The Puritans

Description

Michael Ray narrates a basic introduction to the Puritan colonists in North America, emphasizing modern misunderstanding and stereotyping of Puritan beliefs and lifestyles.

Religion and American Character

Description

Professor David Tucker discusses the role of religion in the founding of the United States, its views by the Founding Fathers, and historical perceptions of religion and its relationship with the ideal American citizen and government. He examines the temperance movement and Abraham Lincoln's response to it.

To listen to this lecture, scroll down to 4:30 pm-6:00 pm on Tuesday, August third. This should be the lecture "Religion and America." Click on the Real Audio image or text in the gray bar to the left of the main text.

An older version of the lecture can be found here.

The Supreme Court Interprets "Due Process of Law" Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 01/04/2008 - 14:04
Description

Professor Ken Masugi examines the 1965 U.S. Supreme Court case Griswold v. Connecticut, in which the Supreme Court ruled that an 1879-established Connecticut law against the use of contraceptives violated a citizen's right to privacy. He looks at how this case interprets the Constitution.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to session eight, and select the RealAudio link to the left of the main body of text.

Character: George Washington

Description

Professor David Tucker discusses the life and character of George Washington. Tucker begins with a debate over the modern-day reaction to and interpretation of Thomas Jefferson's possible relationship with his slave Sally Hemings and the differences it makes (or does not make) in perceptions of Jefferson's character. He also digresses into general discussion of what qualities define a "good" president and how these perceptions have changed over time.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to session one, and select the RealAudio link to the left of the main body of text.

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.

1850 House [LA]

Description

The Upper and Lower Pontalba Buildings, which make up the 1850 House, were built by the Baroness Micaela Almonester de Pontalba, the daughter of Don Andres Almonester y Roxas, the Spanish colonial landowner associated with the neighboring Cabildo, Cathedral, and Presbytere. Inspired by the imposing Parisian architecture the Baroness favored, the rowhouses were intended to serve as both elegant residences and fine retail establishments.

To illustrate the landmark's historical significance, the State Museum has recreated what one of the residences would have looked like during the Antebellum era when the Baroness Pontalba first opened her doors. Furnished with domestic goods, decorative arts, and art of the period, the 1850 House depicts middle-class family life during the most prosperous period in New Orleans's history. Limited docent- and curator-led tours are available, as is self-directed viewing.

Mary Washington House [VA]

Description

In 1772, George Washington purchased a house from Michael Robinson in Fredericksburg, Virginia for his mother. Mary Ball Washington spent her last 17 years in this comfortable home. A mirror Mrs. Washington called her "best dressing glass" and other possessions are on view in the house. Her sundial still tracks the time of day in the garden.

The house offers tours.

Abbie Gardner Sharp Cabin [IA]

Description

The Cabin stands as the site where 13-year-old Abbie Gardner was an eyewitness to one of the few violent conflicts between European-American settlers and American Indians in Iowa (what became known as the 1857 Spirit Lake Massacre). The cabin has been restored to resemble its approximate 1856 appearance. Nearby are a monument to those killed, a one-acre park, and a visitors center full of artifacts.

The site offers exhibits and tours.

Locust Grove State Historic Site

Description

"The cemeteries of Louisiana are a significant part of the state's history. They tell the story of those who laid the foundation for Louisiana as it exists today. A visit to Locust Grove State Historic Site provides an illustration of the small family cemeteries which were a part of most plantations. Several generations of family members are buried here. Strolling through the historic graves encourages reflection on the courage, determination and dedication of the early settlers in Louisiana.

The small site at Locust Grove, with only 27 plots, represents an era in Louisiana's romantic history. The cemetery is all that remains of what was once Locust Grove Plantation, owned by the family of Jefferson Davis' sister, Anna E. Davis Smith. In the summer of 1835, the future Confederate president brought Sarah Knox Taylor Davis, his wife of only three months, to the plantation for a visit. Both contracted malaria, and Mrs. Davis, the daughter of General Zachary Taylor, died at the age of 21. Her grave is situated among those of the other Davis family members."

Van Liew Suydam House

Description

"Standing atop the hill where South Middlebush and Blackwells Mills Roads meet, with a spectacular view of the Franklin countryside, fields and woods, of the Six-Mile Run Valley, the sunsets may have been one reason Peter Van Liew settled on this site back in the 1700's, and why Joseph Suydam later built part of the house that is seen today. The newest and largest portion of the house was built in 1875. Although the most recent long term owner of the house was named French, the house has been named
after its two founders builders, Van Liew-Suydam.The ornate woodworking on the porch and walls clearly demonstrates a perfect example of the architecture of a 19th century Victorian farmhouse. "