Minisink Valley Historical Society and the Fort Decker Museum of History [NY]

Description

The Minisink Valley Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of the Minisink Valley which stretches across New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. To this end, the society operates the Fort Decker Museum of History. The structure was originally built in 1760 as a defensive center against Native American attack and as a trading post.

The society offers archival access, exhibits, and 50-minute outreach slide presentations. Appointments are required for archival access. Slide presentation topics include author Stephen Crane, the Delaware and Hudson Canal, artist John Newton Howitt, cemetery history, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt, and the bluestone industry. The website offers a small collection of music and historical photographs.

Bangor Museum and Center for History [ME]

Description

The Bangor Museum and Center for History presents the history of events which occurred within the boundaries of the modern state of Maine. Collections include more than 10,000 photographic artifacts; 800 examples of historical costume; and a strong collection of Civil war artifacts, which includes Union officer Joshua Chamberlain's sword, letters written by Hannibal Hamlin, and an apothecary chest. The museum also operates the Thomas A. Hill House and Civil War Museum. Display highlights include furniture and artifacts which belonged to Hannibal Hamlin (1809-1891), Vice President under Abraham Lincoln. The Greek Revival residence dates to 1835.

The museum offers ghost walking tours and Mount Hope Cemetery tours. The Thomas A. Hill House offers exhibits and guided tours led by costumed interpreters. The website offers a virtual tour of Bangor's historic architectural sites.

The main building is currently closed for renovations. The Thomas A. Hill House and Civil War Museum is still open to the public.

Rockingham [NJ]

Description

Rockingham is believed to be the second oldest house in the Millstone River valley, its original construction dating between 1702 and 1710. Jedidiah Higgins, one of the earliest settlers in the Rocky Hill–Kingston area, is credited with building the house. In 1783, while the Continental Congress was meeting at Nassau Hall in nearby Princeton, Congress rented this house from the widow of Judge John Berrien for use by General George Washington from August 23 to November 10, 1783. Martha Washington joined him at Rockingham.

A second website for the site can be found here.

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

American Wings Air Museum [MN]

Description

The American Wings Air Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of military aviation in the United States. The museum is home to an impressive collection of military aircraft and aviation memorabilia.

The museum offers guided tours and field trip programs. The website offers visitor information.

The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library [VA]

Description

The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, located at the site of Woodrow Wilson's birth in Staunton, VA, provides a museum and memorial for the presidency and life of Woodrow Wilson. The library consists of a museum, which takes visitors through Wilson's life, and a vast research library, which offers all papers from Wilson's presidency.

The library offers field trip programs, guided tours, galleries and exhibits, and educational outreach programs. The website offers resources for teachers, visitor information, a brief biography of Woodrow Wilson, and online access to the library.

Connecticut River Museum [CT]

Description

Located on the waterfront in historic Essex, the Connecticut River Museum chronicles the history of New England's greatest river. The museum boasts a variety of galleries and exhibits that showcase the history of the river. In addition, the museum is home to research resources, including collections of historic artifacts and historical archives.

The museum offers tours, field trip programs, exhibits, and special events. The website offers visitor information, a history of the museum, an events calendar, and historic photo galleries.

Hannibal Historical Society [NY]

Description

The Hannibal Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the historical heritage of Hannibal, New York, and the surrounding area. The society is headquartered in an old Baptist Church in downtown Hannibal, which now also is home to the Hannibal Library and a nursery school.

The society offers a collection of historic artifacts, tours of Hannibal, and special events. The website offers a basic visitor information regarding the society, and a brief history of Hannibal.

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum [VA]

Description

Gadsby's Tavern Museum consists of two buildings, a circa 1785 tavern and the 1792 City Hotel. The buildings are named for Englishman John Gadsby who operated them from 1796 to 1808. Mr. Gadsby's establishment was a center of political, business, and social life in early Alexandria. The tavern was the setting for dancing assemblies, theatrical and musical performances, and meetings of local organizations. George Washington enjoyed the hospitality provided by tavernkeepers and twice attended the annual Birthnight Ball held in his honor. Other prominent patrons included John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and the Marquis de Lafayette. Visitors are invited to take a moment to journey back to the 18th-century tavern and hotel where famous historical figures and everyday people dined and slept and learn about the history, architecture, decorative arts, social customs, food, and clothing of a past era.

The museum offers tours, educational programs, classes, and occasional recreational and educational events (including living history events).

Split Rock Lighthouse Historic Site [MN]

Description

The Split Rock Lighthouse was constructed in 1910 in reaction to several shipwrecks resulting from a 1905 storm. Shipwrecks from a mighty 1905 November gale prompted this rugged landmark's construction. Today, the lighthouse has been restored to its 1920s appearance and, in conjunction with the visitor center and keeper's house, gives visitors a glimpse into the life at the lighthouse in the 1920s.

The lighthouse offers exhibits, guided tours, a historic house museum, and field trip programs. The website offers visitor information, a history of the lighthouse, a photo gallery, and information regarding upcoming events.

Boiling Springs State Park [OK]

Description

The Boiling Springs State Park is famous for its cool springs which bubble up through the white sands of the Northern Canadian River. In addition to the springs, the state park is home to a small forest, which highlights the park's status as an oasis in the western Oklahoma plains.

The park offers outdoor activities and events which highlight the park's heritage. The website offers basic visitor information.