Bonaventure Historical Society [GA]

Description

Organized in 1994, the Bonaventure Historical Society is dedicated to the evolution and preservation of the Bonaventure Plantation and Cemetery as a historical and educational site. Bonaventure Plantation is located in Savannah, Georgia, and was the colonial home of John and Laudia Mullryne and their family until 1846. The home reflects the lifestyle of political leaders in Georgia as Georgia progressed from a British colony to an American state. The plantation was converted into Evergreen Cemetery in 1868, and was purchased by the City of Savannah in 1907 and renamed Bonaventure Cemetery. Today, the cemetery encompasses 100 acres and reflects the prominent personalities whose perseverance created the present state of Georgia.

The site offers detailed information about the history of the plantation and associated cemetery, a brief sample of the society newsletter, legal information on the society, information for prospective society members, and visitor information for Bonaventure Plantation and Cemetery.

Prince George's County Historical Society [MD]

Description

The Prince George's County Historical Society is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and raising awareness of the history of Prince George's County, Maryland. To this end, the society maintains an extensive archival collection, which is housed in the Frederick S. DeMarr Library and is available to the public by appointment. The society also is active in the preservation of historical sites throughout Prince George's County.

The site offers a bookstore, information about the archives, a calendar of events, and links to other online historical resources.

San Jose Fire Museum [CA]

Description

The San Jose Fire Museum chronicles the history of the San Jose Fire Department, which was founded in 1854 and is the oldest paid fire departments in the country. The museum houses over 27 pieces of antique firefighting equipment as well as a collection of photographs of early firefighters in the San Jose Fire Department. The museum is open to tours by appointment. Finally, the museum is working to save San Jose Fire Station One and convert it into a new, state of the art, fire museum.

The site offers an events calendar, an online gift shop, material for educators, including lesson plans and interactive online activities, visitor information, and general information about the museum. In order to contact the museum by email, use the "contact us" link on the main webpage.

Hollywood Heritage, Inc. [CA]

Description

Hollywood Heritage Inc. is dedicated to preserving Hollywood's past. Hollywood Heritage takes an active role in issues involving the historic structures along the Hollywood Boulevard Commercial and Entertainment National Register District as well as other structures in Hollywood. In addition to fighting for the preservation of historic Hollywood structures, Hollywood Heritage Inc. also runs a museum and hosts a variety of events in their headquarters, the Wattles Mansion.

The site offers press releases and information for activists regarding current preservation efforts. In addition, the site offers an archive of past newsletters, and an events calendar.

Fenton Historical Society [MI]

Description

The Fenton Historical Society is one of the oldest historical societies in the United States. Founded in 1936, the society has worked since then to promote and showcase the history of Fenton through a variety of ways. The society maintains the Fenton Historical Museum, as well as an extensive library that chronicles the local history. In addition, the society is the main genealogical research center in Fenton.

The site offers library access, information for researchers, a fairly extensive history of the the founding of Fenton and early Fenton, a photo gallery with seven photographs of historical people and structures in Fenton, and archives of the newsletter put out by the society. As of Jan 23, 2009, only four newsletter are up online, but the society is working on adding the rest of the newsletters.

Kentucky Heritage Council [KY]

Description

The State of Kentucky has an exceptional variety of historic sites, ranging from architectural sites and pioneer buildings to historic rail towns and American Indian villages. The Kentucky Heritage Council is entrusted with identifying, preserving, and protecting the historic resources of Kentucky. The council has spent the last 40 years assisting individuals and communities with making historic preservation an integral part of community planning and economic development. To this end, the Kentucky Heritage Council puts on a variety of educational events focusing on Kentucky history and also works to preserve historical structures and resources.

The site offers a wealth of information on current Kentucky Heritage Council projects and ways to get involved. In addition, the site offers an archive of all recent and past news releases and links for prospective preservationists.

Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks [PA]

Description

The Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks (PSPL) is dedicated towards preserving items of architectural significance in Philadelphia. For over 70 years, PSPL has played a significant role in preservation in Philadelphia by restoring and presenting to the public its historic house museums. PSPL was founded in 1931 by Frances Anne Wister, and today administers three historic houses and historic Waynesborough. In addition, PSPL offers Landmarks Exhibitions, a new initiative that "includes both special historically-based exhibitions by guest scholars, and an ongoing series of site-specific installations and experiemental performers by the innovative artists of today." PSPL is also a major supporter of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Flower Show, and the Barnes Foundation.

African American Museum of Nassau County [NY]

Description

The African American Museum of Nassau County opened in 1970 in order to to provide programming and events that help to satisfy the intellectual curiosity of community members with an interest in African American art, history, and culture. The museum is the only museum of African American history on Long Island and offers a series of rotating exhibits showcasing local and national African American artists. In addition, the museum houses the African Atlantic Genealogy Society, which provides workshops and individual research access and instruction in family genealogy.

The site offers photos and information on past and current exhibits as well as general information about the museum for prospective visitors. The site appears to be under construction and possibly will feature upcoming exhibits and items from the museum's permanent collection in the future.

Ridge Historical Society [IL]

Description

The Ridge Historical Society is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1971 in order to preserve and promote the history of the Chicago neighborhoods of Beverly Hills, Morgan Park, and Washington Heights. The Ridge Historic District is one of the largest urban districts on the National Register of Historic Places. The Society is especially focused on preserving the architectural history of the area along with personal history of area residents.

The site offers historical information in the form of feature stories that explore one area of history in depth. In addition, the site offers information about upcoming and past events, as well as general information about the Society.

Joseph Manigault House

Description

The Joseph Manigault House sits in downtown Charleston near the City Visitor Center. The house was designed by gentlemen architect Gabriel Manigault for his brother, Joseph. Joseph owned plantations, sat in the state legislature, and was a trustee of the College of Charleston. Gabriel, who owned plantations and commercial investments, is credited with designing Charleston’s City Hall and the South Carolina Society Hall. The house is an exceptional example of Adam-style, or Federal, architecture. The house has been restored and is furnished with American, English, and French pieces of furniture from the early 19th century. In addition, outside the house is a beautiful period garden.

The site offers general information about the Joseph Manigault House, but is part of the Museum of Charleston web site, which features an event calendar, general visitor information, general information on all current and past exhibits, a museum store, and resources for educators including programs for elementary, middle, and high school students.