Erie County Historical Society and Museum [PA]

Description

The Erie County Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the unique historical heritage of Erie, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding area. The society runs two museums, the Battles Museums of Rural Life and the Museum of Erie County History, and also operates two historic house museums, the Cashier's House and the Watson-Curtze Mansion. Finally, the society owns and operates the Erie Planetarium, a prime attraction for school groups and visitors of all ages.

The society offers guided tours, exhibits, traveling exhibits, school outreach programs featuring 60-90 minute presentations, planetarium shows, and special events. The website offers visitor information, histories of the society and its attractions, a calendar of events, and information regarding the educational programs offered by the society.

Governor's Mansion [MS]

Description

The Governor's Mansion is a 1842 Greek Revival Mansion which has served as Mississippi's gubernatorial residence since its erection. Most furnishings are Empire style (1810-1830), although the site also contains French Restoration (1830-1850), Rococo Revival (1850-1870), and Renaissance Revival (1860-1880) pieces.

The mansion offers period rooms and guided tours. Reservations must be made for groups of 10 or more. As the residence may be closed for state events, it is suggested that visitors call ahead to confirm that tours will be offered on the day which they wish to visit. The website offers small galleries of furniture images arranged by style, as well as floor plans.

Douglas County Museum of Natural & Cultural History [OR]

Description

Douglas County traverses an amazing variety of terrain, from the snowcapped peaks of the Cascade mountains to the Pacific Ocean. The Douglas County Museum of Natural & Cultural History chronicles human history in Douglas County, from the Umpqua tribe which first settled the area 10,000 years ago until the present day, and also pays special attention to the history of mining, fishing, farming, and logging, all of which have been an integral part of the Douglas County economy.

The museum offers exhibits, guided tours, outreach programs, and special events such as presentations and lectures. The website offers visitor information, a history of the museum, information regarding museum programs, and an events calendar.

Cincinnati Preservation Association [OH]

Description

The Cincinnati Preservation Association advocates architectural preservation within the city of Cincinnati, Ohio. As such, the majority of the association's time is given to preservation easement and awareness. However, educational opportunities appropriate to kindergarten through 12th grade students are available.

The association offers one- to two-hour architectural walking tours in several Cincinnati districts.

Historic Forestville [MN]

Description

Historic Forestville presents life in 1899 Forestville, Minnesota. Once a bustling trade center, in 1868 the Southern Minnesota Railroad built tracks elsewhere, bypassing the town and significantly impacting its economy. 31 years later, the town's 50 residents all worked for Thomas Meighen (1855-1936); and were paid in housing and store credit. The historic town is interpreted via living history docents, who depict the Meighens and their employees. Five historic structures remain on site: the store, Meighen home, barn, carriage barn, and granary. All crops on site are heirloom varieties and are open pollinated.

The site offers one-hour tours guided by living history figures, costumed interpreters, demonstrations, heirloom crops, and summer camps. The website offers historic photographs and a suggested reading list.

US Capitol Historical Society [DC]

Description

The US Capitol Historical Society was chartered by Congress in 1962 in order to educate the public on the history and heritage of the U.S. Capitol building. The society primarily works to further academic research regarding the capitol, but also offers educational tours and outreach programs.

The website offers information regarding society programs, an events calendar, online exhibits, and a history of the capitol building.

Hinsdale Historical Society [IL]

Description

The Hinsdale Historical Society is dedicated to the preservation of the unique historical heritage of Hinsdale, from its founding as a small farming village to its modern day status as a suburb of Chicago. The society owns and operates four historic properties, the Hinsdale History Museum, the R. Harold Zook Home and Studio, the Historic Immanuel Hall, and the Anderson Architecture Center.

The society offers guided individual and group tours of its historic properties and special events. The website offers an events calendar, a history of the society, a history of Hinsdale, and visitor information.

The Jonathan Corwin House [MA]

Description

The Jonathan Corwin House, also known as The Witch House, served as the residence of Jonathan Corwin (1640-1718), magistrate and judge in the Salem Witch Trials. The court in which he worked issued the death sentence to 19 individuals, none of which would admit to the crime of witchcraft. The home itself dates to before 1675, and is the only residence in Salem with a direct connection to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Topic covered include the trials and the daily life, decorative arts, and architecture of the period.

The house offers period rooms, guided tours, and self-guided tours.

The Village Green Heritage Center [CA]

Description

The Village Green Heritage Center presents the history of the Palm Springs area, California. The center is located in two historic structures. The 1884 McCallum Adobe, built for the area's first permanent settler of European descent, houses vernacular items, textiles, Native American artifacts, artworks, and photographs. The 1893 Little House, built of used railroad ties, is set to period.

The center offers period rooms and exhibits.