Monmouth Battlefield State Park and Craig House [NJ]

Description

One of the largest battles of the American Revolution took place in the fields and forests that now make up Monmouth Battlefield State Park. The park preserves a splendid rural 18th-century landscape of hilly farmland and hedgerows that encompasses miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, picnic areas, a restored Revolutionary War farmhouse (the Craig House), and a visitors center. During the Battle of Monmouth, the Craig House was the home of John and Ann Craig and their three children and was used as a hospital by the British forces in June of 1778.

A second website for the park can be found here.

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

Collier Memorial State Park [OR]

Description

Collier Memorial State Park has an outdoor camping focus but also has one of the finest Logging Museums in the country. The outdoor museum features more than 75 pieces of antique logging and railroad equipment as wells as a Pioneer village.

The outdoor museum offers free, self-guided tours. There are no educational programs designed for school groups. Wagon rides and costumed interpreters may be offered, check before making reservations.

Bannack State Park [MT]

Description

Bannack State Park is the site of Montana's first major gold discovery on July 28, 1862. This strike set off a massive gold rush that swelled Bannack's population to over 3,000 by 1863. As the value of gold steadily dwindled, Bannack's bustling population was slowly snuffed out. There are over 50 buildings that line Main Street with their historic log and frame structures that recall Montana's formative years.

A second website for the site can be found here.

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

Belcourt Castle [RI]

Description

Unique among the mansions of Newport, "Belcourt," a Louis-XIII-style hunting lodge, was designed by Richard Morris Hunt, "the Dean of American architects." The 60-room summer cottage cost 3 million dollars, employing 300 skilled European craftsmen between 1891 and 1894. Today, celebrating 50 years in the Tinney Family, Belcourt Castle is home to an extensive collection of art and antiques from over 30 countries spanning diverse cultures and centuries. The collection includes 13th-century European stained glass, 10th- to 20th-century furniture from around the world, 17th- to 20th-century paintings, Renaissance armor, and a gold coronation coach.

The site offers tours.

Dana-Thomas House

Description

The Dana-Thomas House, perhaps the best-preserved example of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright's "Prairie period" dwellings, was built for feminist socialite and heiress Susan Lawrence Dana (1862–1946). Constructed between 1902 and 1904, the house has been restored to appear as it might have been furnished shortly after being built. In 1974 the structure was entered on the National Register of Historic Places and in 1976 was designated a National Historic Landmark. One-hour guided tours begin at the carriage house visitor center, which contains a small exhibit area, an auditorium, and the Sumac Shop. Tours open with a 10-minute orientation video that provides background information on Frank Lloyd Wright, Susan Lawrence Dana, and construction of the Dana-Thomas House. Visitors see a stunning collection of elegant art glass, Arts and Crafts style furniture, dramatic lamps, and ceramics. Several items owned by Susan Lawrence Dana and her family are on display.

The site offers tours, exhibits, a short film, and educational and recreational events.

Sterne-Hoya House Museum and Library [TX]

Description

The Sterne-Hoya Museum and Library is located in the historic Adolphus Sterne home. The home now serves as a historic house museum, but also offers exhibits on local history, with a special interest in the Sterne and von der Hoya families. The home is furnished with period antiques and is located on the National Register of Historic Places.

The museum offers guided tours and exhibits on the history of rural, eastern Texas. The website offers visitor information.

Historic Mobile Preservation Society [AL]

Description

The Historic Mobile Preservation Society was founded in 1935 in order to help preserve the history of Mobile, Alabama. The society's main attraction is the Oakleigh Historic Complex, which consists of a historic house museum, local history museum, and historic archives. The Oakleigh home is fitted with 19th century antique furniture, and is open to visitors year round. The society also owns the Cox-Deasy House, which is also operated as a historic house museum.

The society offers guided tours, research resources, and special events. The website offers a history of the Oakleigh home, resources for fourth grade teachers, and visitor information.

Litchfield Historical Society [CT]

Description

The Litchfield Historical Society offers three sites to explore: the History Museum, the Tapping Reeve House and Law School, and the Ingraham Library. The Museum displays artifacts from daily life of Litchfield County dating back to its earliest settlers. The Reeve House and Law School shows students what an authentic 19th century school house would have been like.

The site offers school groups education programs that cater to grades 3-12 and addition hands-on learning programs. Travelling trunk are available for rental to enhance a visit.

Centre County Historical Society [PA]

Description

The Centre County Historical Society is the one of the oldest and largest of the country's historical organizations. The society is headquartered in the Centre Furnace Mansion, a former ironmaster's home that is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open as a historic house museum. In addition to the mansion, the society owns the Boogersburg School, a one-room schoolhouse that holds educational programs year round.

The society offers guided tours of the mansion and school, field trip programs, educational programs in the Boogersburg School, and a historical archives and library. The website offers visitor information, histories of the mansion, school, and society, information regarding all programs offered by the society, and an events calendar.