Armstrong Air and Space Museum [OH]

Description

Named in honor of Neil Armstrong, first person to set foot on the moon, this museum chronicles the history of spaceflight and Ohio's contributions to such endeavors. Among the items on display are a F5D Sky Lancer, the Gemini VIII spacecraft, Apollo 11 artifacts and a moon rock. In the museum's Astro-theater, multimedia presentations of the sights and sounds of space unfold against a starry background.

The museum offers exhibits, tours, and multimedia presentations for museum visitors. The museum also offers a variety of academic content standards-based educational programming. The programming is available for school groups, community organizations, and scout troops. Available after school during monthly sessions is the Young Astronaut Program designed for young children in grades 2-7 curious about space exploration and travel. For more information about YAP, please contact the museum.

Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois

Description

The Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois has been dedicated to preserving historic structures throughout the state of Illinois since 1971. Landmarks Illinois focuses on advocating succesfully for the preservation of historical structures across the state, and has been instrumental in both stalling efforts to demolish historic buildings as well as pushing for new legislation that favors preservation.

The site offers a wealth of information about preservation projects undertaken by the society, both past and present, as well as resources for users looking to aid in the preservation of structures important to them.

Arthurdale Heritage and New Deal Homestead Museum [WV]

Description

Visitors to Arthurdale, WV can revisit the 1930s. Established in 1933, by the United States government, Arthurdale is the nation's first New Deal Homestead Community. Created through President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal legislation, the community provided a new chance at life for residents of West Virginia who were suffering from the Great Depression. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt served as the empathetic force behind the community, which became known as "Eleanor’s Little Village" because of her interest. Today, Arthurdale is a National Historic District that features 160 of the 165 original homesteads. The New Deal Homestead Museum is a multi-building museum comprised of a forge filled with original tools, a service station reminiscent of a bygone era, the historic Center Hall, the original federal government administration building, and a fully restored Arthurdale homestead.

The museum offers exhibits, tours, and occasional recreational and educational events.

Northfield Historical Society and Middle School Museum [MN]

Description

The Society operates the Northfield School Museum, dedicated to preserving the history of the old Northfield Middle School building. This building opened its doors in 1911 as the Northfield Central High School. With the construction of the new middle school the last classes were held in the old school in 2004.

The society offers research library access and occasional educational and recreational events; the museum offers exhibits.

American Gothic House [IA]

Description

Although not open to the public, visitors are welcome to view the house from the outside as Grant Wood did in 1930 when he was inspired by its unusual Gothic window. Visitors can enjoy the collection of American Gothic parodies, an educational exhibit, and videos on Grant Wood's life.

A second website for the site can be found here.

The site offers short films, exhibits, and tours (of the visitor center, not the house itself).

Historical Society of Pottawattamie County and Historical Sites

Description

The Society owns and operates two historic sites. The 1885 Pottawattamie County Squirrel Cage Jail is one of 18 revolving ("squirrel cage," "human rotary," or "lazy Susan") jails built. The RailsWest History Center, housed in the 1899 Rock Island Depot, has displays of dining car silverware, a telegraph office, and memorabilia such as porters' uniforms and ticket stubs, as well as railcars and a model railroad.

The sites offer tours and exhibits; the society offers lectures and educational and recreational programs.

National Railroad Museum

Description

The National Railroad Museum, built in 1958, strives to introduce visitors to a chapter in American history that bought wealth and modernity to millions of Americans. The Museum looks beyond the simple technical history of rail to the cultural and economic changes it brought to America.

The site offers virtual tours, event and museum information, teacher resources, and an online gift shop.

Naper Settlement [IL]

Description

The Naper Settlement's living history museum tells the story of daily life in Naperville as it changed from a simple frontier outpost to a bustling turn-of-the-century community.

The settlement offers exhibits, tours, demonstrations, research library access, educational programs, and recreational and educational events (including living history events). The website offers information about the history of Naper settlement as well as current information for visitors.

Twinsburg Historical Society

Description

The Twinsburg Historical Society owns and operates three different historic buildings in Twinsburg, Ohio. The main building of the Twinsburg Historical Society contains many items from the last 100 years. It was originally known as the Twinsburg Institute. The Freeman Barn, property of the Twinsburg Historical Society, is located adjacent to the main building, the barn was built in 1870. The barn houses many of the farm implements of the past. Finally, the Riley House, built in 1853, is preserved and furnished with period furniture.

The site contains limited information about the society as well as event information and past press.