Minisink Valley Historical Society and the Fort Decker Museum of History [NY]

Description

The Minisink Valley Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of the Minisink Valley which stretches across New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. To this end, the society operates the Fort Decker Museum of History. The structure was originally built in 1760 as a defensive center against Native American attack and as a trading post.

The society offers archival access, exhibits, and 50-minute outreach slide presentations. Appointments are required for archival access. Slide presentation topics include author Stephen Crane, the Delaware and Hudson Canal, artist John Newton Howitt, cemetery history, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt, and the bluestone industry. The website offers a small collection of music and historical photographs.

Bangor Museum and Center for History [ME]

Description

The Bangor Museum and Center for History presents the history of events which occurred within the boundaries of the modern state of Maine. Collections include more than 10,000 photographic artifacts; 800 examples of historical costume; and a strong collection of Civil war artifacts, which includes Union officer Joshua Chamberlain's sword, letters written by Hannibal Hamlin, and an apothecary chest. The museum also operates the Thomas A. Hill House and Civil War Museum. Display highlights include furniture and artifacts which belonged to Hannibal Hamlin (1809-1891), Vice President under Abraham Lincoln. The Greek Revival residence dates to 1835.

The museum offers ghost walking tours and Mount Hope Cemetery tours. The Thomas A. Hill House offers exhibits and guided tours led by costumed interpreters. The website offers a virtual tour of Bangor's historic architectural sites.

The main building is currently closed for renovations. The Thomas A. Hill House and Civil War Museum is still open to the public.

Beck Cultural Exchange Center, Inc. [TN]

Description

The Beck Cultural Exchange Center in Knoxville, TN, is located in the Beck family home. The Becks were leaders in Knoxville's black community from the 1920s through the 1960s, and the center was established in 1975 in honor of their contributions to eastern Tennessee African-American culture.

The center offers exhibits on African American culture, guided tours, after-school programs for local students, and research resources. The website offers general information regarding the center, visitor information, and access to the center's research resources.

Hannibal Historical Society [NY]

Description

The Hannibal Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the historical heritage of Hannibal, New York, and the surrounding area. The society is headquartered in an old Baptist Church in downtown Hannibal, which now also is home to the Hannibal Library and a nursery school.

The society offers a collection of historic artifacts, tours of Hannibal, and special events. The website offers a basic visitor information regarding the society, and a brief history of Hannibal.

Boiling Springs State Park [OK]

Description

The Boiling Springs State Park is famous for its cool springs which bubble up through the white sands of the Northern Canadian River. In addition to the springs, the state park is home to a small forest, which highlights the park's status as an oasis in the western Oklahoma plains.

The park offers outdoor activities and events which highlight the park's heritage. The website offers basic visitor information.

Hawaiian Historical Society [HI]

Description

The Hawaiian Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of Hawaii and the Pacific region. The society places particularly emphasis on the creation of scholarly publications. The society's archival collections are strongest in 19th-century materials and include voyage information, items in the Hawaiian language, newspapers, manuscripts, photographs, maps, and pamphlets.

The society offers access to archival collections for research.

Los Angeles Police Historical Society and Museum [CA]

Description

The Los Angeles Police Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of the Los Angeles Police Department. To this end, the society operates a museum, which displays historic police vehicles, uniforms, and weaponry, among other artifacts.

The society offers exhibits and research assistance. Research assistance requires payment of an hourly fee.

Research assistance is currently limited, as a result of staffing cut-backs.

Howard Steamboat Museum [IN]

Description

The Howard Steamboat Museum is located within and includes the 1894 residence of the Howards, a steamboat building family. The house contains many of its original furnishings, some of which were created by shipyard master craftsmen. The Howard Shipyard would eventually become the country's largest inland shipyard. The museum also includes artifacts relevant to the era of the steamboat, including models and paintings of vessels. Collection highlights include the paddle wheel shaft of the Delta Queen and paintings by Harlan Hubbard.

The museum offers exhibits, period rooms, and guided tours. The website offers historic photographs.

Jamesville Community Museum [NY]

Description

The Jamesville Community Museum presents history and geology relevant to Jamesville, New York. Permanent exhibits topics include local and state minerals and the Solvay Process, the production of soda ash. Soda ash is used for water treatment and making glass, cleaning agents, and paper, among other purposes.

The museum offers exhibits.