Columbia County Historical Society, Museum, and Historic Houses [New York]

Description

The Society is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the history of Columbia County, NY. The Society owns and operates three historic properties, open to the public during the summer season, and a museum, open year-round. The Columbia County Museum, open to the public since 1985, was originally built as a Masonic Temple in 1916. Today it houses the Society offices, research library, collections storage, and exhibit space. Volunteers and staff organize educational programs and aid in genealogical research as well as many other activities. The Society also operates the 1820s James Vanderpoel House and the 1737 Luykas Van Alen House.

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

Lake County Historical Society and Historic Sites [MN]

Description

Organized in 1925, the mission of the Lake County Historical Society is to preserve the history of Lake County, MN, through the preservation, study and interpretation of artifacts, documents, photographs, and historic sites. The Society also maintains several historic sites. The Two Harbors Light Station constructed in 1892 is the oldest operating light station in Minnesota and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The lighthouse museum explores the development of Agate Bay. The 3M Museum includes the original office and headquarters of Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M). It was here, in 1902, that five businessmen embarked on a mining venture which laid the foundation for a successful global corporation. Exhibits include Attorney John Dwan's recreated office; a history of the company including photos, artifacts, and documents; a "lab" area representing research and development, product diversification, and growth; and a "hands on" interactive program of technology applications. The Depot Museum is in the 1907 headquarters of the Duluth and Iron Range Railroad, and highlights the early pioneering history of Lake County. Exhibits range from McDougal archaeological dig artifacts and a Paleo-Indian display to the first shipment of iron ore from Minnesota.

The Two Harbors Light Station offers exhibits and tours; the 3M Museum offers exhibits; and the Depot Museum offers short films and exhibits.

Historical Society of Pomona Valley, Ebell Museum of History, and Historic Sites

Description

The Society operates the Ebell Museum of History, housed in the 1910 home of Pomona's Ebell Club; the 1850–1854 Adobe de Palomares; the 1837 La Casa Primera; the 1908 Barbara Greenwood Kindergarten; and the 1875 Phillips Mansion.

The museum and sites offer exhibits; the society offers lectures and occasional recreational and educational programs.

Museums at Wytheville

Description

The Museums at Wytheville includes the Haller-Gibboney Rock House Museum and the Thomas J. Boyd Museum. The home of Wytheville's first resident physician, the Haller-Gibboney Rock House has played a significant role in Wytheville's history since its construction in 1823. Dr. John Haller served his community as a country doctor, county coroner, and delegate to the Virginia Legislature. As a Registered Historical Landmark, the home now serves as a museum containing over 1,400 original artifacts and period furnishings. The purpose of the Rock House Museum is to preserve its collections, structure, and grounds in a manner that promotes understanding and appreciation of family life in Wytheville within the context of the events of the 19th and early 20th centuries. The purpose of the Thomas J. Boyd Museum is to interpret the history of the people of Wythe County, and to collect, preserve, and utilize artifacts and other material of intrinsic historical significance relating to their lives and experience. In addition to exhibits on polio and the Civil War, visitors will also find information on the lead-mining industry, the first European settlers, and Wythe County connections to famous Americans.

The museums offer exhibits, tours, research library access, occasional living history events, and educational and recreational programs.

Windsor Locks Preservation Association [CT]

Description

The Association seeks to encourage and educate the public and town government on the importance of preservation. Its main focus is to obtain and preserve the Historic Windsor Locks Passenger Train Station. Additionally, the Association has compiled and introduced educational programs into the school system and encouraged students to become involved in its efforts.

The association offers educational programs.