There's always at least one family member who can quote obscure "Simpsons" dialogue from 1992—or nightly sign-offs by anchors of yesteryear. Such freaks flock here to relive the soft, electric glow of the past.

Established by William S. Paley, the man who built CBS into a broadcasting empire, The Museum of Television & Radio houses an archive of TV shows, radio programs and commercials in both media. Visitors can make the listening rooms a family affair or indulge in "I Love Lucy" alone. In "Re-creating Radio," patrons can record a radio play and take home a CD for posterity. Ironically (but, given the sensitive and copyrighted materials, understandably), cameras aren't allowed. Every year the museum hosts the William S. Paley Television Festival at the Directors Guild of America, which brings writers, producers and actors from popular contemporary programs together to discuss the shows with fans and critics. The MT&R also holds screenings and special meet-and-greet events with broadcasting figures ranging from Rob Lowe to Jon Stewart to Ted Koppel. All the hoped-for kitsch can be found in the gift shop: CDs of TV-show theme songs, collectible TV Guides and "Touched by an Angel" logo T-shirts. The Bradys would be proud.