Preservation Worcester [MA]

Description

Preservation Worcester seeks to preserve the material history, architecture, and culture of Worcestor, MA. The organization primarily functions as an advocacy association.

The organization offers a variety of one-hour bus and neighborhood walking tours; history presentations; a professional development program for educators; and a third grade program focusing on immigration, industrialization, and transportation. Reservations are required for tours.

Kentucky Derby Museum [KY]

Description

The Kentucky Derby Museums presents the significance and history of Thoroughbred racing; Churchill Downs; and the Kentucky Derby, a world-renowned annual horse race. The grounds include the graves of several favorite Derby horses—Carry Back, Swaps, Brokers Tip, and Sunny's Halo. Permanent exhibits address Kentucky Derby hats; races from 1918 to present day; the jockey stance; winning horses, owners, and trainers; jockey and stable life; handicapping; and African Americans in Thoroughbred racing.

The museum offers interactive and traditional exhibits, films, trivia tests, guided walking tours of Churchill Downs, barn and backside van tours, behind the scenes tours, legends and lore tours, student tours, curriculum-based programs, curriculum-based outreach programs, hands-on activities, scavenger hunts, summer camps, and a cafe. Social studies program topics range from economics to urbanization. The website offers a suggested reading list for students and relevant vocabulary.

Brownville Historical Society, Captain Bailey House, and Carson House [NE]

Description

The Brownville Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of Brownville, NE and its people. To this end, the society operates the Captain Bailey House and Carson House. The Captain Bailey House, erected prior to 1877, was once home to a Civil War Captain. It now houses a museum of local history. The Carson House was built by the founder of Brownville prior to 1864, and contains many furnishings original to the site.

The society offers exhibits and period rooms. Both museums are open mid-May through October.

Fort Branch [NC]

Description

Fort Branch preserves the site of a Confederate earthwork fort, with the initial phases of construction having taken place in 1862. The fort's location permitted strategic defense of the Roanoke River, CSS Albemarle, and a railway bridge needed for supply lines. This is the only Southern earthwork fortification which possesses artillery original to the site. Sights include eight of the original 11 cannon, Native American pottery, artifacts from an 18th-century river town, a late 19th-century steam engine, and an 1850s farmhouse.

The site offers exhibits, and is open April through November.

North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame [NC]

Description

The North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame honors past and present North Carolina residents who either excelled within sports or greatly impacted today's world of sportsmanship. The hall of fame operates a museum of sport history. Artifacts on display include equipment and uniforms used by prominent athletes.

The museum offers exhibits and guided tours. Wheelchairs are available for use on site.

Benton County Historical Society and Frank G. Ray House [IA]

Description

The Benton County Historical Society operates a historic railroad depot and the 1894 Queen Anne Frank G. Ray House. Between the 1930s and 1985, the main residential structure was divided into six apartments. The historical society is currently restoring the property to its original appearance.

The society offers tours of the Frank G. Ray House, depot tours, and educational programs. Reservations are required for educational programming and depot tours.

Tudor Place Historic House and Garden [DC]

Description

The 1816 neoclassical Tudor Place was built for Martha Custis Parker, Martha Washington's granddaughter, and her husband Thomas Peter. The site presents the governmental, business, and societal aspects of the Peters' lives, as well as the lives of their servants—both enslaved Africans and the English and Irish. Another interpretive focus is the development of Washington, DC, beginning in the 18th century. Collection highlights include 19th-century silver, porcelain, and more than 100 artifacts originally owned by George and Martha Washington. The five and a half acres of gardens largely retain their Federal era design.

The site offers period rooms, gardens, educational programs for students, a summer camp, guided house tours, and self-guided garden tours. Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to notify the staff of their visit in advance.

African American Historical Museum and Cultural Center of Iowa

Description

The African American Historical Museum and Cultural Center of Iowa presents African American life—both modern and historical—within the state of Iowa. Collections consist of more than 1,600 artifacts.

The museum offers exhibits; guided tours; self-guided tours; adult, preschool, elementary, middle school, and high school workshops; summer camps; an interactive living history program for students; Scout programs; outreach programs; traveling trunks; distance learning classes; non-circulating research library access; traveling exhibits; and an oral history project in which children are trained to conduct interviews. Guided tours must consist of 15 or more visitors. Two weeks advance notice is required to schedule guided tours. Please call ahead to ensure space if you plan on taking a self-guided tour. The website offers an educator's guide, a website scavenger hunt, and virtual exhibits.