The California Mission as Symbol and Myth

Description

An overview of the history of Catholic missions in California, from their establishment during imperial Spain's colonization of the region through the push for their restoration and preservation in the 1800s. The presentation places an emphasis on the changing role and popular perceptions of the missions and on their effects on Native American populations.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to "The California Mission as Symbol and Myth," and select "Listen to Broadcast."

King Center [GA]

Description

The King Center preserves the memory of Martin Luther King, Jr. and promotes the philosophies of nonviolent protest, equality, and civic action. The Center includes the King Library and Archives—"the largest repository of primary source materials on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the American Civil Rights Movement in the world," according to the website— Freedom Hall, housing exhibits, a theater/conference auditorium, art, and a bookstore and resource center; an eternal flame dedicated to King and his views; and the crypt of King and his wife, Coretta Scott King.

Near the Center and associated with it are Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birth home and the National Park Service visitor center associated with the area, as well as the still in-use Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King preached as co-pastor.

The center offers exhibits, research library access, and educational and recreational programs and events.

Shaker Museum and Library at Mount Lebanon Shaker Village [NY]

Description

The Shaker Museum interprets Shaker life and culture and exhibits artifacts from Shaker history, including Shaker furniture, oval boxes, textiles, craft machinery, art, tools, and agricultural machinery. The Shaker Library holds archival materials including books and historic pictures.

The museum offers exhibits; the research library offers library access, by appointment only.

NOTE: The museum and library are currently closed while the institution relocates to a new site at historic Mount Lebanon.

Arsenal [LA]

Description

Built in 1839, the Arsenal was designed by noted architect James Dakin and is associated with an infamous battle that happened after the Civil War. During the period of Reconstruction several clashes occurred throughout the state between integrated and white supremacist groups. In 1874, the Battle of Liberty Place, wherein the Metropolitan Police of New Orleans were pitted against the Crescent City White League, occurred. The White League prevailed, forcing the Metropolitan Police into the Customhouse and the Cabildo. From the adjacent Arsenal, the Police fought back by shooting cannonballs toward Chartres Street.

Today, the Arsenal offers exhibits and occasional recreational and educational events.

Harriet Beecher Stowe Center [CT]

Description

The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center preserves and interprets Stowe's Hartford home and the Center's historic collections, promotes vibrant discussion of her life and work, and inspires commitment to social justice and positive change. A visit to the Center includes the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, a Victorian Gothic Revival home (1871) which includes Victorian-style gardens; the Katharine Seymour Day House (1884), a mansion adjacent to the Stowe House; and the Stowe Visitor Center (1873), with changing exhibitions.

The center offers exhibits, tours, reference library access, and occasional recreational and educational events.

Historical Society of the Town of Greenwich and Bush-Holley Historic Site [CO]

Description

Located on the historic Cos Cob Harbor, home of Connecticut's first art colony, the Society's facilities include the National Historic Landmark Bush-Holley House (c. 1730); the Visitor Center, housed in a former village post office (c. 1805); the Hugh and Claire Vanderbilt Education Center, set in a mid-19th century barn and artists' studio; and the William E. Finch, Jr. Archives.

Bush-Holley House is the centerpiece of Bush-Holley Historic Site on Cos Cob Harbor. A unique dual interpretation provides visitors with two distinct museum experiences that portray the history of the house: the era of the Bushes, a colonial family who lived and farmed on the site from 1790 to 1825, and the Cos Cob art colony period from 1890 to 1920. Eight rooms tell a story of change over time, beginning with the turn of the 20th century and moving backward in time to the Federal era. On the outside the historic buildings, landscape and gardens are restored to c. 1900.

The society offers exhibits, educational programs, research library access, and recreational and educational events; the Bush-Holley Historic Site offers tours and occasional recreational and educational events.

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary [VA]

Description

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, one of the oldest pharmacies in the nation, exists today to promote a greater understanding of historic public health issues; inspire people with the values of Quaker founder, Edward Stabler; and engage the visitor in an appreciation of local and national history by sharing the story of this business and family's profound effect on the community in such diverse areas as education and the abolition of slavery.

The site offers exhibits.

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).

Constitution Convention Museum State Park [FL]

Description

A boomtown founded in 1835, St. Joseph competed with Apalachicola as a trading port on the Gulf Coast of Florida. The original settlement lasted only nine years, but during its short life the city hosted Florida's first State Constitution Convention. The Museum commemorates the work of the 56 territorial delegates who drafted Florida's first constitution in 1838. Following four more constitution conventions, Florida was finally admitted to the Union in 1845 as the 27th state. Visitors can take a self-guided tour through displays and exhibits of 19th-century life in St. Joseph. Life-size, audio-animated mannequins in the replicated convention hall demonstrate the debate and process of drafting a state constitution.

The park offers exhibits and tours.