San Juan Bautista State Historic Park [CA]

Description

This park is part of a nationally recognized historic landmark and can be found adjacent to the extant portion of one of California's 21 Spanish-era mission church sites. The park and its Plaza represent what was once the "town square" of the largest town in central California and a vital crossroad for travel between northern and southern California. In the park visitors can gain an appreciation of California peoples, from Native Americans, through the Spanish and Mexican cultural influences, right up to the American period in the late 19th century. The park site includes several structures built in the 1800s. These include the four main historic structures of the Plaza Hotel, the Zanetta House/Plaza Hall as well as Plaza Stables, and the newly reopened Castro-Breen Adobe with colorful and informative exhibits to help create a learning environment for people of all ages. Many of the interiors are arranged as furnished vignettes. The park also features a blacksmith shop, the historic jail, and an early American settler's cabin.

The park offers exhibits, tours, and occasional living history events.

Prairie Homestead [SD]

Description

The Prairie Homestead is adjacent to Badlands National Park and is listed on the national register of historic places. The homestead is one of the few sod dwellings that is still intact, and so offers visitors a unique glimpse into pioneer life. Today, the homestead serves a historic house museum, and is furnished in much the same manner as during its days as a pioneer homestead.

The homestead offers guided tours and exhibits on pioneer life. The website offers visitor information and a brief history of the website.

Daniel Boone Homestead [PA]

Description

The Daniel Boone Homestead is a state historic site which preserves a number of historic structures. Daniel Boone's parents first settled the site in 1730 and the region was populated by many diverse people—English, Welsh, Scots-Irish, Germans, Swedes, Huguenots, and Lenape Indians. Daniel was born here in 1734 and spent his first 16 years here before his family migrated to North Carolina. Today the site tells the story of Daniel's youth and the saga of the region's 18th-century settlers by contrasting their lives and cultures. This region left a lasting impact on Daniel Boone's life, and on the history of Pennsylvania.

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

Cuyuna Country Heritage Preservation Society [MN]

Description

The Cuyuna Country Preservation Society is dedicated to the preservation of the historical heritage of the Cuyuna area. The society takes particular pride in its extensive collection of recorded oral histories. The society owns and operates a research library, which houses the society's considerable historical collections.

The society offers local history resources including an extensive collection of oral histories, as well as special events including presentations and walking tours. The website offers information regarding the society's resources, as well as information regarding upcoming events.

Forney Transportation Museum [CO]

Description

The Forney Transportation Museum chronicles the history of motorized transportation, from trains and vintage automobiles to snowmobiles and motorcycles. The museum boasts an impressive collection of vintage vehicles and is open to visitors year round.

The museum offers guided tours, special presentations, and exhibits on the history of transportation. The website offers visitor information and an events calendar.

Townshend Historical Society [VT]

Description

The Townshend Historical Society is dedicated to researching and preserving the history of the town of Townshend. The society has published a local history book, and also works with local schools in order to create innovative ways to study history.

The society offers presentations and school programs. The website offers general information regarding the society.

Daniel Webster Birthplace State Historic Site [NH]

Description

The Daniel Webster Birthplace State Historic Site is associated with the birth and early childhood years of Daniel Webster, one of the country's most respected orators and statesmen. While the site affords a view of the early years of Daniel Webster, it also provides a glimpse of 1700s farm life in the infant years of the United States.

The site offers tours, educational programs, and living history programs and events.

Tillman County Historical Museum [OK]

Description

The Tillman County Historical Museum is located in the Horse Creek School in downtown Frederick. The museum features extensive collections of historical artifacts relating to the history of Tillman County. Museum highlights include vintage firefighting and farming equipment.

The museum offers exhibits and guided tours. The website offers visitor information and a brief history of the museum.

Lapham-Patterson House Historic Site [GA]

Description

The Lapham-Patterson House Historic Site preserves the Victorian winter home of Chicago shoe merchant C.W. Lapham. Completed in 1885, the residence boasted gas lighting, hot and cold running water, closets, and indoor plumbing.

The house offers 45-minute guided tours and a picnic area. Group rates are available with advance notice. The website offers a listing of state educational standards which correspond to the site.