The Brookfield Historical Society seeks to preserve the Prairie Avenue railroad station and share the history of Brookfield, Illinois and the surrounding area. To this end, the society operates local history displays within the 1889 station.
The society offers exhibits.
The Judy Garland Museum preserves the birthplace of actress Judy Garland (1922-1969). Garland lived in the home for her first four and one half years. The site presents her biographical information and historical context. The actress is perhaps best known for her 1939 role as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz.
The museum offers exhibits.
Visitors can journey into the past at the home of Iowa's 12th governor, William Larrabee and Anna Larrabee, his wife. They can enjoy a guided tour to see and hear how the Larrabee family furnished and maintained this 1874 vintage brick and natural limestone mansion for more than 100 years. All of the furnishings are original to the house.
The site offers tours and occasional recreational and educational events.
Governor Dodge wrote, “I do...order & direct that the Members elected from the several counties for Representatives & Council shall convene at Belmont, in the County of Iowa on the 25th day of October next ensuing, for the purpose of organizing the first Session of the Legislative Assembly of said Territory [of Wisconsin].”
With these words, Governor Dodge initiated a flurry of activity in the fledgling town of Belmont, Wisconsin. From October 25 to December 9, 1836 thirty-nine legislators convened in Belmont, passing forty-two acts dealing with such things as the organization of Territorial government, the operation of the judicial branch, internal improvements, incorporation of businesses, and division of counties.
After the session, the legislators left, many businesses closed, and buildings were sold to private citizens. Two of these buildings have survived the ravages of time - and of use as livestock barns - to the present day. Today, you can see the buildings, along with exhibits telling the dramatic story of Wisconsin’s beginnings, at First Capitol Historic Site.
First Capitol offers tours for groups by reservation from May through October. School groups are welcome and tours are designed with Wisconsin educational standards in mind. Please allow at least 3 weeks lead time. For further information, contact by telephone or e-mail).
First Capitol also offers an elementary level educational activity packet available for free download from the web site.
The Fire Museum of Greater Chicago is dedicated to preserving the history of firefighting in the city of Chicago and its suburbs. The museum has been recently renovated and contains an impressive collection of firefighting memorabilia and equipment.
The museum offers guided tours. The website offers basic visitor information and a calendar of events.
The Tinker Swiss Cottage was built in the 1860's, based on owner businessman Robert Hall Tinker's trip to Switzerland and love of Swiss architecture. Today it is one of the few remaining examples of 19th century Swiss architecture in America.
School tours are offered and education packets are available with pre and post tour activities. A hands-on activity may also be included with a tour of the Cottage.
The La Porte County Historical Society & Museum is dedicated to preserving the historic heritage of La Porte, Indiana, and the surrounding area. The society's museum serves as a local history museum and showcases the society's impressive collection of historic artifacts and documents. The museum is also home to the society's research library.
The society offers exhibits, guided tours, and research resources. The website offers visitor information, a historic photo gallery of La Porte, a brief history of the area, and online exhibits.
The Perry County Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the historical heritage of Somerset, Ohio, and the rest of Perry County. The society maintains two historic structures, the Perry County Museum, which is located at the entrance to the Perryville City Park, and the Faherty House, which serves as a historic house museum and as the society's headquarters.
The society offers guided tours and exhibits on Perry County history. The website offers research information, visitor information, and historical information regarding Perry County.
The Paine Art Center and Gardens are located in the historic Paine Mansion, which was built in the early 1930s for the Nathan Paine and his wife, wealthy logging and milling moguls. Today, the center preserves both the historic home and serves as a showcase for the Paine family's art collection.
The center offers exhibits and galleries, guided tours of the center, and special events. The website offers a history of the home, a calendar of events, visitor information, and a virtual tour of the mansion.
The Walworth County Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the historical heritage of Elkhorn, WI, and the surrounding area. The society maintains an extensive archive, which is available to researchers by appointment, and the Webster House Museum, which gives visitors a glimpse into life in Walworth County during the early 1800s.
The society offers guided tours of the Webster House and research resources. The website offers visitor information, a history of the Webster House, a listing of upcoming events, and an online catalog. In order to contact the site via email, use the "contact us" link located on the top of the webpage.