John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Ca d'Zan, and Circus Museums [FL]

Description

Located on a 66-acre estate on Sarasota Bay, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art was established in 1927 as the legacy of John Ringling (1866–1936) and his wife, Mable (1875–1929). Recognized as the official State Art Museum of Florida, the Museum of Art offers 21 galleries of European paintings as well as Cypriot antiquities, Asian art, American paintings, and contemporary art. The Ulla R. and Arthur F. Searing Wing hosts a variety of traveling exhibitions throughout the year. The estate features the spectacular Cà d'Zan ("House of John"), a waterfront mansion that was restored in 2002. The Circus Museums, including the Tibbals Learning Center, display the world's largest miniature circus, costumes, wagons, performance equipment, and other artifacts chronicling the history of the Circus. The estate also features Mable Ringling's Rose Garden, completed in 1913, and beautifully landscaped grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay.

The museums offer exhibits and tours; the Ca d'Zan offers tours; the museum complex as a whole offers performances, lectures, film screenings, educational programs, research library access, educational and recreational events.

Theatre Historical Society of America and American Movie Palace Museum

Description

THSA is the only organization in the U.S. which exclusively records and preserves the rich architectural, cultural and social history of America's theatres. Through its collections and publications, THSA makes available information on more than 15,000 theatres, primarily in the United States, and encourages further research in these areas. The Society also operates the American Theatre Architecture Archives and the American Movie Palace Museum. The Archives contain an extensive collection of photographs, slides, negatives, books, blueprints, clippings, videos, printed programs, and other material on historic theatres, primarily in the U.S. The Museum features exhibits of photographs, artworks, antiques, artifacts, and other memorabilia relating primarily to the "golden age of the movie palace."

The society offers annual tours; the archives offer research access; and the museum offers exhibits and tours.

Edison Birthplace Museum [OH]

Description

Thomas Alva Edison, inventor of the phonograph, the incandescent light bulb, and many other devices that make modern life fuller and simpler, was born in Milan, OH, in 1847. The Edison Birthplace Museum features a collection of rare Edisonia, including examples of many of Edison's early inventions, documents, and family mementos.

The museum offers exhibits and tours.

Lake County Historical Society and Historic Sites [MN]

Description

Organized in 1925, the mission of the Lake County Historical Society is to preserve the history of Lake County, MN, through the preservation, study and interpretation of artifacts, documents, photographs, and historic sites. The Society also maintains several historic sites. The Two Harbors Light Station constructed in 1892 is the oldest operating light station in Minnesota and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The lighthouse museum explores the development of Agate Bay. The 3M Museum includes the original office and headquarters of Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M). It was here, in 1902, that five businessmen embarked on a mining venture which laid the foundation for a successful global corporation. Exhibits include Attorney John Dwan's recreated office; a history of the company including photos, artifacts, and documents; a "lab" area representing research and development, product diversification, and growth; and a "hands on" interactive program of technology applications. The Depot Museum is in the 1907 headquarters of the Duluth and Iron Range Railroad, and highlights the early pioneering history of Lake County. Exhibits range from McDougal archaeological dig artifacts and a Paleo-Indian display to the first shipment of iron ore from Minnesota.

The Two Harbors Light Station offers exhibits and tours; the 3M Museum offers exhibits; and the Depot Museum offers short films and exhibits.

Seneca Falls Historical Society and Museum [NY]

Description

The Society's Museum is located in a structure dating back to 1823. The building was part of a 10-acre estate with carriage house, tool shed, vineyard, garden, and orchard. The Mynderse Family lived there until 1875 when Mrs. Leroy Partridge purchased the house and began an extensive remodeling and updating that changed the two story dwelling into the three-story, 23-room, Queen Anne style home that stands today. The original Gothic Revival tool shed is now the "Bee Hive," a replica of a general store , located behind the house. Also located in the back yard is the Town Clock that was once on top of the Hoskins Block and moved to the grounds by Texaco Oil in October 1968. The first floor of the Museum shows a combination of the original furnishings of the house as the Partridge and Becker families lived here, as well as reproductions and decorations both complimentary to the time period and from historical events in Seneca Falls.

The society offers occasional recreational and educational events; the museum offers exhibits and research library access.

University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame [FL]

Description

The Hall displayas photos of each of the hall inductees and the National Championship Trophies for University of Miami Football and Baseball, along with the Heisman Trophies of Vinnie Testaverde and Gino Torretta. A basketball and memorabilia from the Rick Barry years are on display, along with memorabilia from all sports. Also on display is the Seminole War Canoe which was for many years the prize for the winner of the University of Miami vs. Florida Football games. The Trophies for all of the University's Bowl Appearances are on display from the Palm Bowl (the first and original Orange Bowl) to this year's Rose Bowl. The unusual is also on display, including a picture of the University's first collegiate national championship team, the 1931 National Collegiate Polo Championship Team.

The hall offers exhibits.

Ritzville's Museums: Dr. Frank R. Burroughs Home and Railroad Depot Museum [WA]

Description

Historic Ritzville maintains two museums. The Burroughs Home was the residence of Ritzville's pioneer physician, Dr. Frank R. Burroughs. It has been restored to its original condition and its collection highlights clothing and household items from the 1890s to the 1920s. The Depot features commercial artifacts relevant to Ritzville around the turn of the century. These include the town's original horse-drawn hearse and a working telegraph machine.

Eli Whitney Museum [CT]

Description

The Museum preserves the site on which Whitney constructed the first American factory in 1798. The Museum celebrates the Whitney tradition of learning by experiment. The Museum designs, produces and teaches projects that engage hands, eyes, and minds and that blend art, science, and invention.

The museum offers exhibits and educational programs, in which students learn about history and other subjects while making crafts and conducting experiments.