann & Phil Case;

* Demonstrations of traditional arts and crafts such as tatting and broom-making;

* Traditional mountain storytelling.

Also, an on-line quiz about Appalachian cultures is available on our web site and teaches basic information about the Appalachian region. Don't forget to get your Passport! "Passports" will be available at each Culture Fest. At each event, visitors collect stamps at various stamping stations. Once the Passport is full, it can be exchanged for a prize at that event. All Passports will be put into a drawing for a one-year Explorer Family membership to be given away on Monday, April 30.

Appalachian Culture Fest runs from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, February 17 and 18. All Culture Fests are open to the public, with the exception of activities that take place within the museums, which are subject to general museum admission. Visit the museums during Appalachian Culture Fest for one affordable price! Admission to the Cincinnati History Museum, Duke Energy Children's Museum and the Museum of Natural History & Science is just $10, $7 for children, $9 for seniors. Parking is $4.50 per car. Admission to Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition is not included in this package.

The 2006-2007 Passport to the World series includes Celtic Lands Culture Fest on March 10 and 11, 2007; and Asian Culture Fest on April 28 and 29, 2007. -- www.cincymuseum.org