Herbert Hoover National Historic Site [IA]

Description

The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site consists of the cottage in which Hoover was born; the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum; the graves of Hoover and his wife, Lou Henry Hoover; 81-acres of tallgrass prairie; and sites from the period in which Hoover lived in the area. Hoover (1874-1964), lived in West Branch for the first nine years of his life. An orphan, he would eventually become the 31st President of the United States. The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum has a separate listing within this database.

The site offers a 12-minute introductory film; exhibits on Hoover's childhood, life, and U.S. history; approximately 3-hour and 45-minute guided field trips; self-guided field trips; guided tours of the Birthplace Cottage, Blacksmith Shop, 1853 Schoolhouse, and the Friends Meeting House where Hoover's parents worshiped; self-guided tours; period rooms; blacksmithing demonstrations; 1.7 miles of trails; guided prairie walks; Junior Ranger activities; research library access; an educator program; and picnic shelters. Wheelchairs are available for use on site. Reservations are required for educational field trips. The website offers a virtual tour, pre-visit orientation video, pre- and post-visit activity suggestions, curriculum guides, a lesson plan, and activities for the prairie walk.

Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site [NY]

Description

The Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site contains an 18th-century stone church, a cemetery in use beginning 1704, and a portion of the Village Green on which the Election of 1773 took place. During this local election, Quakers were effectively barred from voting. The church itself served as a Revolutionary War hospital, following the 1776 Battle at Pell's Point. Topics addressed by the site include freedom of religion, freedom of the press, colonial life, and the events which led to the American Revolution.

The site offers exhibits, guided cemetery tours, guided church tours, and a 105-minute Revolutionary War program for students.

Roger Williams National Memorial [RI] Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 01/08/2008 - 13:38
Description

The Roger Williams National Memorial commemorates the life of Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island and champion of religious freedom. The memorial is located in downtown Providence, RI, and consists of a landscaped park along with a visitor center.

The memorial offers guided tours, ranger-led activities, exhibits, and a short film of Roger William's life. The website offers visitor information and a brief history of the memorial and of Roger Williams. In order to contact the memorial via email, use the "contact us" link located on the left side of the webpage.

Stealing God's Thunder: Benjamin Franklin's Lightning Rod Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 01/04/2008 - 14:03
Description

Author Philip Dray looks at Benjamin Franklin's work as a scientist, particularly his work with lightning and electricity. Dray examines opposition and detraction that Franklin faced based on religious grounds—objections that he was interfering with the weapons of God—and compares Franklin's struggles with these detractors to the American struggle to define itself after the Revolutionary War. His presentation includes slides.

Audio and video options are available.

Scam, Scandal, Murder, and Mayhem in Colonial Boston Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 01/04/2008 - 14:03
Description

COO of the New England Genealogical Society D. Brenton Simons explores the criminal history of colonial Boston. He examines such issues as murders and murderers, including a serial murderer; con men; and witch trials. His presentation includes slides.

Audio and video options are available.

Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 01/04/2008 - 14:03
Description

Professor Richard L. Bushman reviews the life and character of Joseph Smith, Mormon prophet and founder, and explores Smith's New England roots.

Audio and video options are available.