The University of Akron Hower House [OH]

Description

The Hower House was completed in 1871. Designed in the Second Empire Italianate style, the floor plan of the home would become known as the Akron Sunday School Plan, as it would be featured in churches across the United States. Today, the Tower House serves as a historic house museum, and is one of the best preserved examples of its architectural style in the country.

The home offers guided tours and an annual Victorian Fair. The website offers a history of the home, visitor information, and information regarding upcoming events.

Berkeley Plantation [VA]

Description

Berkeley Plantation is the birthplace of Benjamin Harrison V (1726-1791), Governor of Virginia and signer of the Declaration of Independence, and William Henry Harrison (1773-1841) or "Old Tippecanoe", ninth President of the United States. The plantation lands were also the site of the first official Thanksgiving in 1619 and of the composition of "Taps" in 1862. The structure itself is Georgian in style and dates to 1726. Collections include 18th-century decorative arts, Civil War artifacts, and paintings by Sydney King.

The plantation offers house tours led by guides in period dress, period rooms, exhibits, an audio-visual program, self-guided tours of the grounds, and guided student tours. Student tour topic options include the life of children in the 18th century, William Henry Harrison, and Civil War Major General George McClellan (1826-1885) and Harrison's Landing circa 1862.

Freedom Trail Foundation [MA]

Description

The Freedom Trail Foundation operates the Freedom Trial, a 2.5-mile path through Boston, Massachusetts, which includes 16 historical sites. These sites are the Boston Common, the oldest public park in the U.S.; the 1798 State House; Park Street Church; the Granary Burying Ground, resting place of John Hancock, Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and the Boston Massacre victims; King’s Chapel and Burying Ground; Boston Latin School, the country's first public school—where Benjamin Franklin once studied; the Old Corner Book Store; the Old South Meeting House, starting point of the Boston Tea Party; the Old State House; the Site of the Boston Massacre; Faneuil Hall, meeting hall and marketplace; the Paul Revere House, Revere's home at the time of his famous 1775 ride; the Old North Church where Revere alerted his countrymen to British invasion; Copp's Hill Burying Ground, where nearly 1,000 free African Americans are buried; the USS Constitution or “Old Ironsides” and a corresponding museum; and the Bunker Hill Monument, which commemorates the June 17, 1775 battle.

The foundation offers educational programs, one-hour interactive outreach performances, walking tours, and audio tours. The website offers informative articles for children, suggested reading, a curriculum guide for purchase, and podcasts.

The following sites along the trail also offer interactive educational programs: the State House, the Old South Meeting House, the Old State House, Faneuil Hall, the Paul Revere House, the Old North Church, the USS Constitution, the USS Constitution Museum, and the Bunker Hill Monument.

Buffalo Soldiers National Museum [TX]

Description

The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum presents the story of African American soldiers in the United States. An 1866 Congressional act created six African American Army units, two cavalry and four infantry. The high skill level of the 10th cavalry unit led to its members being known as Buffalo Warriors as early as 1867. Over time, the nickname spread; and came to refer to all African American soldiers.

The museum offers exhibits.

Mai Wah Society and Museum [MT]

Description

The Mai Wah Society is dedicated to preserving the history of Asian immigrants in the Rocky Mountain region. The Mai Wah Society has worked to Mai Wah Noodle Parlor buildings, which now serve as a museum of the culture and heritage of Asian immigrants in Butte, Montana.

The museum offers exhibits, tours, and occasional special events, including a Chinese New Year celebration. The website offers visitor information and a brief history of the building which houses the museum.

Sauk County Historical Society [WI]

Description

The Sauk County Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of Sauk County, Wisconsin. To this end, the society operates a museum, located within the 1903 Tudor Revival-style Jacob Van Orden Mansion. This structure contains a variety of exhibits dedicated to topics of local historical interest. Topics include Devil's Lake, Native Americans, pioneers, military, and architecture.

The society offers museum tours and archival access. Reservations are required for group tours, and the archives require payment for non-member use.