New York State Civilian Conservation Corps Museum

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Photo, Sawing ice off of Gilbert Lake to be stored in the Ice House...
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In the aftermath of the Great Depression, the federal government developed many programs designed to ease unemployment and put people back to work. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was one of these federal programs and this site was created as an introduction to the significant role the Corps played in the development of New York State's Gilbert Lake State Park. From 1933 to 1941, CCC Company 212, SP-11, lived and worked at Gilbert Lake. Those unfamiliar with the park should read the 1,300-word essay about Gilbert Lake and its accompanying 1,400-word essay, History of the CCC at Gilbert Lake, about the contribution of the CCC to the park.

The center of this otherwise simple exhibit is the more than 150 photographs. They include pictures of young men swimming in the lake, enjoying sack races, and building the camp. Visitors will also find recent photographs of the camp, including a 1999 restoration project of one of the park's cabin. The site is rounded out by three donated letters from people with memories about the CCC at Gilbert Lake and those interested will find the 40-item bibliography useful.

The Civil War Draft Riots

Description

From the Bowery Boys website:

"The week of July 13, 1863, was indeed among the most dangerous weeks to be a New Yorker. The announcement of conscription to replenish Union troops—and the inclusion of that incendiary $300 exemption fee—fell upon jaded ears, and as the draft lottery neared, some New Yorkers planned to rebel.

We take you through all four hellish days of deplorable violence and appalling attacks on black New Yorkers, abolitionists, Republicans, wealthy citizens, and anybody standing in the way of blind anger. Mobs filled the streets, destroying businesses (from corner stores to Brooks Brothers) and threatening to throw the city into permanent chaos. Listen in as we tell you how the this violence changed the city forever."

Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor [OH]

Description

The Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor provides a dramatic overview of the impact of the iron and steel industry on Youngstown and other Mahoning Valley communities. The building, designed by renowned architect Michael Graves in 1986, houses the museum's permanent exhibit, "By the Sweat of Their Brow: Forging the Steel Valley," which explores labor, immigration, and urban history, using videos, artifacts, photographs, and reconstructed scenes. Objects on display range from workers' tools and clothing to "last heats," the last batches of steel produced at each of the mills before they closed. Hundreds of photographs, some more than 30 feet long, are used throughout the museum. Videos examine topics such as housing, recreation, and urban history. Life-size scenes—including a mill's locker room, part of a company-built house, and a blooming mill, where steel ingots were shaped for further processing—help visitors understand steelmaking and the lives of steelworkers.

The center offers exhibits, tours, research library access, and educational programs.

Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana

Description

The Foundation saves and restores historic places. It defends Indiana's architectural heritage and promotes preservation through education, advice, advocacy, heritage tours, and events at its historic sites. It owns and operates several historic sites, including the 1841 Huddleston Farmhouse, the 1865 Morris-Butler House, the 1810 estate Veraestau, and the turn-of-the-century hotels at French Lick and West Baden Springs.

The foundation offers lectures, educational resources, educational and recreational programs, and tours; its sites offer exhibits, tours, and other educational and recreational programs and are also listed individually in the National Education Clearinghouse's database of historic sites.

Museum of Ceramics [OH]

Description

The East Liverpool Museum of Ceramics houses an extensive collection of the wares produced by "America's Crockery City." Related displays on the social, political, and economic history of this town show the impact of industry on the community. Ceramic manufacturing was more important in East Liverpool during the late 19th century than is steel production in Pittsburgh or automobile manufacturing in Detroit today. Located in the former city post office, the museum is a graphic example of the adaptive use of old buildings. The exhibits in the museum depict the growth and development of East Liverpool and its ceramic industry from 1840 to 1930, the period when the city's potteries produced over 50% of the ceramics manufactured in the United States. Through the skillful use of photographs, artifacts, and life-size dioramas, the exhibits vividly the products and life of one of Ohio's most unique cities.

A second website for the museum can be found here.

The museum offers a short film, exhibits, tours, lectures, educational programs, and occasional recreational and educational events.

Penn Station

Description

Greg Young and Tom Meyers explore the story of Pennsylvania Station, which involves more than just nostalgia for the long-gone temple of transportation designed by McKim, Meade, and White. In this podcast, find out why the original Penn Station was built to look so classical, why it was then torn down, and what strange behaviors the tunnels that connect it to New Jersey exhibit every night.

The Whyos: Gang of New York

Description

The Whyos were New York's most notorious gang after the Civil War, organizing their criminal activities and terrorizing law-abiding citizens of the Gilded Age. In this presentation, Greg Young and Tom Meyers explore they lived, how they broke the law, and who they were—from Googie Corcoran to Dandy Johnny.

The Whyos: Gang of New York

Description

The Whyos were New York's most notorious gang after the Civil War, organizing their criminal activities and terrorizing law-abiding citizens of the Gilded Age. In this presentation, Greg Young and Tom Meyers explore they lived, how they broke the law, and who they were—from Googie Corcoran to Dandy Johnny.

The Great Fire of 1835

Description

The Great Fire of 1835 devastated New York City during one freezing December evening, destroying hundreds of buildings and changing the face of Manhattan forever. It underscored the city's need for a functioning water system and permanent fire department. So why were there so many people drinking champagne in the street? Tom Meyers and Greg Young recount the tale of the biggest fire in New York City history.

Freedomland U.S.A.

Description

What is Freedomland U.S.A.? An unusual theme park in the Bronx, in existence for less than five years, Freedomland has become the object of fascination for New York nostalgia lovers everywhere. Created by an outcast of Walt Disney's inner circle, Freedomland practically defined 1960s kitsch, with dozens of rides and amusements related to saccharine views of American history.