Amherst History Museum [MA]

Description

The Amherst History Museum, housed in the 1750s Strong House, presents Amherst's history from colonial times to modern day.

The museum offers exhibits; a guided architectural walking tour; a guided tour of the Strong House; educational tours for students; period rooms; and special events, including lectures.

Ephrata Cloister [PA]

Description

One of America's earliest religious communities, the Ephrata Cloister was founded in 1732 by German settlers seeking spiritual goals rather than earthly rewards. Gathered in unique European style buildings, the community consisted of celibate Brothers and Sisters, and a married congregation of families. At the zenith of the community in the 1740s and 1750s, about 300 members worked and worshiped at the Cloister.

The site offers a short film, exhibits, tours, educational programs, research library access, and occasional recreational and educational events (including living history events).

Yonkers Historical Society

Description

The Yonkers Historical Society maintains the historic Sherwood House (built circa 1740), sponsors a wide variety of special events, advocates for the preservation of historic landmarks and neighborhoods, and fosters a greater appreciation of the city’s heritage through its educational programs. Its library boasts photographs, books, maps, and documents that cover almost every aspect of our community’s history over the last four centuries. The Sherwood House, a tenant farmhouse, is one of the few existing pre-Revolutionary homesteads in New York state; and a well-preserved example of an Anglo-Dutch home. It contains period furnishings and artifacts.

The society offers a library, a quarterly journal (select articles available online), and a collection of early 20th–century postcards of Yonkers (available online). Tours guided by an interpreter in period dress are available at the Sherwood House.

Pilgrim Memorial State Park [MA]

Description

The Pilgrim Memorial State Park commemorates the 1620 landing of European settlers in New England. Plymouth Rock, a boulder on the shore of Plymouth Harbor, has become a world-famous symbol of the courage and faith of the men and women who founded the first New England colony. A landscaped waterfront park provides views of Plymouth Harbor, in which the Mayflower II is anchored. There are no precise records of the Mayflower's construction, but the Mayflower II is a replica of the class of vessel most likely to have brought the first pilgrims to Massachusetts. Also in the park, the National Monument to the Forefathers honors the pilgrims of the Mayflower.

The park offers exhibits and living history interpreters aboard the Mayflower II.

The Fort at No.4 Living History Museum [NH]

Description

The Fort at No.4 Living History Museum presents the experience of life as a settler in the 1740s, the time during which the original fort was settled. Daily demonstrations include hearth cooking, musket firing, and military drills. The site includes 12 reconstructed homes; a reconstructed great chamber and watch tower; and exhibits on the Abenaki, members of the Algonquin. Smaller divisions of the Abenaki include the Sokoki, Panacook, and Cowasck.

The museum offers tours by guides in period dress, exhibits, hands-on activities, demonstrations, docents depicting actual period figures, and period rooms. The website offers printable student activities, lesson plans, curriculum resources, and a post–visit activity.

The Chatham Historical Society [MA]

Description

The Chatham Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of Chatham, Massachusetts. To that end, the society operates a museum located within the 1752 Atwood House. The site includes nine exhibit galleries, period rooms, the mid-20th-century Nickerson North Beach Camp, bells from the Chatham school, and a Wampanoag canoe. Collections include more than 3,000 artifacts, 2,500 photographs, and 800 books.

The society offers guided tours of the Atwood House. The website offers images of collection highlights.

Rural Hill: Center of Scottish Heritage [NC]

Description

Rural Hill consists of the 265-acre farmlands of John Davidson, Revolutionary War soldier and son of Scottish immigrants. The site contains a reconstruction of the Davidson home, as well as two historic schoolhouses (built 1890 and circa 1898) and the original ash house, chicken shed, granary, barn, well house, and smoke house. Today, the property operates as a working farm.

The center offers educational programs, walking trails, hayrides, and guided tours on period farm life and Rural Hill's involvement in the American Revolution. The website offers activities and suggested reading for educators.

Gomez Mill House Museum [NY]

Description

The Gomez Mill House, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is the oldest standing Jewish Dwelling in North America. Built in 1720, the home was originally intended as a trading post for local colonists. Today, the home is open to visitors as a historic house museum.

The home offers tours, exhibits, and special events, including educational activities and guest lecturers. The website offers visitor information, a history of the building, information on all past occupants, and information regarding upcoming events.

Oyster Bay Historical Society [NY]

Description

The Oyster Bay Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of Oyster Bay, New York. To this end, the society operates a museum, located within the circa 1720 Earle-Wightman House. The museum contains rooms in the styles of 1740 and 1830, as well as a research library.

The society offers period rooms, a children's tour of the Earle-Wightman House, interactive activities, and an 18th-century-style garden.

Westmoreland County Historical Society [PA]

Description

The Westmoreland County Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of Westmoreland, PA. The society offers periodic tours of historical sites in the area and operates the historic Hanna's Town. The village consists of the reconstructed Hanna Tavern/Courthouse and three vintage late 18th century log houses, a reconstructed Revolutionary era fort and blockhouse, and a wagon shed that houses an authentic late 18th century wagon.

Hanna's Town offers school tours, interpretive activities, and a variety of special events including summer camps for schoolchildren, colonial court days, and antique shows. The website offers visitor information, a brief history of Westmoreland County and a calendar of events.