Natick Historical Society [MA]

Description

The Natick Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of Natick, Massachusetts, from its inauspicious beginnings as a Praying Indian Plantation to the present day. The society owns and operates a local history museum and research library.

The museum offers collections and exhibits that cover the history of Natick from its inception until the present day. The society offers educational programs for schoolchildren and special events including lectures and presentations. The website offers visitor information, a history of Natick, and information on upcoming special events.

Caldwell Birthplace [GA]

Description

The Caldwell Birthplace is a historic house museum showcasing the birthplace of famous author Erskine Caldwell. In addition to being preserved in its condition at the time of Caldwell's birth, the museum offers books written by and about Erskine Caldwell, items that belonged to Caldwell or his parents, and photographs from various period of his life.

The museum is open on weekends and offers self-guided tours. The website offers visitor information and recent news regarding the museum.

Old Stagecoach Stop [MO]

Description

The Old Stagecoach Stop, also known as the Waynesville House, was built in 1854. The home also served as a hotel and was on the old stage route from Saint Louis to Springfield. The Old Stagecoach Stop Foundation restored the building to its 1890 condition, and today the old hotel serves as a historic house museum.

The structure offers guided tours and interpretive events, and is furnished with 18th-century furniture. The structure is open from April until September. The website offers a history of the structure, visitor information, online newsletters, and an events calendar.

Jacksonville Historical Society and Merrill House [FL]

Description

The Jacksonville Historical Society preserves the history of Jacksonville, Florida, and operates the 1886 Queen Anne-style Merrill House, which today serves as a historic house museum.

The society offers periodic guided tours of Jacksonville as well as a bookstore and a collection of photographs. The Merrill House is open year-round for tours and can accommodate groups by appointment. The website offers visitor information and histories of Jacksonville, the Merrill House, and the society, as well as special features which highlight particular aspects of Jacksonville's history.

Stearns History Museum [MN]

Description

The Stearns History Museum is a local history museum focusing on the history and culture of central Minnesota.

The museum offers a variety of exhibits, including exhibits on pioneer and rural life. The museum also offers a theater, which shows short historical films, genealogical research resources, a storyteller, and special events throughout the year. The museum is open year-round, and offers self-guided and group tours. The website offers visitor information, library access, and an events calendar.

Joseph L. Landers Memorial Restoration House [NY]

Description

The Joseph Landers Memorial Restoration House dates back to 1854 when Samuel Sannon built the English-style wing house on eight acres of land in Malverne. The Malverne Historical Society restored the home, and currently uses it as both a historic house and local history museum.

Visitors to the Landers Memorial Restoration Home can view exhibits and collections regarding local history. The website offers a brief history of the home, an events calendar, and basic visitor information.

W.W. Mayo House [MN]

Description

The W.W. Mayo House was home to both the Mayo and Cosgrove families, who would go on to found the Mayo Clinic and Green Giant Food Company respectively. The home was hand-built by W.W. Mayo in 1859, and today is open as a fully restored historic house museum.

The home offers tours by costumed guides. The website offers a brief history of the home and visitor information.

Read House and Gardens [DE]

Description

The 1801 Read House, a mansion located on the Delaware River, is a fine example of the Federal architectural style. Most of the house is preserved in its original early 1800s state. However, some rooms have been redecorated in the style of the home during the 1920s.

The home offers visitors guided tours and exhibits year-round. Visitors can also explore the Read House Gardens, which are the oldest surviving gardens in New Castle. Group tours complete with costumed interpreters and demonstrations are available by appointment. The website offers a brief history of Read House as well as visitor information and an events calendar.

Enfield Shaker Museum [NH]

Description

The Enfield Shaker Museum is located in the "Great Stone Dwelling," the largest Shaker building in the world. Built in 1841, it served as a dwelling for Shakers until it was sold in 1927. Today, visitors can tour the building and its grounds for a view into Shaker life during the 19th century.

The museum offers exhibits, special programs, concerts, guided tours, and craft demonstrations, as well as a collection of Shaker furniture, tools, clothing, photographs, and agricultural implements. School tours may be customized for any grade level. The website offers visitor information, a history of the museum, a photo tour of the museum and surrounding village, and a calendar of events.

Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House [OR]

Description

The Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House stands as a classic example of Queen Anne-style Victorian mansion of the late 19th century. The home is located on a hill overlooking Eugene, Oregon, and was built in 1888. Today, the house stands as a historic house museum, and is open year-round.

The house offers tours, special events including social functions and guest lectures, and exhibits on the history of Eugene and the families that lived in the house. The website offers seven photo albums featuring past events, an events calendar, a brief history of the house, visitor information, and online newsletters.