Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site [AK]

Description

The Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site preserves the site at which nine African American students entered the Little Rock Central High School for the first time on September 23, 1957. Their right to do so, determined under the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka decision, proved a national symbol of the end of segregation in public schools. Despite the legality of the situation, desegregation was still highly inflammatory to many. The students had previously been turned away by the Arkansas State Guard before federal troops were deployed to escort them to and from the school.

The site offers interactive exhibits, captioned audio-visual programs, oral history listening stations, 30-minute guided group tours of the high school, gardens, Junior Ranger activities, Trail of Tears guided bicycle tours, student educational programs, teacher workshops for credit, school outreach presentations, and a traveling trunk. Tours of the school require two weeks advance notice, and groups must include 10 or more individuals. The high school is still in use. As a result, visitors may not tour the school without a guide. The website offers oral history videos, a pre-visit booklet, and lesson plans.

George Washington Birthplace National Monument [VA]

Description

Visit the house where George Washington, first President of the US and commander of the Continental Army, was born and spent his early years. The house burned in 1779 although its foundation survived. The home was rebuilt in the 1930's and now contains pieces from the Colonial era.

The site offers tours for school group as well as Virginia SOL-based educational programs (grades K-7). In addition to history education programs the site also offers environmental education programs on grounds. Outreach programs can be arranged during the winter months. Curriculum materials can be downloaded free of charge for teachers to use both before and after their visit.

John F. Kennedy National Historic Site [MA]

Description

The John F. Kennedy National Historic Site provides public access to the birthplace of John Fitzgerald Kennedy (1917-1963), 35th President of the United States. The home has been restored to its 1917 appearance by Kennedy's mother, Rose Kennedy. Kennedy is the nation's only Catholic President, and the only President to have been awarded a Pulitzer Prize. Events during his administration, cut short by his 1963 assassination, include the Cuban Missile Crisis, Bay of Pigs Invasion, Space Race, Civil Rights Movement, and the building of the Berlin Wall.

The site offers period rooms, 30-minute guided tours, self-guided audio tours, self-guided neighborhood tours, guided neighborhood walking tours, Junior Ranger activities, and teacher workshops. The audio tour consists of the words and memories of Kennedy's mother; and is available in English, French, German, Spanish, and Japanese. Reservations are required for guided neighborhood walking tours. The site is currently inaccessible by wheelchair.

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site [SD]

Description

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site presents the rise of the threat of nuclear war. The site includes the living quarters, security control center, and Launch Conrol Cener of Delta-01; and an actual Minute Man II training missle at Launch Facility Delta-09. Topics covered include the Cold War (1940s-1990s), national security, and nuclear missiles. Collections include more than 4500 artifacts.

The site offers a 10-minute introductory film; exhibits; guided tours ranging from 15 minutes to 90 minutes of Delta-01 and 09, Delta-01, or Delta-09; a self-guided self phone tour of Delta-09; outreach PowerPoint presentations; Junior Ranger activities; and distance learning programs. Reservations must be made two weeks in advance for class visits. The website offers historic photographs and lesson plans.

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park [TX]

Description

The Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park is located at Lyndon Johnson's final resting place on his beloved LBJ Ranch. The park chronicles the entire life of Johnson, starting with his ancestors and going through his presidency and life after presidency.

The park offers guided tours, traveling trunks, a traveling chuckwagon for a more in-depth experience, field trip programs, and frequent guest speakers. The website offers visitor information, information regarding all educational programs offered, a brief biography of Johnson, and a history of the park. In order to contact the website via email, use the "contact us" link located on the left side of the webpage.

William Howard Taft National Historic Site [OH]

Description

The William Howard Taft National Historic Site contains the house in which Taft (1857-1930), 27th President of the United States and 10th Chief Justice, was born and raised. Taft's term (1908-1912) is remembered for trust-busting, promotion of the 16th Amendment, and global economic development efforts. The first floor of the Greek Revival structure houses period rooms, while the second floor is devoted to exhibits. Topics include both Taft himself and his family.

The site offers guided tours of the William Howard Taft Birth Home, exhibits, period rooms, ranger-led field trips, and Junior Ranger activities. The website offers lesson plans.

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site [KY]

Description

The site focuses on Lincoln's life in Kentucky. The Birthplace Unit demonstrates his humble beginnings with a symbolic birth cabin enshrined within a neo-classic Memorial Building. The Boyhood Home Unit at Knob Creek Farm was home to Lincoln during his formative years. Events in Kentucky helped mold a young boy into the man who became the nation's 16th President.

The site offers a short film, exhibits, tours, educational programs, and occasional recreational and educational events (including living history events).

President's Park (White House) [DC]

Description

President's Park contains the White House, home to every U.S. president except George Washington, and the surrounding area. The park visitor center is the hub of the park activities. Permanent exhibits within the visitor center address symbolism, First Families, celebrations and ceremonies, the work which takes place in the White House, and the White House's architecture and interiors. In addition to the White House, the park contains the First Division Monument, General William T. Sherman Monument, District Patentees Memorial, Boy Scout Memorial, Second Division Memorial, Butt-Millet Fountain, Haupt Fountains, Bullfinch Gatehouses, and Zero Milestone, as well as memorial statues of select Revolutionary War heroes.

The park offers a 30-minute introductory video, exhibits, a children's activity area, Junior Ranger activities, self-guided White House tours, educational programs for students, and an Underground Railroad traveling trunk. White House tour requests must be submitted through one's Member of Congress, and can be requested up to six months in advance. Please see the website for details. Tours are only permitted for groups of 10 or more.

Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site [NY]

Description

Franklin D. Roosevelt loved Springwood and considered the estate home. The first U.S. Presidential Library was started by FDR here. Visitors to the Home of FDR and Presidential Library and Museum can learn about the only President elected to four terms.

The site offers short films, educational programs, exhibits, tours, and occasional recreational and educational events.

Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site [NY]

Description

Eleanor Roosevelt chose Val-Kill for her retreat, her office, her home, and her "laboratory" for social change during the prominent and influential period of her life from 1924 until her death in 1962. During that time she formulated and carried out her social and political beliefs. This is the place most closely associated with one of the most prominent women of 20th-century America.

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