John Wingate Weeks Estate [NH]

Description

The Mt. Prospect estate was built at the direction of John Wingate Weeks, leading conservationist, U.S. congressman, U.S. senator, and secretary of war under presidents Harding and Coolidge. Set at the very top of Mt. Prospect, the house and grounds provide a 360-degree panorama of mountain splendor, including the Presidential Range of the White Mountains, the Green Mountains of Vermont, the Kilkenny Range, the Percy Peaks, and the upper Connecticut River Valley. The Weeks estate is one of the best preserved of many grand summer homes built in New Hampshire during this period.

The estate offers tours and recreational and educational events.

Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace [GA]

Description

The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace preserves the home in which Juliette Gordon Low (1860-1927), founder of the Girl Scouts within the United States, was born. The house itself is an 1818 English Regency townhouse. The home is furnished with family possessions, objects which belonged to Low herself, and artifacts selected to depict period taste.

The site offers period rooms, guided tours, school tours, Scout programs, and nine educational programs for students. Educational programs range from the life of Low to shipping and the cotton industry in Georgia. The website offers photographs and pre-and post-visit activities.

South Suburban Genealogical and Historical Society [IL]

Description

The South Suburban Genealogical and Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of south Cook and east Will Counties, Illinois. Particular emphasis is given to information of genealogical interest. The society operates a research library.

The society offers research library access and research assistance. Please call ahead to ascertain that the library will be open when you wish to visit. Payment of a nominal fee is required for non-members to use the library. Payment is also required for research assistance. The website offers several genealogical databases.

The Connecticut Firemen's Museum

Description

The Connecticut Firemen's Museum presents firefighting history within the United States. Particular emphasis is given to Connecticut history. Located within a 1901 fire station, the museum's collections include a Gamewell Fire Alarm System, lighting equipment, leather equipment, paintings, toy fire engines, and photographs, among other artifacts. Highlights include one of two known Portland Steam Fire Engines.

The museum offers exhibits, tours, and video displays. Appointments are required for all tours.

Seaside Museum & Historical Society [OR]

Description

The Seaside Museum & Historical Society chronicles over 2,000 years of Seaside history. The museum contains artifacts dating back to 700 BC. In addition to the local history museum, the society owns and operates the only beach cottage museum in Oregon.

The society offers guided tours of its two museums and special events. The website offers an extensive photo archive, visitor information, a history of Seaside, and a virtual tour of the museum.

Ida County Historical Society [IA]

Description

The Ida County Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history of Ida County, IA, from its founding in 1856 through the present day. The society owns and operates two historic structures, the Moorehead House, the home of John Moorehead, the first Ida County Judge, and a one-room schoolhouse.

The society offers guided tours of its two properties. The website offers a brief history of Ida County as well as visitor information.

Oklahoma Historical Society and Museum [OK]

Description

The Oklahoma Historical Society was first founded in 1893, and since has grown into one of the nation's premier state historical societies. Today, the society owns and operates 26 separate historic sites, including museums, memorials, and military history sites. The society also runs the Oklahoma History Center, a brand new museum and research facility located in downtown Oklahoma City.

The society offers guided tours of its historic sites, galleries and exhibits in the center, field trip programs, outreach programs, and special events. The website offers an events calendar, limited access to the society's research resources, visitor information, teacher resources including lesson plans and curriculum guides, and a brief history of the society.