Dumbarton House [DC]

Description

Dumbarton House reflects the emerging Adamesque style of architecture of the early Republic, and houses collections of Federal period (1790–1830) furniture and decorative arts. Federal period architecture emphasizes symmetry and balance while incorporating neoclassical elements. The majority of collection artifacts are from the Federal period, although Chippendale and Louis XVI styles are also present. Joseph Nourse (1754–1841), Register of the U.S. Treasury for the first six Presidents of the United States, was the house's first resident between 1804 and 1813. The year after Nourse left, Dolley Madison would stay at the residence as she left the White House to avoid the invading British.

The museum offers an introductory film, guided public and school tours, period rooms, exhibits, lectures, concerts, educational programming, week–long summer programs, and programs for home school students.

Charles Pinckney National Historic Site [SC]

Description

The 28-acre Charles Pinckney National Historic Site preserves a portion of Snee Farm, the plantation owned by Charles Pinckney (1757-1824), a man who was deeply involved in the writing of the U.S. Constitution, as well as a signer of the finished document. The site also addresses the life of African Americans in South Carolina's Lowcountry plantations. The visitor's center is housed in a circa 1838 residence. Note that it is not typical of architecture with which Pinckney would have been familiar.

The site offers a half-mile trail with wayside exhibits, a 20-minute orientation video, exhibits, educational programs, Junior Ranger activities, and a picnic site. Advance notice is required for educational programs. The website offers a teacher's guide, which includes content relevant to the Pinckney site, as well as Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie.

Colonial National Historical Park [VA]

Description

The Colonial National Historical Park commemorates English Colonial and Revolutionary War–era America, beginning on the swampy marshes of Jamestown in 1607 and ended on the battle–scarred landscape of Yorktown in 1781. Although the primary draw is colonial history, the park spans the timelines from pre-colonization through Colonial Virginia, from the end of English Colonial America through the American Revolutionary War, and from America’s Independence to the Civil War.

The park offers introductory films; exhibits; guided tours; self-guided tours; tours by costumed interpreters; Junior Ranger activities; seasonal hands–on activities; seasonal costumed interpreters for specific educational programming; pot making in the "pinch pot" style of the local Native Americans; non–firing artillery and glass–blowing demonstrations; a Revolutionary War themed traveling trunk; and ranger-guided educational programming specifically for students, designed to meet state educational standards. The website provides lesson plans relevant to historic Jamestown and Yorktown.

Martin Van Buren National Historic Site [NY]

Description

The Martin Van Buren National Historic Site contains of Lindenwald, the 220-acre farm where Martin Van Buren (1782-1862) spent the last 21 years of his life. Having served as Secretary of State, Vice President, and the eighth President of the United States, Van Buren conducted two additional (unsuccessful) presidential campaigns from this house before retiring as a gentleman farmer. His administration (1837-1841) is largely remembered for the Panic of 1837, which preceded a five-year economic depression. Conflict concerning the need to maintain national unity and Van Buren's disapproval of the institution of slavery in newly admitted states presaged the upcoming Civil War. The mansion itself contains 36 rooms.

The site offers mansion and grounds guided tours, period rooms, and educational programming. These programs consist of in-classroom activities, with one program also making use of web-based learning. The website offers an extensive virtual tour of the mansion.

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site [NY]

Description

Sagamore Hill was the home of Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States, from 1885 until his death in 1919. During Roosevelt's time in office, his "Summer White House" was the focus of international attention. The house itself dates to the 19th century, and is situated on 83 acres of forest, meadow, salt marsh, and beach.

The site offers podcasts, online photo galleries, sound bytes, teacher preparation packets, suggested reading, and field trip programming.

Museum of the Western Prairie [OK]

Description

From geologic uplifts and ancient seas to irrigated farming and Altus Air Force Base, the Museum chronicles the history of Southwest Oklahoma. Visitors can follow the activities of Native Americans, frontier soldiers, cowboys, and homesteaders and trace the region's economic development, from assurances that "rain will follow the plow," to "Dust, Drought, Depression," and beyond.

The museum offers exhibits and tours.

Jennings County Historical Society [IN]

Description

The Jennings County Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of Jennings County, Indiana. To this end, the society operates a museum, located in the 1838 North America House, which originally functioned as a stagecoach stop and inn. The society possesses over 1,000 artifacts, including an 1870s cherry rope bed.

The museum offers exhibits. Outside of the museum, the society offers annual events including the Sassafrass Tea Festival and Civil War History event and the Town and County Home and Garden Tour, which features historic properties.

Fort Washington Park [MD]

Description

Fort Washington was originally built in 1809, but was destroyed by its own garrison only five years later. It was rebuilt in 1824 to serve as the only defense for the nation’s capital until the Civil War–when a circle of temporary forts was built around the city. Prior to World War I, Fort Washington was downgraded to harbor defense; and the large guns were removed. During the war, the post was used as a staging area for troops being sent to France.

The park offers artillery demonstrations.