Fort Selden State Monument [NM]

Description

Fort Selden was established in 1865 in an effort to bring peace to the south-central region of present-day New Mexico. Built on the banks of the Rio Grande, this adobe fort housed units of the U.S. Infantry and Cavalry. Their intent was to protect settlers and travelers in the Mesilla Valley from desperados and Apache Indians. Several of the units stationed at the fort were black troopers, referred to as Buffalo Soldiers. A young Douglas MacArthur called the fort home while his father was post commander in the late 1880s. By 1890 criminals and raiding parties were no longer considered a threat as hostilities eventually lessened and the fort was no longer needed. Like many small forts in the Southwest the government decommissioned the fort and it was abandoned in 1891. Today the stark adobe brick walls of the frontier past evoke a feeling of personal connection to the past. A visitor center offers exhibits on frontier and military life.

The site offers exhibits and occasional recreational and educational events (including living history events).

South Dakota State Historical Society and Museum [SD]

Description

The South Dakota State Historical Society was first organized as the Old Settlers Association of Dakota Territory in 1862. Today, the society is an office within the Department of Tourism and Economic Development, and manages five programs—archaeology, archives, historic preservation, museum, and research and publishing. All programs with the exception of the State Archaeological Research Center are located in the Cultural Heritage Center building in Pierre.

The site offers library access, research information, visitor information regarding the museum, a listing of all exhibits with photographs and a brief synopsis, and on online store for society publications.

California Department of Parks & Recreation, Office of Historic Preservation [CA]

Description

"The mission of the Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) and the State Historical Resources Commission (SHRC), in partnership with the people of California and governmental agencies, is to preserve and enhance California's irreplaceable historic heritage as a matter of public interest so that its vital legacy of cultural, educational, recreational, aesthetic, economic, social, and environmental benefits will be maintained and enriched for present and future generations." To accomplish this mission, the California OHP and SHRC have a number of programs designed to reward and encourage preservation efforts statewide, including "California Main Street," a program dedicated to revitalizing downtowns across the state, as well as a variety of preservation grants awarded to citizens and organizations focused on preserving historic structures or landmarks.

The site offers in depth information about all SHRC and OHP programs, visitor and historical information about all state parks and historic landmarks, past newsletters, information about training and workshops offered, and links to other resources, including the Tribal Historic Preservation office.

Etowah Valley Historical Society [GA]

Description

"The Etowah Valley Historical Society, Inc. was founded in 1972 by concerned owners of historical properties in Bartow County. From a membership of 24, primarily interested in preserving the Etowah River Valley region of this county, the society has evolved into an organization of over 600 people dedicated to the promotion of historic education and preservation throughout Bartow County." Today, the society is focused on a variety of projects, from operating the Altoona Pass battlefield to helping interested citizens research their genealogy.

The site offers visitor and historical information about the Altoona Pass battlefield, information regarding genealogical research, information on all historical resources owned by the society, several resources available online, information and resources for preservation, and an events calendar.

Fort Tejon State Historic Park [CA]

Description

Fort Tejon is located in the Grapevine Canyon, the main route between California's great central valley and Southern California. The fort was established to protect and control the Indians who were living on the Sebastian Indian Reservation, and to protect both the Indians and white settlers from raids by the Paiutes, Chemeheui, Mojave, and other Indian groups of the desert regions to the southeast. Fort Tejon was first garrisoned by the United States Army on August 10, 1854 and was abandoned ten years later on September 11, 1864. There are restored adobes from the original fort, and the park's museum features exhibits on army life and local history.

The park offers exhibits, tours, educational programs, living history events, and other recreational and educational events.

Appanoose County Historical & Coal Mining Museum [IA]

Description

The Appanoose County Historical & Coal Mining Museum is located in the old post office in Centerville, Iowa. The museum features a variety of exhibits, including exhibits on coal mining, pioneer life, local businesses, the mormon trail, and the local American Indian population. The museum is open to the public every Sunday during the summer months and by appointment.

The site offers visitor information, very brief information on the exhibits, and an events calendar.

Johnson Hall State Historic Site [NY]

Description

William Johnson was the primary landholder and most influential individual living in the Mohawk Valley in the mid 18th century. He is known for his genius in dealing and trading with the local indians and for helping England gain control of North America. The home is a classic Georgian home made with wood that was designed to appear as stone. Visitors can enjoy the home and its grounds, which have been restored to their state in the 18th century.

The site offers visitor and historical information regarding the home. In addition, the site is part of the New York State Parks official website, and thus offers links to information about all New York State Historic Sites.

Fort Connah [MT]

Description

"The site of Fort Connah is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Fort Connah was a Hudson's Bay Trading Post established in 1846. One of the three original buildings still remains and is believed to be the oldest standing building in Montana. It was active from 1846 to 1871. " A visitor center and museum is planned for the site.

The site offers very brief historical information regarding the site.

Herkimer County Historical Society [NY]

Description

The Herkimer County Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history of Herkimer, New York, and to that end owns and maintains four museums in Herkimer. The museums are collectively known as the "Historic Four Corners," and are the 1884 Herkimer County Historical Society Suiter Building Museum, the 1834 Herkimer County Jail, 1873 Herkimer County Courthouse, and the 1834 Herkimer Reformed Church, which are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The site offers visitor information, an online gift shop, historical information about the museums and town, and research information.

Newark Earthworks [OH]

Description

he Newark Earthworks were the largest set of geometric earthen enclosures in the world. Built by prehistoric Hopewell people between 100 BC and AD 500, this architectural wonder of ancient America was part cathedral, part cemetery, and part astronomical observatory.

Originally covering more than four square miles, today only three major segments are preserved: Great Circle Earthworks, (formerly known as Moundbuilders State Memorial), Octagon Earthworks, and Wright Earthworks.
Maintained by the Ohio Historical Society since the 1930s, these sites are the best preserved examples of the monumental geometric earthworks of the Hopewell culture. The surviving parts of the Newark Earthworks are recognized as a National Historic Landmark. In 2006, the State of Ohio designated the Newark Earthworks as "the official prehistoric monument of the state."

Learn more about the Newark Earthworks by visiting the Great Circle Museum. Visitors are invited to watch an interactive video explaining the significance of the site and tour a 1,000-square-foot exhibit that includes a timeline of Ohio's ancient cultures and an explanation of why American Indians regard the Newark Earthworks as a sacred site. The exhibit also details how the earthworks align with the rising and setting of the moon. Following the museum tour, visitors can take self-guided tours of the grounds during daylight hours.