Historical Society of Pottawattamie County and Historical Sites

Description

The Society owns and operates two historic sites. The 1885 Pottawattamie County Squirrel Cage Jail is one of 18 revolving ("squirrel cage," "human rotary," or "lazy Susan") jails built. The RailsWest History Center, housed in the 1899 Rock Island Depot, has displays of dining car silverware, a telegraph office, and memorabilia such as porters' uniforms and ticket stubs, as well as railcars and a model railroad.

The sites offer tours and exhibits; the society offers lectures and educational and recreational programs.

National Railroad Museum

Description

The National Railroad Museum, built in 1958, strives to introduce visitors to a chapter in American history that bought wealth and modernity to millions of Americans. The Museum looks beyond the simple technical history of rail to the cultural and economic changes it brought to America.

The site offers virtual tours, event and museum information, teacher resources, and an online gift shop.

Weeksville Heritage Center

Description

Weeksville Heritage Center is dedicated to preserving the Hunterfly Road houses. These houses represent one of the first free African American community in the United States. In 2005, the houses underwent a three million dollar restoration, and now sit in a park in central Brooklyn, similar to their original setting. A new education/cultural center is being built now.

The site offers information about historical Weeksville, an archive of press releases, and information about upcoming events.

National Capital Trolley Museum [MD]

Description

The National Capital Trolley Museum preserves and interprets the heritage of electric and interurban railways of Washington, D.C. and environs for the benefit of present and future generations, while supplementing its collections with significant national and international objects to enhance its interpretive programs.

The museum offers exhibits, street car rides, educational programs, and occasional recreational and educational events.

Eureka Heritage Society and Romano Gabriel Garden [CA] Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 01/08/2008 - 13:28
Description

The Eureka Heritage Society provides leadership, education, and advocacy to preserve and enhance Eureka's irreplaceable historic structures and neighborhoods so as to ensure a legacy for future generations. It maintains the Romano Gabriel Garden, fashioned from discarded crates and boards by Romano Gabriel, a carpenter turned sculptor. The garden has been "transplanted" and is now housed in a glass exhibit area for viewing.

The society offers occasional recreational and educational events; the garden is open to the public as a viewable exhibit.

Route 66 Museum [OK]

Description

Exhibits at the Museum begin with "The World’s Largest Curio Cabinet," home of artifacts collected from along the route. Along the way visitors see vehicles and listen to music while they experience the history and culture of each decade, including road construction; transportation; lodging; restaurants; garages; curio shops; attractions; and other artifacts, graphics, and videos. At the end of their trip down the "Main Street of America," visitors can stop in the drive-in theater, viewing "The American Odyssey," narrated by Michael Wallis, an award-winning Route 66 historian.

The museum offers a short film and exhibits.