Norman Rockwell Museum [MA]

Description

The Norman Rockwell Museum presents the life and work of U.S. artist Norman Rockwell (1894–1978), best known for his observant depictions of American life. The collections includes Rockwell's personal collection of 367 of his works of art—finished pieces and sketches; his materials, personal library, prints, and other contents of his studio; and over 100,000 archival objects. Visitors can visit Rockwell's studio in its original building. This site possess the largest Rockwell collection in the world.

The museum offers 25–minute gallery orientation talks; audio tours, including an option designed specifically for children; interactive curriculum-based tours; student hands-on experiences; advanced art tours; in-classroom presentations and activities; a period room; art activities; a reading of Norman Rockwell's children's book, Willie was Different; slide presentation packets for rental; baseball with the U.S. Military All-Stars; lectures and performances covering a wide variety of expressive forms and artists; professional development programs for educators; and a student lunch option. Reservations are required for group tours. The website offers a 7-minute introductory video, an online exhibit, an interactive timeline, and a resource packet with activities and lesson plans. The museum also maintains an Internet presence on Facebook.

Pilgrim Hall Museum [MA]

Description

The Pilgrim Hall Museum presents the possessions and history of the Pilgrims. Collection highlights include the only portrait featuring a Pilgrim to be painted from life, the Bible of William Bradford (1590-1657), and the sword of Myles Standish (c. 1584-1656). The museum also presents Wampanoag history and a wide variety of paintings depicting important historical U.S. events.

The museum offers exhibits, as well as guided tours for groups. Reservations are required for guided tours.

Webb Deane Stevens Museum [CT]

Description

The Webb Deane Stevens Museum is located in the heart of Connecticut's largest historic district, the town of Old Weathersfield. The museum consists of four historic homes, all of which were built prior to the Revolutionary War and three of which are National Historic Landmarks. The museum is also home to the museum school, which provides children from preschool to college-age with workshops and educational activities.

The museum offers tours, the museum school, and occasional special events including interpretive events and speakers. The website offers visitor information, a history of the homes, and a calendar of events.

Derby Historical Society [CT]

Description

The Derby Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the histories of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton, Connecticut. To this end, the society operates the General David Humphreys House. David Humphreys (1752-1818) was a personal friend of George Washington; and became the first U.S. ambassador, assigned to Portugal. The house has been furnished in the style of mid 18th century.

The society offers walking tours and an educational role-playing program designed for fifth graders, the Day in 1972 Program.

Captain Forbes House Museum [MA]

Description

The Captain Forbes House Museum presents the living quarters of Captain Robert Bennet Forbes (1804-1889), one of the major players in increasing U.S. maritime trade with China circa 1830. In addition to his status as merchant and ship owner, Forbes was also involved in philanthropy, art, and design. The structure itself dates to 1833 and is in the Greek Revival style. Collections include Chinese silver, paintings, furniture, porcelain, and bronzes (which possess deeply embedded cultural significance within China).

The museum offers tours, lectures, educational programs, exhibits, storytelling, hands-on activities, and slide presentations.

Fraunces Tavern Museum [NY]

Description

The Fraunces Tavern Museum commemorates the historical use of the Fraunces tavern, originally built as a residence in 1719. After being remade into a tavern in 1762, the structure served as the early Departments of War, the Treasury, and Foreign Affairs, as well as the site of George Washington's 1783 farewell address to the officers of the Continental Army. The museum currently includes the original tavern and four 19th-century buildings. Exhibits include Revolutionary War topics; an 18th-century public dining room, site of Washington's farewell address; and the Clinton Room, named after New York's first governor of American citizenship, George Clinton. Collection highlights include one of George Washington's false teeth.

The museum offers period rooms, exhibits, educational programs on early American taverns and the Revolutionary War, and lectures.

Bourne Historical Society [MA]

Description

The Bourne Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of Bourne, Massachusetts. To this end, the society operates the Aptucxet Trading Post Museum. Originally built in 1627, the trading post was the site of the first private commercial enterprise to use wampum. Today it sits on a complex with the circa 1893 Gray Gables Railroad Station, built for U.S. President Grover Cleveland (in office 1893-1896); a replica salt works; a historic windmill; and an herb garden. The Jonathon Bourne Historical Center, located in an 1897 library, also offers local history exhibits.

The society offers exhibits, archival access, and an annual maritime lecture series.

New England Fire and History Museum [MA]

Description

The New England Fire and History Museum presents the history of firefighting on both regional and national levels. Collections include the world's last remaining 1929 Mercedes Benz firetruck, antique firefighting equipment, and a diorama of the Great Chicago Fire. The complex also boasts a blacksmith shop, herb and contemplation gardens, and a restored apothecary.

The museum offers exhibits, gardens, and blacksmithing demonstrations.

John Paul Jones House Museum [NH]

Description

The John Paul Jones House Museum structure was built as a residence in 1758. After the death of her husband, the owner of the home rented it out to gentlemen boarders. Revolutionary War hero John Paul Jones (1747-1792) stayed in the home on two separate occasions: while waiting for the Ranger to sail in 1777 and while awaiting the readiness of the U.S.S. America in 1781. The house collection includes period decorative arts, costume and wedding gowns, firearms, toys, and documents.

The museum offers period rooms, exhibits, and tours covering Jones' life.