Friends of the James Farm and Museum [MO]

Description

Until 1978, the James farm was owned by the descendents of Frank and Jesse James. Today, a museum has been added to the site, displaying Jesse James and James family artifacts including three of Jesse's guns; the boots he was wearing when he was killed; and the family Bible, with inscriptions written in Zerelda's own hand. The farm and house look much as they did when Zerelda was giving the tours and is fully furnished with items that belonged to the James and Samuel families.

The museum and farm offer exhibits, tours, and research library access.

Ripon Historical Society and Museum

Description

The Society owns two Ripon houses, including one with a barn. The older of the two is the Pedrick-Lawson House which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its unusual grout-block construction. Built in the 1850s, it is partially restored as it might have looked during the Civil War era. The barn is used for storage and exhibits including farm tools and equipment. A Victorian garden with markers identifying its various plants and flowers has been developed on the property. The newer of the two houses, the Pickard House, was built during the 1870s and has been remodeled and furnished to resemble a modest middle-class home in the early part of the 20th century. It contains the Society's archives, library, meeting room, and museum for both permanent and temporary exhibits. The museum collection includes Victorian and early-20th-century furniture and furnishings, men's and women's clothing, quilts and coverlets, tools and equipment for various trades and occupations, dishes and glassware, and works of art by Ripon artists. Special collections of such items as local business and professional records and artifacts, wedding dresses, children's toys, games and dolls, and war memorabilia are featured in our permanent and changing exhibits.

The houses offers exhibits and tours; the society offers research library access and educational and recreational programs.

Tri Cities Historical Museum

Description

The Museum is located in two separate buildings with historic connections to the area. Since 1972 it has occupied the former 1870 Grand Trunk Railroad Depot. On July 1 of 2004 it opened the doors to its second site housed in the 1871 Akeley Building. Exhibits at both sites explore the people, places, and things that have played key roles in the history of Northwest Ottawa County.

The museum offers exhibits, tours, lectures, film screenings, and educational and recreational programs.

Beloit Historical Society, Hanchett-Bartlett Homestead, and Lincoln Center [WI]

Description

The Society operates two sites, the Hanchett-Bartlett Homestead and Lincoln Center. Lincoln Center is the home of the Robert and Elizabeth Solem Museum. Located on the site of the former Lincoln Junior High School, the Center's museum offers visitors exhibit areas which focus on a variety of local historical themes. The exhibit areas include the Beloit Gallery, Arthur Missner Veterans Gallery and Memorial, the Ted Perring Sports Hall of Fame, and the Beloit Hall of Fame. The Center also houses the Beloit Historical Society's offices, archives, community room, collection storage rooms, and the Luebke Family Memorial Library. The 1857 Hanchett-Bartlett Homestead houses period artifacts.

The sites offer exhibits, research library access, tours, and occasional educational and recreational events.

Fort Hays State Historic Site [KS]

Description

Generals George A. Custer, Nelson Miles and Philip Sheridan, Major Reno, William "Buffalo Bill" Cody and James B. "Wild Bill" Hickok are part of the history of this outpost on a military trail. Established in 1865 in the land of the Cheyenne and Arapaho, Fort Hays protected railroad workers and travelers on the Smoky Hill Trail. Visitors can see the military items and photographs at the visitor center, as well as the original 1867 blockhouse, furnished officers' quarters, the original 1872 guardhouse, and Native American artifacts.

The site offers exhibits, tours, and educational and recreational programs.

Rock Island County Historical Society and Atkinson-Peek House Museum

Description

The Rock Island County Historical Society is a non-profit organization founded in 1905 by a group of community leaders dedicated to preserving the history of Rock Island County. Its facilities are located in an 1870s home and adjoining research archival library in an historic district of Moline, Illinois. The Atkinson-Peek House Museum contains period furniture dating back to the early 1900s and is designated as a Moline historical site. The third floor room contains exhibits of a doctor's office and a dentist's office.

The society's research library features a collection of books, photographs, family histories, and maps detailing the history of the county. The library has educational and recreational programs; the museum offers tours and exhibits.