Old Economy Village [PA]

Description

The Old Economy Village is located in western Pennsylvania and is known for being the third, and most successful, home of the Harmonists, a utopian society known for its religious devotion and economic prosperity. In particular, the Harmonists were an economic force in the textile industry and agriculture. Today, the Old Economy Village stands as a historic village, and is open to visitors during the spring, summer, and fall months.

The Old Economy Village offers guided tours, exhibits and special events in the visitor center, and occasional historic trade workshops. The website offers visitor information, historical information and a calendar of events. In order to contact Old Economy Village via email, use the "email" link located on the left side of the webpage.

Benicia Capitol State Historic Park [CA]

Description

Benicia Capitol State Historic Park is the site of California's third seat of government (1853–54). It is the only pre-Sacramento capitol that survives. The original building has been restored with reconstructed period furnishings and exhibits. The interior includes a board-for-board reconstruction of the building's original floor with ponderosa pine. The desks, three of which are originals from the Benicia period or earlier, are furnished with a candlestick, a 19th-century newspaper, a quill pen, and a top hat.

The park offers exhibits and tours.

Johnson County Historical Society Museum [IA]

Description

The Johnson County Historical Society opened the Heritage Museum in 1983 in order to help chronicle the history of the area. The museum has an impressive collection of artifacts, paintings, photographs, and documents that take the visitor through the history of Johnson County. In addition to the museum, Johnson County Historical Society owns three other historic house properties in the area, which are open to visitors during the summer months.

The museum offers exhibits regarding the history of Johnson County and individual and group tours of the museum and other local properties. The website offers visitor information and historical information regarding specific Johnson County historical events.

Webb Deane Stevens Museum [CT]

Description

The Webb Deane Stevens Museum is located in the heart of Connecticut's largest historic district, the town of Old Weathersfield. The museum consists of four historic homes, all of which were built prior to the Revolutionary War and three of which are National Historic Landmarks. The museum is also home to the museum school, which provides children from preschool to college-age with workshops and educational activities.

The museum offers tours, the museum school, and occasional special events including interpretive events and speakers. The website offers visitor information, a history of the homes, and a calendar of events.

The Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park [IL]

Description

The Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park works to preserve the birthplace and childhood home of the Earnest Hemingway. Hemingway was born in a small home located outside Chicago in Oak Park, Illinois. The foundation operates the Hemingway's childhood home as a historic house museum and also maintains a museum on Hemingway's life a short walk away.

The foundation offers exhibits and presentations in the museum, group and individual tours of the Hemingway birthplace, and traveling exhibits. The website offers visitor information, a brief biography of Hemingway, and links to literature by Hemingway.

Fort Yamhill State Heritage Area [OR]

Description

Fort Yamhill was built in the mid 1800s in order to regulate the eastern border of the Grande Ronde Agency Coastal Reservation. The fort was in use from 1856 through 1866, and now offers visitors a glimpse into the life of the soldiers and American Indians during this period in Oregon's history.

The park offers tours of the historic fort. The website offers basic historical and visitor information.

San Joaquin Historical Society and Museum [CA]

Description

The Museum reveals the history of the San Joaquin region, from the Yokuts and Miwok through Captain Charles Weber (founder of Stockton and first farmer in the area) and the development of modern agriculture. The Museum has eight exhibition buildings, four historic buildings—including the Charles Weber cottage (1847) and Calaveras School (1866)—and features room dioramas of Weber family furnishings, a children's gallery, and large displays of hand tools and agricultural equipment.

The museum offers exhibits, research library access, educational programs, and occasional recreational and educational events (including living history events).

Derby Historical Society [CT]

Description

The Derby Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the histories of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton, Connecticut. To this end, the society operates the General David Humphreys House. David Humphreys (1752-1818) was a personal friend of George Washington; and became the first U.S. ambassador, assigned to Portugal. The house has been furnished in the style of mid 18th century.

The society offers walking tours and an educational role-playing program designed for fifth graders, the Day in 1972 Program.

The Frick Art and Historical Center [PA]

Description

The Frick Art and Historical Center consists of the personal collections of Helen Clay Frick, daughter of Henry Clay Frick (1849-1919)—industrialist, steel tycoon, and major art connoisseur. The center includes the museum and Clayton, the Frick family's late Victorian home. The collection includes carriages, historic automobiles, and fine and decorative arts dating as far back as the Renaissance. Highlights include works by Jean-François Millet and an 1898 Panhard automobile.

The center offers themed tours of both the museum and Clayton, Act 48 educators' workshops, concerts, children's weekend workshops, summer camps, and more than 25 educational programs. The website offers lesson plans.