A Library for California

Description

This lecture follows the history of the Bancroft Library, the leading research library for California and Western American history. It details Hubert Howe Bancroft's collection of historical materials, starting in 1859; continues with Bancroft's sale of the collection to the University of California in 1905; and then follows the library's development and leadership to 2005.

To listen to this lecture, scroll down to "A Library for California," and select "Listen to Broadcast."

Strong National Museum of Play [NY]

Description

Strong National Museum of Play houses the National Toy Hall of Fame, the National Center for the History of Electronic Games, and the world's largest collection of toys, dolls, games, and other items that celebrate play. Visitors may explore both interactive exhibits designed for children and display exhibits preserving and presenting the history of play. History-relevant exhibits for children include One History Place and TimeLab, which explore U.S. history and pop culture history, respectively.

The museum offers exhibits and a range of educational programs, including standards-based tours for student groups and orientation programs for educators.

Sam Azeez Museum of Woodbine Heritage [NJ]

Description

The Sam Azeez Museum of Woodbine Heritage was created to remember and record Woodbine's past while also actively collecting the materials to preserve its continuing heritage. It is a destination for visitors and a local resource for the entire Woodbine community so that they may continue to use the Woodbine Brotherhood Synagogue building as a place to come together. Built by the early Woodbine colonists, the synagogue is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The sanctuary has been restored and is available for special worship services. The lower level, Brotherhood Hall, houses the museum's permanent and temporary exhibitions. Also included is a community sculpture, the Collective Memory Wall, where the Woodbine community has contributed personal memories of Woodbine.

The museum offers exhibits and occasional recreational and educational events.

Redwood Library and Athenaeum [RI]

Description

The Redwood Library and Athenæum is the oldest lending library in America, and the oldest library building in continuous use in the country. Founded in 1747 by 46 proprietors upon the principle of "having nothing in view but the good of mankind," its mission continues over 250 years later.

The library offers tours, exhibits, and all standard library services (including recreational and educational events, though not focused specifically on history).

Double Trouble State Park and Historic Village [NJ]

Description

Originally a cranberry farm and packing plant, the former company town called Double Trouble is a window into past and current industries in the Pinelands. The Double Trouble Company was formed to sell timber, millwork products, and cranberries. A succession of sawmills has been on site since the mid-1700s. The village consists of cranberry bogs and 14 original historic structures dating from the late 19th century through the early 20th century including a general store, a schoolhouse and cottages.

The site offers tours.

Thompson-Ames Historical Society of Gilford and Museums [NH]

Description

The Thompson-Ames Historical Society of Gilford seeks to preserve and share the history of Gilford, NH and its people. Particular emphasis is given to Gilford's agricultural history. The society operates three museum structures—the 1834 Union Meetinghouse, John J. Morrill Store of 1857, and the circa 1838 Benjamin Rowe House. The Meetinghouse holds local history exhibits which address religion, leisure activities, military history, and agriculture. The site also contains a Victorian period room and town hall and schoolhouse settings. Highlights include a horsehair sofa, ice fishing equipment, and an eight-foot traverse sled. The Greek Revival Morrill Store used to serve as the meeting place for a farmer's organization. The interior contains an 1800s homestead living room setting; an 1857 store setting; a circa 1940 kitchen; historic signs; musical instruments; and artifacts related to the Grange, New Hampshire government, and local theater. The Greek Revival Benjamin Rowe House is furnished to the style of the 19th and early 20th centuries on the ground floor and the 20th century on the upper floor.

The society offers exhibits, period rooms, tours, school tours, and archive access. Archival materials include transcriptions and recordings of oral histories.

Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum [CA]

Description

The Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum is a replica of a typical late 19th-century one-room schoolhouse. The interior is furnished to period, and costumed docents offer information on school life.

The museum offers a period room, costumed docents, an annual student essay contest, and field trip programs. Reservations are required for school groups. The website offers arithmetic problems, historic game instructions, and a reading lesson.