Dorchester County Historical Society [MD]

Description

The Dorchester County Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history of Cambridge, MD, and the rest of Maryland's eastern shore. The society is headquartered in the Meridith House, which also serves as a historic house museum. The society also has recently opened the Robbins Heritage Center, which serves as a local history museum.

The society offers guided tours of all of their museums, and tours of local communities. The website offers visitor information and a brief history of Dorchester County.

Brandywine Battlefield Park [PA]

Description

The Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site brings to life the largest engagement of the Revolutionary War, fought on September 11, 1777, between the Continental Army led by General George Washington and the British forces headed by General William Howe.

The site offers a short film, exhibits, tours, educational programs, and occasional recreational and educational events (including living history events).

Fort Benton [MT]

Description

Fort Benton is located on the banks of the Missouri River and served as a fur trading outpost. The fort was abandoned in the 1860s, and was occupied briefly by the U.S. military before it was finally abandoned for good in 1871. The fort has recently undergone an extensive renovation, and now serves as a museum of Montana history.

The fort offers exhibits, guided tours, and special events. The website offers visitor information and brief history of the fort.

Pioneer Farms [TX]

Description

Pioneer Farms is a living history farm museum, located on the site of an 1844 homestead, in what is now Austin, Texas. The site includes several 19th-century structures furnished in the style of different time periods—between 1860 and 1899.

The museum offers living history demonstrations, period rooms, historic skill classes, exhibits, and Scout programs. The website offers a trivia quiz, a scavenger hunt for use on site, a blank family tree, and paper dolls.

Lincoln Fire Department Museum [NE]

Description

The Lincoln Fire Department Museum presents the history of Lincoln, Nebraska's firefighting department, founded in 1886. Collections include historic firefighting equipment, photographs, and other related artifacts. Highlights include a fire trumpet, period uniforms, and a 1911 American LaFrance motorized fire engine.

The museum offers exhibits.

Shinnecock National Cultural Center and Museum

Description

The Shinnecock National Cultural Center and Museum presents the history and modern culture of the Shinnecock, an Algonquin people. Permanent exhibits include bronze figures of Native Americans and murals, created by Shinnecock artist David Bunn Martine, depicting Shinnecock history.

The museum offers exhibits, private tours, interactive curriculum-based student tours, and educational outreach programs for students. Please make reservations at least two weeks in advance for private tours.

Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park [FL]

Description

This park commemorates the site of Florida's largest Civil War battle, which took place February 20, 1864. More than 10,000 cavalry, infantry, and artillery troops fought a five-hour battle in a pine forest near Olustee. Three U.S. Colored Troops took part in the battle, including the now famous 54th Massachusetts. The battle ended with 2,807 casualties and the retreat of Union troops to Jacksonville until the war's end just 14 months later. Olustee Battlefield has a visitor center with historical information and artifacts. A reenactment is held every February and a Civil War Expo takes place in late summer. Scenes for Civil War movies, including the 1989 movie Glory, have been filmed during the reenactments.

The park offers a short film, exhibits, and occasional recreational and educational events (including living history events).

Ocracoke Preservation Society and Museum [NC]

Description

The Ocracoke Preservation Society seeks to preserve and share the history of Ocracoke Island, NC. To this end, the society operates a museum and research library within the circa 1900 David Williams House. The residence's namesake and original owner served as the first Coast Guard Chief at the local station. The museum contains period rooms, maritime artifacts, and contemporary art.

The museum offers period rooms, exhibits, and research library access. Appointments are necessary for library access.

Hollywood Historical Society Inc [FL]

Description

The Hollywood Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and disseminating the history of Hollywood, Florida. The society runs a research center, which is open to the public year round, and the Hammerstein House, which is open on the first Sunday of the month during the fall and winter months. The Hammerstein House serves as a historic house museum and gives visitors a glimpse into life in Hollywood during the 1920s and 1930s.

The society offers annual home tours, guided tours of the Hammerstein House, and research resources. The website offers visitor information, a brief history of the Hammerstein House, and information regarding upcoming events.