Delaware County Historical Association [NY]

Description

The Delaware County Historical Association (DCHA) was founded in 1945 to preserve and present the rich history of Delaware County. In the early 1960s, the Association purchased property, originally settled by Gideon Frisbee. Today, DCHA is home to seven historic buildings including the 1797 Frisbee House (pictured above, photo by Barbara Onasch) and barn, blacksmith shop, nineteenth-century gun shop, school house, turnpike tollgate house, Christian Church at Fitch's Bridge a well as two exhibit galleries, research library and archives, gift/book shop, nature trail and much more. In addition, DCHA offers educational programs where the society will travel to a school and present a program.

The site offers general information about the association, a virtual tour with pictures of all of the DCHA buildings, an events calendar, information about the educational sessions offered by DCHA, and a listing of books about Delaware County.

Grapevine Heritage Foundation [TX]

Description

The Grapevine Heritage Foundation is dedicated towards the preservation of the history and historical structures of the town of Grapevine, Texas. To this end, the foundation has acquired a number of buildings in the last fifteen years. In 1991, Grapevine Heritage Foundation saved the Palace Theater, a classic Art Modern building. In addition, the Foundation owns the Thomas Jefferson Nash Farmstead and the Buckner Cash Grocery Store.

The site is actually part of the larger Grapevine Convention and Visitor's Bureau website. Thus, it offers information about upcoming events in the town of Grapevine, information for visitors including information on local hotels, and a small about section regarding the Foundation.

Old Fort Harrod State Park [KY]

Description

Fort Harrod State Park is located in central Kentucky. The Park seeks to preserve Kentucky's pioneer history, and has reconstructed the fort close to the site of the original fort. Today, the reconstructed fort serves as a living history site, complete with interpreters in correct period clothing show visitors how pioneer tasks such as woodworking, weaving, broom making, and blacksmithing were performed. In addition, the site served as the location of the marriage of Abraham Lincoln's parents in 1806. Finally, the park features a museum which houses Civil War artifacts, a gun display, Native American artifacts and a collection of Lincoln memorabilia.

The site offers general information about the park intended for visitors, including an events guide, park maps, and a small photo gallery featuring 16 photographs of the park and the fort.

Crystal River Archaeological State Park [FL]

Description

A National Historic Landmark, this 61-acre, pre-Columbian, Native American site has burial mounds, temple/platform mounds, a plaza area, and a substantial midden. The six-mound complex is one of the longest continuously occupied sites in Florida. For 1,600 years the site served as an imposing ceremonial center for Native Americans. People traveled to the complex from great distances to bury their dead and conduct trade. It is estimated that as many as 7,500 Native Americans may have visited the complex every year.

The park offers exhibits, tours, boat tours, educational programs, and occasional documentary screenings.

Jarrot Mansion State Historic Site [IL]

Description

Nicholas Jarrot was a French born entrepreneur and land speculator who also served as a local judge and militia officer. Jarrot began construction of his mansion in 1807, and was one of the earliest buildings built with brick in the state of Illinois. In addition, the home is notable for its use of the American Federal architecture style, not the more common French Colonial style prevalent in the midwest during the time period. Currently, the house is under restoration and is only opened periodically to the public for special events.

The site provides visitors with historical information regarding the house, current information on the restoration projects, a photo gallery featuring nine historical and present photographs of the mansion, a calendar of events, and links to local historical sites and organizations.

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.

Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site [LA]

Description

The Plaquemine Lock was completed in 1909 and was designed by Colonel George Goethals, who would later become famous for designing the Panama Canal. When it was completed, the lock was the highest freshwater lock in the world. By 1961, the demand had outgrown the old lock and a new set of locks was opened at Port Allen. The Plaquemine Lock was placed on the national register of historic places in 1972. Now, the area includes the old lock and the Gary James Herbert Memorial Lockhouse, which serves as a museum for the lock.

The site offers general historical and visitors information about the lock. In addition the site offers a list of nearby attractions in Louisiana. Finally, as the site is part of the Louisiana State Park website, the site offers links and information about the entire Louisiana State Park system.

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.

Geneva Historical Society [NY]

Description

The Geneva Historical Society seeks to preserve and interpret the history of Geneva, New York and its denizens through its collections, educational programs, historic properties, and the Fund for Historic Geneva. The Geneva Historical Society Museum and offices are located in the Prouty-Chew House, which features marvelous period rooms, costume displays, and changing exhibits on Geneva's history and culture. The site also features a gift shop, staff offices, collections storage, programming space, and the Society's archives and library, which are open to researchers, genealogists, and the public.

The site offers brief historic and visitor information on all historic properties held by the Geneva Historical Society, along with an events calendar, information on current exhibits, and information on the educational sessions offered by the society.

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.