Fort Okanogan State Park [WA]

Description

The 45-acre Fort Okanogan State Park is located on the site of the colony of Fort Okanogan, founded in 1811 by David Stuart of the Pacific Fur Company. The fort's name is derived from the name of the local Native American population, the Okinakane. In 1821, the fort changed ownership when purchased by the Hudson Bay Company. The site now includes an interpretive center. Topics addressed therein include the history of the fort and of the fur trade within the local area.

The park offers exhibits, group tours, trails, outdoor activities, and three picnic sites. Group tours are available by appointment only.

Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park [CA]

Description

Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park was the main residence of Rancho Petaluma, the agricultural empire that made General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo one of the most powerful men in the Mexican Province of California from 1834 to 1846. Vallejo ran his cattle, hide, and tallow business; raised sheep; bred horses; and grew numerous crops. The adobe contains authentic furniture and exhibits depicting early rancho life. The huge adobe building, the largest private rancho in California between 1834 and 1846, was the center of activity on one of the most prosperous private estates established during the Mexican period.

The park offers exhibits; tours; and occasional recreational and educational events, including living history events.

Camden-Rockport Historical Society and Museum [ME]

Description

The Camden-Rockport Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of the Camden-Rockport area, Maine. To this end, the society operates the 1770 Cape Cod-style Conway House. The house is furnished in the style of the 18th and early 19th centuries. Other structures on site include an 18th-century barn, a blacksmith shop, an 1820 maple sugar house, an education center, and the Cramer Museum. Museum collections are particularly strong in historic costume and glass. Other artifacts include works of fine art, firearms, and musical instruments.

The society offers a day camp. The museum offers exhibits and a reference library. The Conway House offers period rooms.

Lanier Mansion State Historic Site [IN]

Description

The Lanier Mansion State Historic Site preserves the former home of James Franklin Doughty Lanier (1800-1881), bank president and railroad promoter. The site presents information on both Lanier and life during the 19th century. The structure itself was completed in 1844, and is Greek Revival in style. The grounds include replanted heritage gardens, reflecting the home's Post-Civil War landscaping.

The site offers guided tours, educational outreach programs, heritage gardens with historic plant varieties, and summer camps. Reservations are required for group tours and outreach programs.

Sherwood Forest Plantation [VA]

Description

Sherwood Forest Plantation was once home to John Tyler (1790-1862), the first United States Vice President to ascend to the Presidency. Tyler's term (1841-1845) began after then President William Henry Harrison (1773-1841) died. The plantation was originally owned by Harrison, but was later purchased by Tyler. During his life, Tyler also served as Virginia Governor, senator, and delegate; member of the House of Representatives; U.S. Senator; member of the Confederate Congress; and Chancellor of The College of William and Mary. The residence itself is Virginia Tidewater in style with Greek Revival additions. It sits on 25 acres containing gardens designed by landscape architect Andrew Jackson Downing (1815-1852), a gingko tree gifted by Commodore Matthew Perry (1794-1958) after his 1850s return from Japan, a 17th-century tobacco barn, milk house, smoke house, garden house, kitchen and laundry, and law office. The home is furnished with pieces which belonged to the Tyler family.

The site offers period rooms. Lunch boxes are available on request.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

Description

The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania houses one of the most significant collections of historic railroad artifacts in the world. Devoted to preserving and interpreting the broad impact of railroad development on society, the Museum displays over 100 locomotives and cars from the mid-19th and 20th centuries, including the priceless Pennsylvania Railroad Historical Collection.

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

Houmas House Plantation and Gardens [LA]

Description

The Houmas House Plantation and Gardens is a historic estate in the vicinity of New Orleans. The land was originally granted to the Houmas people, who then sold it to Maurice Conway and Alexander Latil in the 18th-century. From there, the site was developed into a sugar plantation, eventually becoming the nation's largest sugar producer. The Greek Revival primary residence on site today was completed in 1828. The plantation suffered economic failure during the Great Depression, and ceased to be a working agricultural site. More recently, the house has been seen in the 1964 Bette Davis film Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte and the televised competition Top Chef. Today, the house contains period furnishings.

The plantation offers guided tours, period rooms, and 38-acres of gardens.

Historical Society of the Town of Warwick, New York and Museums

Description

The Historical Society of the Town of Warwick, New York seeks to preserve and share the history and historical structures of Warwick, New York. To this end, the society offers several museum buildings. These include the 1764 Shingle House, the 1890 Lehigh and Hudson River Railroad Caboose, circa 1825 Sly Barn, the 1819 Old School Baptist Meeting House, the 1810 House, the 1766 Baird's Tavern, and the Carriage House at Baird's Tavern. The 1810 House grounds contain a wheel garden; the Sly Barn contains a wide variety of farming tools and household appliances; and the Carriage House holds a recreated circa 1900 rural doctor's office.

The Shingle House, 1810 House, Baird's Tavern, and the Carriage House offer period rooms. The 1810 House offers exhibits and a wheel garden. The society offers tours.

Glen Foerd [PA]

Description

Glen Foerd is the final remaining riverfront estate within Philadelphia. Originally erected circa 1850, the residence is now most overtly Italianate in style. Residents have included Charles Macalester, businessman and broker, and Robert and Caroline Foerderer of Vici Kid, a kid skin company. Sights include the main residence, a boat house, a water tower, a carriage house, and a gate house.

The estate offers period rooms, guided tours, group tours, group tour and meal packages. Two days advance notice is needed for tours, and tours with meals require two weeks advance notice. The website offers historical photographs.

North Carolina State Capitol

Description

This National Historic Landmark is one of the finest and best-preserved examples of the Greek Revival style of architecture in the United States. The Capitol features a domed rotunda and state senate and house chambers, meticulously restored to their 1840 appearance. Its granite walls housed all of North Carolina state government until 1888. The legislature met here until 1961. Today, the governor and his staff still occupy offices in the Capitol.

The site offers exhibits, tours, and occasional recreational and educational events.