Michigan Historic Preservation Network [MI]

Description

"The Michigan Historic Preservation Network is the largest membership organization in the state dedicated to recognizing and preserving Michigan's rich cultural and architectural heritage." The network is dedicated to the restoration of historic districts and structures across the state, and specifically focuses on the restoration of historic districts in small towns. The organization works with Michigan lawmakers to help pass legislation that favors "adaptive re-use" and works with individuals throughout the state to help pass Historic Preservation Easements in order to protect Michigan's past.

The site offers information on all Michigan Historic Preservation Network programs and offers resources and information for individuals interested in becoming active preservationists.

Elkhart County Parks and Recreation [IN]

Description

Elkhart County Parks and Recreation manages of 1,500 acres of parkland throughout Elkhart County perfect for fishing, hiking, or picnicking. In addition, Elkhart County Parks and Recreation owns and manages two sites that bring the history of Elkhart County to life, the Bonneyville Mill and the Elkhart County Historical Museum. Bonneyville Mill is the oldest operating mill in Indiana and visitors can view over 20,000 artifacts reflecting Elkhart County's history at the museum. Finally, Elkhart County Parks and Recreation offer a huge variety of both historical and environmental educational programs. Elkhart County Parks and Recreation will travel to local schools in order to present the programs.

The site offers visitor information for all parks and the museum, an events calendar, and detailed and specific information regarding all of the educational programs offered.

Appanoose County Historical & Coal Mining Museum [IA]

Description

The Appanoose County Historical & Coal Mining Museum is located in the old post office in Centerville, Iowa. The museum features a variety of exhibits, including exhibits on coal mining, pioneer life, local businesses, the mormon trail, and the local American Indian population. The museum is open to the public every Sunday during the summer months and by appointment.

The site offers visitor information, very brief information on the exhibits, and an events calendar.

College Football Hall of Fame [IN]

Description

The College Football Hall of Fame is located adjacent to the campus of the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. The Hall of Fame seeks to honor the best college football players as well as promote the sport in general. At the Hall of Fame, visitors can view a variety of exhibits that give insight into the culture and history of the sport of football at the collegiate level.

The site offers a virtual tour, visitor information, an event planner and calendar, information on all inductees to the hall of fame, a gift shop, and an overview of the Hall of Fame's educational program, "Stay in Bounds."

Jubilee College State Historic Site [IL]

Description

Note: As of January 2011, site is closed due to short staffing. Check site for status.
The Jubilee College State Historic Site preserves the remnants of Jubilee College, which was founded in 1839 by Philander Chase, the first Episcopal Bishop of Illinois. The school included a theological seminary, a college, a classical preparatory school for boys, a seminary for girls, and some small farming operations. Now, visitors can tour the school, which has been partially restored to its 19th century state. In particular, visitors are offered a guided tour of the recreated chapel/schoolroom/dormitory wing and the recreated library and schoolmaster's office.

The site is part of the greater Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (IHPA) website, and so only offers minimal visitor information regarding Jubilee College, but does offer links to the greater resources of the IHPA and other historic sites in Illinois, including Abraham Lincoln's presidential library.

Mill City Museum [MN]

Description

Mills City Museum chronicles the flour milling industry that fueled the growth of Minneapolis, and gave it the nickname that would be recognized around the nation as "Mill City." The museum is built within the ruins of a National Historic Landmark, the Washburn A Mill. "The story of flour milling — and its impact on Minneapolis, the nation and the world — comes to life through the eight-story Flour Tower and other hands-on exhibits."

The site offers visitor information, brief historical information, an event calendar, a museum shop, and information about the tours offered to local schools.

Portage County Historical Society [WI]

Description

The Portage County Historical Society was founded with the intention to preserve, advance, and disseminate the history of Portage County, Wisconsin. To this end, "the Society currently operates four museums, maintains a large archives housed at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point's Archive Center, is developing its own research center, and maintains the Malcolm Rosholt Online Archives on this website to disseminate knowledge of the history of Portage County, Wisconsin." The museums are the Heritage Park, a historic park that gives visitors a glimpse of early frontier life, the Beth Israel Synagogue, which chronicles the history of Portage County's Jewish community, the Rising Star Mill, which gives visitors a tour of turn of the century industry, and Fire Station #2, which was scheduled to open in 2008 and contains a collection of vintage firefighting equipment.

The site offers historical and visitor information regarding all four museums, full archival access, a photo gallery section which has 10 photo galleries currently, three videos, and order information for society publications.

Griffith Historical Park & Museum [IN]

Description

The Griffith Historical Society, founded in 1983, was empowered by a Griffith Town Council resolution to preserve the history of the town of Griffith. At that time, ownership and operation of the Depot Museum was given to the Society by joint action of the Council and the Community Spirit Organization. In 1994, the Society purchased the land adjacent to the Depot to create an Historical Park in tribute to Griffith's railroading past. The Griffith Historical Park was formally dedicated in May, 1995. The Park and Museum are open on the first Sunday in June till the last Sunday in August from 2-4pm and throughout the year for special tours.

The site offers visitor information, brief historical information, and an events calendar.

Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site [IN]

Description

"In 1867, William S. Culbertson spent about $120,000 to build his grand home in New Albany. Visitors to the Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site will learn more about the life and times of this successful businessman and philanthropist." The mansion has been restored to its state shortly after it was built, and offers visitors a portal to this beautiful time period as well as to the Culbertson family.

The site offers basic visitor information and event information. Also, since the site is part of the Indiana State Museum website, it offers links and information about all other Indiana State Museums and historic sites.

Newark Earthworks [OH]

Description

he Newark Earthworks were the largest set of geometric earthen enclosures in the world. Built by prehistoric Hopewell people between 100 BC and AD 500, this architectural wonder of ancient America was part cathedral, part cemetery, and part astronomical observatory.

Originally covering more than four square miles, today only three major segments are preserved: Great Circle Earthworks, (formerly known as Moundbuilders State Memorial), Octagon Earthworks, and Wright Earthworks.
Maintained by the Ohio Historical Society since the 1930s, these sites are the best preserved examples of the monumental geometric earthworks of the Hopewell culture. The surviving parts of the Newark Earthworks are recognized as a National Historic Landmark. In 2006, the State of Ohio designated the Newark Earthworks as "the official prehistoric monument of the state."

Learn more about the Newark Earthworks by visiting the Great Circle Museum. Visitors are invited to watch an interactive video explaining the significance of the site and tour a 1,000-square-foot exhibit that includes a timeline of Ohio's ancient cultures and an explanation of why American Indians regard the Newark Earthworks as a sacred site. The exhibit also details how the earthworks align with the rising and setting of the moon. Following the museum tour, visitors can take self-guided tours of the grounds during daylight hours.