Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum [MA]

Description

The Greek Revival Rotch-Jones-Duff House was built in 1834 for whaling merchant William Rotch, Jr. The interior is furnished to the different periods of the residence's occupation (1834-1981). The home was also occupied in turn by the Jones and Duff families, ship's agents and coal, whale oil, and oil transportation professionals. The surrounding gardens most closely reflect the period 1851 to 1935.

The museum offers period rooms, exhibits, 30-minute self-guided tours of the home, gardens, one-hour guided group tours, guided group tours with tea or a luncheon, fourth and fifth grade educational programs, lectures, and educational programs. The website offers background information for the educational programs.

Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum [NC]

Description

Founded in 1902 by Dr. Charlotte Hawkins Brown, Palmer Memorial Institute transformed the lives of more than 2,000 African-American students. Today, the campus provides the setting where visitors can explore this unique environment where boys and girls lived and learned during the greater part of the 20th century. The museum links Dr. Brown and Palmer Memorial Institute to the larger themes of African-American history, women's history, social history, and education, emphasizing the contributions African Americans made in North Carolina.

The site offers a short film, exhibits, tours, lectures, and occasional recreational and educational events (including living history events).

USS Midway Museum [CA]

Description

The USS Midway is the longest serving 20th-century U.S. Navy aircraft carrier. Collections include 25 restored aircraft, dating from World War II through Operation Desert Storm. The majority of exhibits display the various functions of the rooms and sections aboard the Midway.

The museum offers traditional and interactive exhibits; films; three flight simulators; music videos; hands-on aircraft; two audio tours—one of which is designed for students; guided tours; a one-hour narrated video tour; docents available to answer questions; youth overnight programs; and educational programs which meet state educational standards. Reservations are required for guided tours. The site is approximately 60 percent wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available upon request. Student audio tours are available in English and Spanish.

Smokey Bear Historical Park [NM]

Description

The Smokey Bear Historical Park was created to memorialize a North American black bear cub. Found in the Capitan Mountains in 1950, the cub had survived a 17,000-acre forest fire; and was dubbed Smokey. Smokey Bear eventually became a national symbol of forest fire prevention. Although the character Smokey Bear had existed previously, the actual cub became his legally authorized face. The park presents topics such as the purpose of forest fires, forest health, and the interactive between natural and urban environments. Sites include Smokey Bear's gravesite and the Village of Capitan's first train depot.

The park offers indoor and outdoor exhibits, a 10-minute introductory film, a gravesite, a playground, and a picnic area. The website offers children's activities, coloring pages, and a Smokey Bear song and play.

Montana Historical Society [MT]

Description

The Montana Historical Society offers the Montana Museum, the Original Governor's Mansion, and the Montana State Capitol to visitors. The Montana Museum contains exhibits on Montana homesteaders and a collection of artwork from Montana's "cowboy artist" Charles M. Russell (1864-1926). The Governor’s Mansion was used from 1913-1959 and was built in the Queen Anne style.

The Museum offers docent-led and self-guided group tours free of charge to school groups. The Museum has a variety of tours and educational programs suitable for grades K-12. Pre- and post-visit activities are available for teachers. The State Capitol offers free self-guided tours for school groups. The Original Governor’s Mansion provides guided tours and children’s guided tours.

Selfridge Military Air Museum [MI]

Description

The Selfridge Military Air Museum is located on the Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan, and is home to an impressive collection of military air technology. In addition, the museum is home to a collection of air combat memorabilia, including newspapers, patches, and photographs.

The museum offers guided tours and exhibits. The website offers visitor information, photographs of museum displays, and a history of the museum.

Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Station [MD]

Description

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Station located in Silver Spring, Maryland, is one of the few carefully preserved railroad station in the state of Maryland. The station was designed in the Colonial Revival style of architecture, and today stands much as it did during its service in the mid 20th century.

The station offers guided tours, special events, and is available for rent. The website offers a history of the station and visitor information.

Port Orford Lifeboat Station [OR]

Description

The Port Orford Lifeboat Station was constructed in 1934 in order to provide lifesaving service to the southern portion of the Oregon Coast. The station was close in 1970 when the advent of helicoptor search and rescue made the lifeboat station obsolete. Today, the lifeboat station is open to visitors year round, and features a new visitor center.

The station offers exhibits and interpretive activities in the visitor center, along with a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, swimming, fishing, and a small beach. The website offers a history of the station along with visitor information.

North Carolina Railroad Museum

Description

The North Carolina Railroad Museum is an outdoor museum consisting of exhibits of historic railroad equipment. Many of the artifacts in the collection were made and/or used in North Carolina. Collection highlights include a 1/24-scale model railroad with over 1,000 feet of track; eight stationary historic locomotives, dating from 1941 to 1953; and eight operating historic railway cars.

The museum offers exhibits, locomotive rides, and a barbecue vendor.