West Virginia Independence Hall

Description

The circa 1857 West Virginia Independence Hall once housed the federal offices of the Western District of Virginia. Political discussions and differences in ideology eventually led to West Virginia's separation from Virginia and 1863 entrance into the Union. The site has been furnished in period style. The hall's permanent exhibit addresses the process of gaining statehood in the historical context of the Civil War.

The hall offers an introductory film, period rooms, exhibits, self-guided tours, and group tours led by costumed interpreters. Reservations are required for group tours.

Wickersham State Historic Site [AK]

Description

The Wickersham State Historic Site preserves one of the residences, built in 1898, of James Wickersham (1857-1939). Wickersham served as a judge and Congressional delegate for Alaska; and is widely recognized as a key figure in Alaska's development. The home now presents period furnishings, artifacts, and photographs related to Wickersham and the Gold Rush.

The site offers exhibits.

Vermont State Historical Society and Museum

Description

The Vermont State Historical Society presents the history of the state of Vermont from the days of Abenaki dominance to circa 2000. To this end, the society operates a museum and a history and genealogy research library. The Vermont History Museum's permanent exhibit depicts change over time through a series of full-size period settings, interpreting the state motto, "Freedom and Unity." Collection highlights include the document which officially admitted Vermont to the Union and shoe buckles once worn by Ethan Allen (1738-1789), who helped capture Fort Ticonderoga in 1775.

The society offers exhibits, curriculum-based guided student tours with hands-on activities, curriculum-based student educational programs, traveling trunk rentals, a lending library for educators, in-service educator training, family workshops, and research library access. Students and members may use the library free of charge. The website offers virtual exhibits, transcriptions of select manuscripts and Civil War diaries and letters, historical photographs, and lesson plans.

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza [TX]

Description

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza presents information pertinent to the November 22, 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Evidence following the event pinpointed the sixth floor of the Texas Schoolbook Depository, now the site of the museum, as the location from which the bullets were fired. Exhibits address the investigation, national and world responses, the time period, the legacy of Kennedy and of the event, and Kennedy's trip to Texas. Collections include more than 35,000 artifacts and 600 oral history interviews.

The museum offers more than 45 minutes of documentary films, exhibits, self-guided tours, audio guides, educational programs for students, teacher workshops, and a research center. Appointments are necessary to utilize the research center, and reservations are required for all groups of 20 or more. The audio guides include news excerpts and the voices of reporters, police officers, and witnesses; and the audio guide is available in English, Japanese, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and a youth version. The museum also offers wheelchairs for use on site, and transcriptions of the audio guide content. The website offers a student gallery guide.

Macculloch Hall Historical Museum [NJ]

Description

The Macculloch Hall Historical Museum preserves the circa 1810 residence of George Macculloch, known as the father of the Morris Canal, his immediate family, and his descendants. Collections include 18th- and early 19th-century fine and decorative art pieces from England and the U.S., as well as works by major 19th-century political cartoonist Thomas Nast (1840-1902). Nast is responsible for the Republican elephant, Democratic donkey, and the prevailing U.S. visualization of Santa Claus. The grounds hold gardens, which have been restored to their 19th-century appearance.

The museum offers house tours, garden tours, and educational programs for students. School and group tours are by appointment only.

Stately Oaks Plantation [GA]

Description

The Stately Oaks Plantation bills itself as the inspiration for Margaret Mitchell's classic Gone with the Wind and it’s easy to see why. This 19th century Southern plantation home is complete with costumed interpreters, a country store, and Civil War artifacts.

Guided or MP3 tours are available for groups as well as educational tours especially for students. Educational program topics include Native Americans and the Civil War.

Tudor Place Historic House and Garden [DC]

Description

The 1816 neoclassical Tudor Place was built for Martha Custis Parker, Martha Washington's granddaughter, and her husband Thomas Peter. The site presents the governmental, business, and societal aspects of the Peters' lives, as well as the lives of their servants—both enslaved Africans and the English and Irish. Another interpretive focus is the development of Washington, DC, beginning in the 18th century. Collection highlights include 19th-century silver, porcelain, and more than 100 artifacts originally owned by George and Martha Washington. The five and a half acres of gardens largely retain their Federal era design.

The site offers period rooms, gardens, educational programs for students, a summer camp, guided house tours, and self-guided garden tours. Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to notify the staff of their visit in advance.