Braintree Historical Society, Sylvanus Thayer Birthplace, and Museum [MA]

Description

The Braintree Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of Braintree, MA and its people. To this end, the society operates the Gilbert Bean Museum of local history, a research library, and the Sylvanus Thayer Birthplace. The research library collections include town records dating from 1640 onward, archival materials, and a display of military artifacts. Thayer (1785-1872) advocated engineering education, and is known as the "father of West Point." His birthplace holds exhibits on the railway, military history, and coopers, as well as circa 1785 period rooms.

The society offers exhibits, period rooms, guided tours of the Thayer house, and research library access. Appointments are necessary for all visits, with the exception of Thayer house tours taking place April through November.

National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum [NY]

Description

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum honors Major League and Negro League players, umpires, managers, and executives who have excelled within the sport of baseball. The museum focuses on the evolution of baseball as a U.S. sport and the ways in which the game has impacted the greater national culture. Exhibits include inductee plaques, artifacts related to the inductees, changes in the sport over time, Babe Ruth, women's connection to baseball, no-hitters, African Americans and baseball, baseball in the Caribbean Basin, youth league champions, baseball cards, recent events, baseball in film, sports journalism, ballparks and ballpark music, current records, and World Series moments of note. Collection highlights include a ticket booth from Yankee Stadium. The museum's research library claims more than 2,600,000 documents.

The museum offers a 13-minute introductory multimedia presentation, exhibits, curriculum-based educational programs, distance learning opportunities for students, summer educational programs, education ambassadors, teacher workshops, children's overnight programs, Scout programs, and research library access. Appointments, made at least one week in advance, are encouraged for library use. Student educational program topics include women's history, industrial technology, fine art, labor history, cultural diversity, economics, civil rights, and popular culture, among other options. The website offers online exhibits, thematic education units, electronic fieldtrips, and podcasts.

Utah Humanities Council [UT]

Description

The Utah Humanities Council seeks to improve discussion and knowledge of anthropology, archaeology, philosophy, literature, comparative religion, ethics, art history, art theory, art criticism, history, jurisprudence, languages, and linguistics within the state of Utah. To this, end the society operates a number of projects.

Authors on Main Street provides outreach presentations by authors of recent humanities publications, including children's books. Book Buzz provides over 150 titles, often in sets of 15 copies, for lending to a variety of organizations, including schools. Some titles also offer study guides. Utah's Public Square offers outreach discussion leaders. The website offers two-minute history radio spots and oral history transcriptions and recordings.

Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society and Museum [NY]

Description

The Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of Western New York. The society's headquarters is the only permanent structure created for the 1901 Pan-American Exposition. Society holdings include more than 100,000 artifacts. Highlights include the largest collection of Pan-American Exposition artifacts, the Pierce Motorette, pacemaker prototypes, and the Red Jacket Peace Medal. Other artifacts can be classified as relevant to the Iroquois, War of 1812, Erie Canal, U.S. Presidents, industrialization, glass, ceramics, paintings, textiles, aviation, or immigration.

The society offers exhibits, 30-minute exhibit tours for students, outreach presentations, and research library access. Four weeks advance notice is required for student tours. A fee is charged for use of the library by non-members. The website offers virtual exhibits, slide presentations and videos for rental, resource kits for rental, and a Buffalo timeline.

Salmon Ruins and Heritage Park [NM]

Description

The Salmon Ruins and Heritage Park seeks to preserve and share the history and prehistoric record of the Four Corners. Particular emphasis is given to San Juan County, New Mexico. The park operates a research library with more than 5,000 volumes pertaining to Southwest history and archaeology. Sights include an 11th-century Chacoan greathouse; a 19th-century homestead; and a replica tipi, pithouse, hogan, and sweatlodge.

The site offers exhibits, guided group tours of the Salmon Ruins, school tours, outreach virtual tour presentations, and research library access. Reservations are recommended for group and school tours.

McClain County, Oklahoma Historical and Genealogical Society and Museum

Description

The McClain County, Oklahoma Historical and Genealogical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of McClain County, Oklahoma. To this end, the society operates a museum of pioneer life. Collections include historic furnishings.

The society offers exhibits and research assistance. Donation is required for requested research.

Boston Fire Museum [MA]

Description

The Boston Fire Museum presents fire safety and the firefighting history of the greater Boston area. Collections include historic firefighting vehicles and equipment, fire alarms, and historical photographs. Highlights include Ross thawing devices and a circa 1792 Ephraim Thayer pumper. The museum is located within an 1891 firehouse.

The museum offers exhibits and group tours, and is open during the winter months.