Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site [NY]

Description

While at the location of the Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site, George Washington determined that the United States should not be a monarchy; developed the Badge of Military Merit; and foiled the Newburgh conspiracy, which would have given the military great control over the future U.S. government.

The site offers exhibits, guided tours, and educational programs. Reservations are required for school and group tours.

Berkeley County Historical Society [WV]

Description

The Berkeley County Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of Berkeley County, West Virginia, founded 1722. To this end, the society operates a museum within the Belle Boyd House. The residence was the childhood home of Belle Boyd (1844-1900), Confederate spy and femme fatale actress. Exhibits topics include the Civil War in the Lower Shenandoah Valley, Belle Boyd, county history, 1860 through 1920 dress, Abraham Lincoln, World War II, the Spanish American War, the Revolutionary War, African American history, and baseball player Hack Wilson. The grounds include an herb garden and a rose garden.

The society offers a 51-minute film, exhibits, gardens, archival access, and research assistance. A fee is charged for research requests.

Ships of the Sea Museum [GA]

Description

The Ships of the Sea Museum presents the history of 18th- and 19th-century Atlantic maritime trade and travel between England and America. The museum is located within the 1819 Greek Revival Scarbrough House, historic home of the president of the Savannah Steamship Company. Exhibits topics include vessel models, maritime art, steamships, scrimshaw, the Civil War, and shipbuilding. The garden design is based on 19th-century parlor gardens. The gardens include Savannah's historic official federal weather station.

The museum offers exhibits, gardens, educational programs for students, and Scout activities.

Savannah History Museum [GA]

Description

The Savannah History Museum presents the history of Savannah, Georgia, from its founding in 1733 to present day. Exhibit topics include the Revolutionary War Battle of Savannah, women's costume of the 19th and 20th centuries, 19th-century dugout canoes, railway history, weaponry, and military uniforms. Collections consist of more than 10,000 artifacts. The museum is located in the Central of Georgia Railway passenger shed, completed in the 1860s.

The museum offers an 18-minute introductory film, exhibits, self-guided student tours, visit and meal packages, and a cafe.

Spokane Sea Services Museum [WA]

Description

The Spokane Sea Services Museum chronicles the history of the USS Spokane, a Jeneau-class cruiser that made its maiden voyage in 1945 at the tail end of World War II. The museum hosts an impressive collection of USS Spokane artifacts an memorabilia.

The museum offers exhibits and guided tours. The website offers basic visitor information regarding the museum, a brief history of the ship, and a photo gallery of the ship.

Steuben House [NJ]

Description

Built in 1752 by merchant Jan Zabriskie, the Steuben House witnessed the crossing of George Washington and the garrison of Fort Lee across the Hackensack River during their infamous November 1776 retreat. Because of this strategic position on the banks of the river at the New Bridge, the Steuben House survived throughout the American Revolution and was used by both Colonial and British soldiers. The confiscated mansion once served as a military headquarters for General Washington and was later presented to Major General Baron von Steuben as thanks for his efforts during the War for Independence.

The house offers tours and educational programs.

Whitestone Hill Battlefield State Historic Site [ND]

Description

Whitestone Hill Battlefield State Historic Site marks the scene of the fiercest clash between Indians and white soldiers in North Dakota. On September 3, 1863, General Alfred Sully's troops attacked a tipi camp of Yanktonai, some Dakota, Hunkpapa Lakota, and Blackfeet (Sihasapa Lakota), as part of a military mission to punish participants of the Dakota Conflict of 1862. In the ensuing battle, many Indian men, women, and children died or were captured. Military casualties were comparatively light. The Indians also suffered the destruction of virtually all of t heir property, leaving them nearly destitute for the coming winter. Today, Whitestone Battlefield State Historic Site includes a portion of the battlefield and a small museum with exhibits explaining the 1863 Sibley and Sully expeditions and the Battle of Whitestone Hill. There are two monuments, one honoring the Indian dead and a second commemorating the soldiers who died in the battle. A marker also recognizes two early settlers, Tom and Mary Shimmin.

The site offers exhibits and occasional recreational and educational events.

Newport Artillery Museum [RI]

Description

The Artillery Company of Newport operates a military museum in its Armory. The Museum houses one of the country's most extensive collections of military uniforms and memorabilia, including uniforms worn by His Royal Highness Prince Phillip; Lord Louis Mountbatten; Field Marshal Sir Bernard Montgomery of Alamein; President Anwar Sadat of Egypt; Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz; Generals of the Army Dwight Eisenhower and Mark Clark; Generals William Westmoreland, Creighton Abrams, and Alexander Haig; and Secretary of State Colin Powell, as well as other American commanders. The Museum collection also includes four bronze cannon cast by Paul Revere in 1798 for the State of Rhode Island, three Civil War artillery pieces, a letter written to the men of the Artillery Company in 1794 by George Washington, and a Gilbert Stuart portrait of Washington, as well as numerous artifacts of particular significance to the history of the State of Rhode Island and the Artillery Company of Newport.

The museum offers exhibits.

Oriskany Battlefield State Historic Site [NY]

Description

The Battle of Oriskany, fought in 1777, was one of the bloodiest battles of the Revolutionary War and a battle that many considered to be a turning point in the war. The battle itself is considered an American victory, primarily because the American forces were able to drive off the Indians supporting the British troops.

The state historic site offers a memorial to the battle, ranger-led programs, and self-guided tours. The website offers visitor information and a brief history of the site.

Fort Walla Walla Museum [WA]

Description

The Fort Walla Walla Museum chronicles the early history of the town of Walla Walla, WA, and the Fort Walla Walla military site. The museum is comprised of four exhibit halls and 17 pioneer buildings. The museum also maintains the original military cemetery adjacent to the park's entrance.

The museum offers living history presentations, exhibits, guided tours, field trip programs, summer camps, and research resources. The website offers visitor information and a listing of upcoming events.