Fort Ridgely Historic Site [MN]

Description

The soldiers of Fort Ridgely, erected in 1853, served to monitor and control the actions of settlers in land recently sold by the Eastern Dakota. The Dakota, also known as the Eastern Sioux, moved to a reservation after being convinced to give up the land. However, crop failure, the government's lack of commitment to its assurances, and unethical fur trade practice led the Dakota to directly attack the fort during the 1862 U.S.-Dakota war. The federal government was victorious, providing the fort with reinforcements.

The site offers tours for groups and students.

Cobblestone Society Museum [NY]

Description

The Cobblestone Society Museum is an outdoor history museum complex. An 1834 cobblestone church, 1836 parsonage, 1849 school, 1922 blacksmith shop, 1875 working printshop, 1838 harness shop, 1855 farming and agriculture exhibit hall, and a research library are located on site. The printshop, harness shop, and exhibit buildings originally served other functions. The dates indicate when the building was erected.

The museum offers period rooms, exhibits, demonstrations, tours, and research library access. Tours are by appointment May through October.

Oberlin Heritage Center [OH]

Description

The Oberlin Heritage Center consists of three historic sites—the 1866 Monroe House, 1884 Jewett House, and 1836 School House. The center's goal is to preserve and share the history of Oberlin, OH, including its role in abolitionism, the Underground Railroad, women's rights movements, temperance, education, and the aluminum industry. The Italianate Monroe House was home to General Giles W. Shurtleff, leader of the first African American Civil War regiment from Ohio. The School House has been restored to a pioneer era appearance. The school offered lessons to all students, regardless of wide-spread segregation, as early as 1836. The Jewett House was owned by chemistry professor Frank Fanning Jewett and his wife Frances Gulick Jewett. The couple published works on public health, and rented living space to Oberlin College students.

The center offers guided house tours, group tours, guided history walks, step-on guides for bus tours, and research center access. The research center is open by appointment only, and it offers oral histories in addition to archival materials. Tours are approximately 75 minutes long. Reservations must be made at least one month in advance for groups of 10 or more. History walks are available by reservation only. Audio amplifiers are available. The historic homes are partially wheelchair accessible. The website offers historical photographs; historic games, crafts, and recipes; 1800s children's stories; information on the intersection of the heritage center and state educational standards; and suggested class activities.

West Virginia Independence Hall

Description

The circa 1857 West Virginia Independence Hall once housed the federal offices of the Western District of Virginia. Political discussions and differences in ideology eventually led to West Virginia's separation from Virginia and 1863 entrance into the Union. The site has been furnished in period style. The hall's permanent exhibit addresses the process of gaining statehood in the historical context of the Civil War.

The hall offers an introductory film, period rooms, exhibits, self-guided tours, and group tours led by costumed interpreters. Reservations are required for group tours.

Wickersham State Historic Site [AK]

Description

The Wickersham State Historic Site preserves one of the residences, built in 1898, of James Wickersham (1857-1939). Wickersham served as a judge and Congressional delegate for Alaska; and is widely recognized as a key figure in Alaska's development. The home now presents period furnishings, artifacts, and photographs related to Wickersham and the Gold Rush.

The site offers exhibits.

Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site [CO]

Description

The 230-acre Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site is a living history farm depicting Ute and Plains Indian life circa 1775 and life on an 1860s homestead, 1880s home and ranch, and 1907 Edwardian estate. Cows, horses, chickens, and sheep are kept on site.

The site offers exhibits, period rooms, a junior docent program, and concerts. The site is open between June 6th and August 16th.

Beckman Mill Park [WI]

Description

The 50-acre Beckman Mill Park contains an 1840s cooperage; a fish ladder; dam; vintage saw mill, blacksmith shop, and creamery displays; and an 1868 grist mill with an operating water-powered Leffel turbine. The mill has been restored to its 1920s appearance. The fish ladder is a graded water passageway which allows fish to move between the two bodies of water separated by the dam.

The park offers exhibits, period rooms, guided mill tours, student tours, and bus group tours. Reservations are required for student and bus group tours.

Windham Textile and History Museum [CT]

Description

The Windham Textile and History Museum presents the history and influence of the U.S. textile industry. Particular focus is given to 1870 through 1920 cotton thread manufacturers in eastern Connecticut; the ethnicity, duties, and recreation of mill workers; and the role of mill managers and employees in U.S. industrialization. The museum is housed within two 1877 structures, once part of the Willimantic Linen Company complex.

The museum offers exhibits, 90-minute guided student tours, hands-on activities for students, slide presentations for students, outreach programs for students, and research library access. The library offers materials on mills, immigration, Connecticut history, and textiles. The website offers PowerPoint presentations for use in the classroom, short videos, and worksheets.

Wylie House Museum [IN]

Description

The 1835 Federal and Georgian Wylie House was home to Andrew Wylie, the first president of Indiana University. The site has been restored to its appearance prior to 1860. Topics addressed include Bloomington, IN; Indiana University; and domestic life.

The museum offers exhibits, period rooms, guided tours, and educational programs for students. The museum is open March through November. The website offers virtual exhibits.