Laboratories of Democracy: The State of the States

Description

According to BackStory, "In its early years, the U.S. wasn't so much "United" as "States." Over time, the federal government has become more powerful, but states have continued to assert their independence on everything from gun control to medical marijuana. This presentation asks: If we're all Americans, why do states still matter? Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell describes how his state has left the feds in the dust when it comes to climate change policy. Historian Eric Foner discusses the successes and failures of the 14th Amendment, created to protect us from the states. And a long-haul trucker explains why she'd like to do away with states altogether."

Sibley County Historical Society and Museum [MN]

Description

The Society's Museum is housed in the 1885 Poehler home. In the back yard of the house stands a log cabin built by another German immigrant, Christian Didra, about 1858. This log cabin is a dramatic reminder of the harsh living conditions under which the earliest of the Sibley County pioneers existed.

The society offers occasional recreational and education events; the museum offers exhibits.

Montclair Historical Society, Crane House, and Evergreens [NJ]

Description

According to the Montclair Historical Society site, "As a means to fulfill its mission, the Society preserves, restores, and furnishes the 1796 Crane House Museum, as well as other buildings at its Orange Road complex. The Crane House serves as the house museum, exhibition center, and meeting space. Next door, the Clark House houses the Terhune Library as well as historic skills classrooms and administrative offices. Two smaller buildings to the rear of the property, the Crafts Building and Historic Country Store and Museum Shop, offer space for exhibition and educational purposes." The Society also operates the 1896 home Evergreens as a house museum, on a limited basis.

The museums offer exhibits and tours; the society offers classes, research library access, and educational and recreational programs

North Andover Historical Society, Museum, and Historic Houses

Description

Founded in 1913, the Society is headquartered at the Samuel Dale Stevens Memorial Building. This museum houses the Society's collection of early American furniture and changing exhibits in the Main Gallery; an extensive archive of historic documents, photographs, and maps; a book shop, and staff offices. The 1789 Johnson Cottage, adjacent to the museum, is the last surviving artisan's cottage in North Andover's Old Center. The Cottage shows the life of an average family in the 19th century. The 1715 Parson Barnard House is the Society's other historic house. Visitors will see furnishings that reflect the changes in lifestyle as experienced by four early inhabitants of the house from 1715 through 1830.

The society offers tours, lectures, workshops, research library access, and educational and recreational programs; the museums offer exhibits.

Maine Maritime Museum

Description

The Museum presents visitors with exhibits brimming with art and artifacts; contemporary, interactive areas for children and adults; an historic shipyard with five of the original 19th-century buildings; a Victorian-era shipyard owner's home; an active waterfront; and a life-size sculptural representation of the largest wooden sailing vessel ever built.

The museum offers exhibits, tours, boat cruises, classes, educational programs, research library access, and educational and recreational events.

Early American Museum [IL]

Description

The Museum collects, preserves, and interprets the history of East Central Illinois, specifically Champaign County, for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations.

The museum offers exhibits, tours, educational programs, and recreational and educational events.