Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site [MA]

Description

The Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site commemorates the life of Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903), owner of the world's first full-scale landscape design office.

The site offers guided walking tours of Boston-area parks designed by Olmsted, outreach slide presentations, custom-designed educational programs in the "Emerald Necklace" parks, an educator's packet, and teachers' workshops.

The Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site is closed for construction. The site is expected to reopen in 2010.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Description

At its two locations—the National Mall building and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia—the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum stewards "the largest collection of historic air and spacecraft in the world," according to its website. Through a combination of state-of-the-art exhibits, programs, and media presentations, the Museum interprets aeronautical history for the public.

The museum offers exhibits, self-guided and guided tours for school groups, on-site presentations for school groups, IMAX and planetarium shows, occasional electronic field trips and videoconferences, and on-demand professional development workshops for educators.

Geauga County Historical Society [OH]

Description

The Geauga County Historical Society is dedicated to the preservation of the historical heritage Geauga County. The Society's primary project in order to aid in the preservation of history is the Century Village Museum, which is a large living history site featuring 23 historic structures.

The society offers guided and self-guided tours of the Century Village Museum, educational tours of the village, special exhibitions, a research library, and a summer program. The website offers visitor information, a brief history of the society and village museum, and an events calendar.

Fort Mifflin [PA]

Description

In 1778, General George Washington ordered Fort Mifflin, built in 1777, to hold off the British Navy while the Continental Army traveled to its encampment site at Valley Forge. While the Continental soldiers were eventually forced to abandon the fort, Washington and his troops were able to reach their destination thanks to the soldiers' efforts. Since, the fort has served as a War of 1812 garrison, Civil War prison, and a munitions depot for both World Wars. Today, the fort contains 14 restored structures, the originals of which were built between 1778 and 1815.

The fort offers tours; weapons demonstrations; cannon firings; overnight Scout programs; and educational programs on the U.S. flag, the Revolutionary War, and the Civil War.

Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site [PA]

Description

The Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site preserves one of author Edgar Allan Poe's homes. The site presents information on Poe and his historical context and the influence of Poe's writings on other authors, including today's masters of horror in film and literature. Poe (1809-1849) is credited with creating the detective fiction genre, as well as being an early writer of American short stories. He is classified as a Romantic author; and his poetry, short stories, and novels lean toward the macabre. Famous works include "The Raven," "The Black Cat," "The Masque of the Red Death," "The Murders in the Rue Morgue," "The Tell-Tale Heart," and "Annabel Lee."

The site offers an 8-minute biographical audio-visual presentation, exhibits, period rooms, self-guided tours, guided tours, audio samples of famous actors narrating Poe and Poe's work set to music, and Junior Ranger activities. Reservations are required for all school groups. The website offers a teacher's handbook and additional educator resources.

Weir Farm National Historic Site [CT]

Description

The Weir Farm National Historic Site is located in the summer retreat of famed artist J. Alden Weir. After several summers at the home, Weir transformed the location into a creative refuge for friends and fellow artists. Today, the home stands as a historic house museum, and also offers Weir Farm art center, which is an educational center and art museum.

The home offers guided tours, educational programs, workshops, field trip programs, and a gallery of artwork. The website offers a history of the home, visitor information, suggested readings for students, curriculum guides, and a calendar of events. In order to contact the website via email, use the "contact us" link located on the left side of the webpage.

William H. Seward House [NY]

Description

The William H. Seward House preserves four generations (1816-1951) of artifacts of daily life; and presents the life of William H. Seward (1801-1872), Governor of New York, U.S. Senator, Secretary of State under Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson, abolitionist, and organizer of the Republican Party. Seward was involved in the writing process of, and signed, the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation. The 1816 structure itself is Federal and Tuscan in style.

The house offers period rooms, tours, and brown bag lectures. Advance notification is required for groups of 10 or more.

Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial [PA]

Description

The Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial consists of the home of the Polish head engineer of the United States' Continental Army, Thaddeus Kosciuszko (1746-1817). The majority of the house is dedicated to exhibits concerning Kosciuzko's life and career. However, one room has been furnished in period style. Visitors to the home during Kosciuzko's life included Benjamin Rush, Thomas Jefferson, and Chief Little Turtle; and in his will, Kosciuszko asked that his property in the United States be sold to purchase the freedom and education of slaves.

The memorial offers an eight-minute introductory audio-visual program, exhibits, a period room traveling trunks, and Junior Ranger activities.

Salem Maritime National Historic Site [MA]

Description

In pre-colonial times, the Salem port was one of the busiest and most important ports in the United States. Today, the port stands much as it did during its heyday. Visitors can enjoy the reconstructed tall ship, walk through the carefully restored waterfront, and visit the new visitor center for exhibits on the history of the old Salem port.

The National Historic Site offers exhibits, ranger-led tours, tours of the ship Friendship, and walking tours of the town. The website offers historical information, visitor information, and a calendar of events. In order to contact the historic site via email, use the "contact us" link located at the left side of the webpage.

Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site [TX]

Description

The 293-acre Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site is located on the site of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence. The park is home to a reconstructed Independence Hall; the Star of the Republic Museum, which covers the history of the Republic of Texas (1836-1846); and Barrington Living History Farm, home of Dr. Anson Jones, the last President of the Republic of Texas. Numerous walking trails and a picnic area are also available in the park.

The visitor center offers interactive exhibits, snack food for purchase, and a gift shop. Daily guided tours of Independence Hall are offered as are scheduled group tours. Barrington Living History Farm offers tours of the Anson Jones home focusing on the politics, economics, and daily life of 1850s Texas. The Star of the Republic Museum offers exhibits, audiovisual presentations, educational programs, and houses an extensive research library. Age appropriate school tours are available at all three sites and align with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). An educator's packet for Barrington Living History Farm is available online as is www.txindependence.org , a new website created for 4th & 7th grade Texas history students.