National Archives and Records Administration: Pacific Alaska Region [WA]

Description

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), Pacific Alaska Region, Seattle, currently holds 38,000 cubic feet of original documents from federal government field offices in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho and a large microfilm collection of federal documents from across the remaining United States. Also provided are expert staff and volunteer assistance while using these and NARA’s vast online resources, including free access to popular commercial websites featuring millions of NARA documents online.
The facility offers an archival research room and microfilm research room, as well as free public access computers and is open to the public on a daily basis, except for federal holidays. The research rooms are open on the second Saturday of each month as well.
Other offerings include workshops on using the National Archives resources, historical topics, and general and online genealogy. Additionally, for educators, NARA offers topic specific teacher workshops upon request.

Big Delta State Historical Park [AK]

Description

The Big Delta State Historical Park contains Rika's Roadhouse, erected in 1909 to house travelers on the historic Valdez-to-Fairbanks Trail. The structure remained in use until 1947. Part of the original kerosene crate floor has been restored, and the bedroom and kitchen are furnished in the styles of the 1920's and 1930's. Also located in the park is a Washington Alaska Military Cable and Telegraph System (WAMCATS) station. In 1900, it took a year to send a message from interior Alaska to Washington D.C. and receive an answer. To speed communications, the U.S. Signal Corps, a branch of the Army, built the WAMCATS. McCarty Station, was established in 1907 to maintain the telegraph. The Delta Historical Society maintains a museum housing artifacts, dating from 1900 to 1950, such as blacksmith tools, horse tack, dog harnesses and sleds, household items, and historic photographs.

The park offers guided and self-guided tours, a museum with exhibits, and period rooms.

Old Constitution House State Historic Site [VT]

Description

The Old Constitution House State Historic Site commemorates the 1777 signing of the Vermont constitution.The Vermont constitution was far reaching—the first to prohibit slavery, establish universal voting rights for all males, and authorize a public school system. This document guided the Republic for 14 years until 1791, when Vermont was admitted to the Union as the 14th state. An exhibit recounts the writing of the most progressive constitution of its time, and examines its effect on the politics of the nation. The site includes the tavern where the document was originally adopted.

The site offers period rooms and an exhibit.

Buffalo County Historical Society [WI]

Description

The Buffalo County Historical Society has recently opened the Buffalo County Heritage Hall, a museum that is home to the history of Buffalo County veterans and educational events throughout the year. In addition to Heritage Hall, the society is currently working to research and chronicle the history of the Buffalo County schools.

The society offers special events throughout the year, including guest lecturers and educational programs, as well as Heritage Hall, which is open year round and offers self-guided tours. The website offers basic visitor information.

Fort Worden State Park and the Puget Sound Coast Artillery Museum [WA]

Description

For Worden State Park consists of 434 acres of land and shoreline surrounding and incorporating the remains of Fort Worden, which was in use between the late 1800s and 1953. Key sites include historic structures, the Puget Sound Coast Artillery Museum, and the Commanding Officer's Quarters. The quarters portray a late Victorian (1890-1910) period setting. The Coast Artillery Museum focuses on artillery mechanisms used to defend Puget Sound between the late 1800s and circa 1945.

The site offers period rooms, exhibits, and picnic sites.

Minnesota History Center [MN]

Description

The Minnesota History Center preserves and showcases the history of the state of Minnesota. The center offers a variety of exhibits that showcase history statewide, as well as a research library and several art collections.

The Center offers tours; special events and programs, including field trip programs; and exhibits. The Center also runs educational outreach programs such as traveling lectures and demonstrations. The website offers visitor information, several online exhibits, library access, a calendar of events, and online educational resources including lesson plans and research tools.

Saline Area Historical Society [MI]

Description

Saline was first settled due to its natural salt springs. Local Native American tribes had harvested salt from the salt springs for centuries before the French discovered the springs in the 18th century. The local river was dubbed the Saline River after the French word for salt.

The society hosts several exhibits and lectures throughout the year, and also offers walking tours of Saline, Michigan, and a giftshop. The website offers visitor information, a brief history of Saline, information about the events and exhibits offered by the society, an events calendar, and online access to the gift shop.

Mille Lacs Indian Museum [MN]

Description

The Mille Lacs Indian Musuem is dedicated to showcasing the history and heritage of the Millie Lacs Band of the Ojibwe American Indians. The museum houses numerous exhibits tracing the Band's journey to settle in Northern Minnesota, telling the story of their existence during American westward expansion, and showcasing the lives and culture of the Band today. The museum also hosts a spacious crafts room which serves as a demonstration area for traditional cooking, basketry, and beadwork.

The site offers visitor information, an events calendar, and several photographs of the museum and museum "trading post."

Ramsey Historical Association [NJ]

Description

The Ramsey Historical Association seeks to preserve and share the history of the Borough of Ramsey, New Jersey. The association operates the Old Stone House, a historic photo display, and a sign on historical transportation. The Old Stone House was built as a Dutch colonial farmhouse in the 1700s. Rubble stone, clay mortar, chopped straw, and hog's hair were used in its construction. It later served as a stagecoach stop, with a barn across the street for the changing of horses.

The association offers a research library and tours of the Old Stone House.

Ramsey Historical Association

Description

The Ramsey Historical Association furnishes, maintains and operates the Old Stone House as a museum and educational facility. The Old Stone House is Ramsey's oldest building and was built as a Dutch colonial farmhouse in the 1700s. Rubble stone, clay mortar, chopped straw, and hog's hair were used in its construction. In 1977, the Old Stone House was placed on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places. Finally, in 2000, the "Stone by Stone" docudrama of the Old Stone House's history was recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as a "Save America's Treasures" project. Currently the Old Stone House is a museum. On the bottom floor there are restored rooms, giving visitors a picture of what life was like in the 18th century. Upstairs is a reference library. Tours of the house are available by appointment.

The site offers a virtual tour, shopping, and information about the Old Stone House.