Greensboro Historical Museum [NC]

Description

The 17,000-square-foot Greensboro Historical Museum preserves and presents the history of the Piedmont area. Visitors can explore exhibits recreating Greensboro life at the turn of the previous century or on topics including short-story writer O. Henry, First Lady Dolley Madison, the Greensboro Sit-ins, war, and work life. They can also tour the 1788 Isley House, the 1781 McNairy House (restored to its 1850 condition), and the First Presbyterian Cemetery.

The museum offers exhibits, guided tours for school groups, traveling trunks on loan for a small fee, in-class outreach presentations for a small fee, and occasional recreational and educational events.

USS Constitution [MA]

Description

The USS Constitution, or "Old Ironsides," is the oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat in the world. Built in 1797, the wooden ship saw active service until 1881, taking part in the War of 1812 and, as a training ship, in the Civil War.

Today, visitors may tour the Constitution.

Magnolia Mound Plantation [LA]

Description

Magnolia Mound Plantation illustrates and interprets the lifestyle of the French Creoles who formed the culture which still influences and pervades life in southern Louisiana. The plantation house was once the center of a 900-acre operation with frontage on the Mississippi River. Spanning the colonial era and early statehood, Magnolia Mound's collection of furnishings and decorative arts include one of the foremost public groups of Louisiana-made objects, in restored and documented settings.

The plantation offers exhibits and educational programs, including school tours and traveling trunks.

Madame John's Legacy [LA]

Description

Madame John's is an excellent example of Louisiana Creole residential design at the end of the 18th century. Because of its fine architectural character, it has been designated as an official National Historic Landmark. The architectural complex at Madame John's actually consists of three buildings: The main house, the kitchen with cook's quarters, and the two-story garconniere.

Today, the main house has been restored and is open to the public.

Presbytere [LA]

Description

The Presbytere, originally called the Casa Curial (Ecclesiastical House), derives its name from the fact that it was built on the site of the residence, or presbytere, of the Capuchin monks. It was designed in 1791 to match the Cabildo, or Town Hall, on the other side of St. Louis Cathedral. The building initially was used for commercial purposes until 1834 when it became a courthouse.

Today, the Presbytere offers exhibits on New Orleans history and culture.

Historical Society of the Town of Greenwich and Bush-Holley Historic Site [CO]

Description

Located on the historic Cos Cob Harbor, home of Connecticut's first art colony, the Society's facilities include the National Historic Landmark Bush-Holley House (c. 1730); the Visitor Center, housed in a former village post office (c. 1805); the Hugh and Claire Vanderbilt Education Center, set in a mid-19th century barn and artists' studio; and the William E. Finch, Jr. Archives.

Bush-Holley House is the centerpiece of Bush-Holley Historic Site on Cos Cob Harbor. A unique dual interpretation provides visitors with two distinct museum experiences that portray the history of the house: the era of the Bushes, a colonial family who lived and farmed on the site from 1790 to 1825, and the Cos Cob art colony period from 1890 to 1920. Eight rooms tell a story of change over time, beginning with the turn of the 20th century and moving backward in time to the Federal era. On the outside the historic buildings, landscape and gardens are restored to c. 1900.

The society offers exhibits, educational programs, research library access, and recreational and educational events; the Bush-Holley Historic Site offers tours and occasional recreational and educational events.

Sanchez Adobe [CA]

Description

The Sanchez Adobe was constructed between 1842 and 1846 by Francisco Sanchez, owner of Rancho San Pedro and one-time alcalde of San Francisco. Sanchez was a leader of Mexican California who led volunteers against United States forces at the Battle of Santa Clara. Today, the site shows the different periods of local history. Visitors can take a walk on the grounds and see native plants—the Ohlone village of Pruristac was located on the site. They can view the location of the original Spanish farm buildings; explore the Sanchez family's adobe home; and discover what items were uncovered during archaeological digs, including items from the adobe's time as a hotel and speakeasy.

The site offers exhibits and educational programs.

James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library [VA]

Description

The Museum's historic building houses an object collection of over 1,600 items, including decorative arts, personal items, costumes, and memorabilia, related to James Monroe. Additionally, the on-site archives houses over 10,000 documents, and the library holds over 3,000 volumes of rare and historic books.

The museum offers exhibits, research library access, tours, and occasional recreational and educational events.

Stratford Hall

Description

Stratford Hall, home of the Lee family and birthplace of Robert E. Lee, was built by Thomas Lee in the late 1730s. Today, it is furnished with an outstanding collection of predominantly 18th-century American and English decorative arts.

The site offers exhibits, tours, educational program, workshops, research library access, and occasional recreational and educational events (including living history events).

Rock Hall [NY]

Description

Rock Hall is an exceptional example of 18th-century high-style architecture. Built for Loyalist Josiah Martin in 1767, Georgian/Federal interiors and furnishings evoke the lifestyle of a wealthy merchant.

The site offers tours.