Gunston Hall Plantation [VA]

Description

Visit the home of George Mason, the author of the Virginia Bill of Rights (the basis of the Constitution's Bill of Rights). Completed in 1759, Gunston Hall is a fine example of Virginia's colonial architecture in the Georgian style. The mansion's grounds and gardens were surveyed and designed by Mason himself and are available for visiting today.

The site welcomes field trips and offers school tours based on Virginia SOLs and on-site programs for all grades. Outreach programs are also available if a visit is impossible. Teacher resources and curriculum guides are available for purchase in the museum shop. Teacher workshops and lectures are also featured as well as an on-site research library.

New York City Police Museum [NY]

Description

The New York City Police Museum presents the cultural history, traditions, and policies of the New York City Police Department—the single largest police force in the world. Artifacts date back to early Dutch settlement. The site includes information relevant to September 11, 2001, as well as a memorial hall honoring officers who fell in the line of duty. Exhibit topics include police dress, transportation, communication equipment, portraits, weaponry, 9/11, and jails.

The site offers exhibits, films, and a child safety program designed for parents and guardians. Reservations are required for school groups.

Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate [KY]

Description

The Ashland estate consists of an 18-room mansion, outbuildings, exhibit space, formal gardens, and walking trails. Henry Clay (1777-1852) temporarily quelled the regionalism which eventually led to attempted secession, helped negotiate the Treaty of Ghent, served as Speaker of the House, supported South American governments, and introduced the Amicus Brief. Clay was also a Senator, Secretary of State, lawyer, farmer, and horseman. The structure itself was completed circa 1812, in the Federal style. Rebuilt in 1857 by later family members, the home is still similar to its original appearance but now includes Italianate, Victorian, and Greek Revival elements.

The estate offers one-hour guided mansion tours, period rooms, thematic and general guided tours for students, exhibits, self-guided outbuilding tours, gardens, trails, and a cafe. It is advisable to schedule as far in advance as possible for school visits. The website offers pre-visit handouts, a trivia game, and suggested reading lists for students.

Historic Dumfries Virginia and the Weems-Botts Museum

Description

Historic Dumphries Virginia seeks to preserve and share the history of Dumfries, Virginia. To this end, the organization operates the Weems-Botts Museum. This museum preserves the at least 250-year-old home of Parson Weems, the author who popularized a number of legends about George Washington, including the cherry tree tale. The home later served as the residence of Benjamin Botts, who successfully defended Aaron Burr during his treason trial.

The museum offers period rooms and research opportunities. A fee is required in order to pursue research.

Jackson County Historical Society and Museums [MO]

Description

The Jackson County Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of Jackson County, Missouri. To this end, the society operates a lending library and non-circulating archive; 1859 jail, marshal's home, and museum; and the Harry S Truman Office and Courtroom, where Truman (1884-1972) practiced prior to being elected Senator and 33rd President of the United States. The jail presents local legal and military history between the 1840s and the Civil War.

The society offers circulating library and non-circulating archives access, research assistance, self-guided and guided tours of the jail and marshal's home, exhibits, tours of the office and courtroom, and a 30-minute introductory film in the Truman site. Payment is required for non-member library archives access and research assistance. Reservations are required for library and archives access, guided tours of the jail and marshal's home, and group tours of the office and courtroom. The website offers a teacher's guide for the jail site.

Old State House [DE]

Description

The Georgian-style Old State House, completed in 1791, served as the headquarters of both the Delaware state and Kent County governments. The first floor contains an 18th-century style courtroom, and the second floor presents the former chambers of the state legislature. Artworks displayed include paintings by Denis A. Volozan (1765-1820) and Thomas Sully (1783-1872).

The house offers tours. Reservations are required for large groups.

Lake George Historical Association and Museum [NY]

Description

The Lake George Historical Association seeks to preserve and share the history of the Lake George region, New York. To this end, the society operates a museum of local history, located within an 1845 courthouse. The museum contains the original courtroom and jail cells. Collection highlights include a plaster sculpture by John Rogers (1829-1904); a 1756 powder horn; and a chemical tank, which preceded modern day fire extinguishers.

The museum offers exhibits and tours. The website offers 10 historical photographs.

John Dickinson Plantation [DE]

Description

The John Dickinson Plantation was the home to John Dickinson, a Delaware member of the Continental Congress (who didn't sign the Declaration of Independence), Delaware Congress, Constitutional Convention, and Governor of Pennsylvania. He was known for his opposition to American Independence. His home serves as an excellent example of an 18th century plantation.

The site offers character-interpreted tours on a variety of topics designed to adhere to Delaware educational standards (K-12). Tour topics include daily life, slavery, colonial plantation workings, etc.

Historic Burke Foundation Society, Museums, and Cemeteries [NC]

Description

The Historic Burke Foundation Society seeks to preserve and share the history of Burke County, North Carolina. To this end, the society operates the Heritage Museum, 1812 McDowell House, and two historic cemeteries. The Heritage Museum, located within the circa 1835 Old Burke County Courthouse, contains exhibits on the courthouse, the court system, and other topics relevant to local history. The Federal-style McDowell House depicts 19th-century life. The Quaker Meadows Cemetery (in use 1767-1884) is the final resting place for nine families, including nine Revolutionary War soldiers.

The museum offers a 20-minute audiovisual presentation and exhibits. The McDowell House offers period rooms. The McDowell House requires appointments between September and March, and foundation permission is needed to enter the gated Quaker Meadows Cemetery.

Montana Historical Society [MT]

Description

The Montana Historical Society offers the Montana Museum, the Original Governor's Mansion, and the Montana State Capitol to visitors. The Montana Museum contains exhibits on Montana homesteaders and a collection of artwork from Montana's "cowboy artist" Charles M. Russell (1864-1926). The Governor’s Mansion was used from 1913-1959 and was built in the Queen Anne style.

The Museum offers docent-led and self-guided group tours free of charge to school groups. The Museum has a variety of tours and educational programs suitable for grades K-12. Pre- and post-visit activities are available for teachers. The State Capitol offers free self-guided tours for school groups. The Original Governor’s Mansion provides guided tours and children’s guided tours.