Discovery Museum [CA]

Description

"The Discovery Museum of Sacramento is a family-focused educational institution dedicated to enriching the lives of local residents and visitors to the Sacramento Region by encouraging the exploration of history, science, and space." The museum is split into two entities, the Challenger Learning Center, which is an interactive space mission simulator which consists of a realistic Mission Control Center and spacecraft, and the Science and Space Center, which is a traditional museum focusing on scientific discovery. The Challenger Learning Center is primarily a children's educational center, and is only open to public groups by appointment. The Science and Space Center features a variety of exhibits, including live animals and a planetarium.

The site offers an events calendar, visitor information for both locations, an online gift shop, and information on all programs offered by the Challenger Space Center.

Connecticut Historical Society [CT]

Description

Established in in 1825, the Connecticut Historical Society is one of the oldest historical societies in the nation and today runs a museum, library, and education center. The museum hosts an impressive collection of Connecticut historical artifacts, including 242,000 photographs and 38,000 objects. The library is similarly extensive, and also has one of the finest genealogical collections in the nation. The education center holds a variety of events, including museum tours and programs, outreach programs, online resources, and professional development for educators.

The site offers library access, information on all educational programs offered by the society, visitor information, an events calendar, exhibits information, eight online exhibits, and resources for genealogical researchers.

Jubilee College State Historic Site [IL]

Description

Note: As of January 2011, site is closed due to short staffing. Check site for status.
The Jubilee College State Historic Site preserves the remnants of Jubilee College, which was founded in 1839 by Philander Chase, the first Episcopal Bishop of Illinois. The school included a theological seminary, a college, a classical preparatory school for boys, a seminary for girls, and some small farming operations. Now, visitors can tour the school, which has been partially restored to its 19th century state. In particular, visitors are offered a guided tour of the recreated chapel/schoolroom/dormitory wing and the recreated library and schoolmaster's office.

The site is part of the greater Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (IHPA) website, and so only offers minimal visitor information regarding Jubilee College, but does offer links to the greater resources of the IHPA and other historic sites in Illinois, including Abraham Lincoln's presidential library.

Enfield Historical Society Inc [CT]

Description

The Enfield Historical Society is dedicated towards discovering, preserving, and showcasing the history of Enfield, Connecticut. Enfield is notable for the Thompsonville Carpet industry, the Hazardville gunpowder industry, and the Enfield Shaker Community. The society owns and operates three museums, all of which are open to the public free of charge. The Old Town Hall Museum was built as a church in 1774, and today functions both as a museum and as the headquarters of the society. The Martha A. Parsons House Museum houses over two centuries of Parsons family possessions, and gives visitors a window into the past of Enfield. Finally, the Wallop School Museum was built in 1800 and remained in service as a school house until 1949. Now, visitors can explore education throughout the history of Enfield. In addition to the museums, the society offers educational and research services to the public.

The site offers general information about the museums, genealogical research information, a calendar of events, and information about how to join the society.

West Virginia State Museum / Cultural Center [WV]

Description

The West Virginia State Museum and Cultural Center opened in 1976 in order to showcase West Virginia's artistic, cultural, and historic heritage. While the lower level of the museum is presently closed for renovation, the upper floors are still open to the public, and visitors can view the art and history exhibits in the Art Gallery, the Lobby Gallery, and the Balcony Gallery. In addition, the State Archives Library and the offices of the Commission on the Arts and the State Historic Preservation Office are also housed in the museum.

The site offers visitor information, information on all current exhibits and galleries up in the museum, as well as several online exhibits, information on all grants that the museum is working on, an events calendar, a store, and information about West Virginia's Division of Culture and History.

Chicora Foundation, Inc. [SC]

Description

Founded in 1983, Chicora is a heritage preservation organization located in Columbia, South Carolina. Chicora focuses on archaeological and historical research throughout the Southeastern United States, public education in South Carolina, and work in conservation and preservation with museums, libraries, historic organizations, historic libraries, and private citizens. Chicora also creates a wide variety of publications, including publications of archaeological research, and preservation guides.

The site offers purchasing information for all Chicora publications, information on current Chicora projects, links to other preservation resources, and information on the variety of Chicora programs, from educational programs to archaeological research.

Old Saybrook Historical Society [CT]

Description

Founded in 1958, Old Saybrook Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to investigating, preserving, and maintaining collections in the archaeology, art, furniture, genealogy, and historical records of the town of Old Saybrook. In addition, the society works to encourage the preservation of historic sites and the appreciation of the history of Old Saybrook. The society seeks to increase the appreciation of the history of Old Saybrook through exhibits, videos, tours, and lectures.

The site offers information about current exhibits, the archives, educational programs, and research services offered by the society.

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.

Northfield Historical Society and Middle School Museum [MN]

Description

The Society operates the Northfield School Museum, dedicated to preserving the history of the old Northfield Middle School building. This building opened its doors in 1911 as the Northfield Central High School. With the construction of the new middle school the last classes were held in the old school in 2004.

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

Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum [MD]

Description

The Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum is the largest original
African American historical site in the United States. Established in 1998, it
includes Banneker’s original farmstead and a nature preserve that is located in Oella, Maryland. A multitude of adventures awaits you while exploring this 142-acre park and museum.

This site features: exhibits, excavated artifacts, multi-media presentations, a colonial cabin, gardens, and nature trails. Mary Bannaky may even welcome you to her homestead as she goes about her daily tasks.

Educational programs are available for students to learn about: Benjamin
Banneker’s extraordinary life and accomplishments, African American history in
Maryland, settlement and development of the Patapsco River Valley, life in the 18th century, and nature and environmental conservation.

Teachers are welcome to reserve a tour and/or rental space for professional development and teacher workshops. The site also provide digital data about our
programming.