Mille Lacs Indian Museum [MN]

Description

The Mille Lacs Indian Musuem is dedicated to showcasing the history and heritage of the Millie Lacs Band of the Ojibwe American Indians. The museum houses numerous exhibits tracing the Band's journey to settle in Northern Minnesota, telling the story of their existence during American westward expansion, and showcasing the lives and culture of the Band today. The museum also hosts a spacious crafts room which serves as a demonstration area for traditional cooking, basketry, and beadwork.

The site offers visitor information, an events calendar, and several photographs of the museum and museum "trading post."

Alexander Dickson House/Orange Co. Visitors Center [NC]

Description

The Alexander Dickson House and Orange Co. Visitors Center are both owned and operated by the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough. The Alliance is made up of seven members, and is dedicated to preserving the local history. The visitors center operates out of the Dickson House, and gives visitors a taste of historic Hillsborough. In addition, the location functions as a historic house museum, featuring an office used by Confederate General Johnston.

The site offers very basic visitor and historic information regarding the home. In addition, the site offers all of the resources of the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough, including a virtual walking tour and information about educational programs offered by the alliance.

Delta County Historical Society [MI]

Description

Founded in 1948, the objective of the Delta County Historical Society was to collect and preserve local historical materials and artifacts, and then present them to the public to increase awareness of the area's history. Today, the Delta County Historical Society owns and operates a museum, historical archives, and the Sand Point Lighthouse. Visitors and locals alike are welcome to enjoy the society's resources and museums.

The site offers an event calendar, visitor information for the Lighthouse, Archives and Museum, links to local organizations and hotels, an events calendar.

Pony Express National Museum [MO]

Description

On April 3, 1860, a lone rider left on horseback from the gates of one of the nation's now-historic landmarks, the Pikes Peak Stables in St. Joseph, MO. Carrying saddlebags filled with the nation's hopes and dreams, the riders traveled 2,000 miles west to Sacramento, CA. These brave young souls raced against nature's cruel elements and rugged terrain in an attempt to unite a country separated by distance. Today, the stables continue to stand as a tribute to the legend and legacy of the Pony Express and its enduring era. The Museum invites visitors to come and experience the many exciting, educational, state-of-the-art exhibits conveying the need, creation, operation, and termination of the Pony Express.

The museum offers exhibits, tours, and occasional recreational and educational events.

Totem Bight State Historical Park [AK]

Description

The park preserves 14 reconstructions of Native totem poles and a reconstruction of a community house or clanhouse. A house of this size could have housed 30 to 50 people. Although it is doubtful a clanhouse existed on this site (originally a fish camp), this design is representative of the type in many Indian villages built in the early 19th century.

The park is open to the public.

Mark Twain and the American Character, Part Two

Description

Professor David Foster analyzes Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, looking at what the novel, its characters, and the life of its author reveal about the "American character" and views of American ideals and life at the time of its writing.

This lecture continues from the lecture Mark Twain and the American Character, Part One.

For the lecture, follow the link below and scroll down to the second seminar under Wednesday, August 4.

An older version of this lecture can be found here.

Mark Twain and the American Character, Part One

Description

Professor David Foster analyzes Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, looking at what the novel, its characters, and the life of its author reveal about the "American character" and views of American ideals and life at the time of its writing.

For the lecture, follow the Website Title link and scroll down to the first seminar under Wednesday, August 4.

This lecture continues in Mark Twain and the American Character, Part Two.

An older version of this lecture can be found here.

Enon Community Historical Society and Log House [OH]

Description

The Enon Community Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of Enon and Mad River Township, OH. To this end, the society operates a log home, built prior to 1851. The home is furnished to depict early 19th-century life in rural Ohio. The collection highlight is a Wheeler Wilson sewing machine, dating to between 1850 and 1861.

The society offers log house tours and research library access. Tours are offered as special events and by appointment.

Ames Florida Stork House [MN]

Description

The Ames Florida Stork House, open to visitors throughout the year, chronicles the history of three of Rockford's most prominent families, beginning in the mid-1800s.

The house currently functions as a historic house museum, and offers visitor tours, collections of 19th- and 20th-century furnishings and textiles, and a vintage clothing collection. The website offers basic visitor information, a brief history of the home, and a virtual tour.

Conner Prairie Interactive History Park

Description

Conner Prairie brings Indiana history to life with the perfect mix of education, adventure and fun! The park offers an authentic look at the 1800s through engaging, hands-on experiences. These experiences cover a variety of K–12 Indiana academic standards including social studies, language arts, science and math. The park has hundreds of scenic acres and many historic buildings. The museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and is committed to multi-sensory learning. Also, Conner Prairie is a proud recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, awarded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. This award recognizes institutions for outstanding social, educational, environmental or economic contributions to their communities.

The site includes several historic areas that cover a variety of themes. In 1836 Prairietown, step back in time and interact with staff portraying residents of the town. At the Conner Homestead, tour the brick house William Conner built in 1823 and visit the Loom House to find out about textile processes. Also in the Conner Homestead are opportunities to meet farm animals and try a hand at dipping candles. In the Lenape Camp, find out about Lenape (Delaware) Indian history and culture while exploring a wigwam and a trading post. The 1859 Balloon Voyage exhibit presents the story of pioneer and aeronaut John Wise and his attempted flight from Lafayette to New York. For an additional fee and weather permitting, Conner Prairie offers a flight in a tethered, helium-filled balloon that can accommodate up to 25 people and rises to around 300 feet. Inside the Welcome Center, visit Science Lab for a look at science concepts and the history behind them.

Conner Prairie's newest experience, 1863 Civil War Journey: Raid on Indiana, immerses you in the story of Confederate General John Hunt Morgan's cavalry raid on Indiana. Using theatrical wizardry, including video, sound, staging and Conner Prairie interpreters dressed in authentic period costumes, guests are asked to enlist to defend their state from the raiders. How would you react to a call to arms? Become fully engaged in this pivotal moment in Indiana history.

In addition to general park touring, Conner Prairie offers special staff-led programs and seasonal programs. Also, from November through March, Conner Prairie offers outreach programs at schools and other community organizations. Advance reservations are required for all programs including school groups booking the general self-guided tour.

Some buildings in Prairietown and Lenape Camp are not wheelchair accessible. However, in the case of non-accessible buildings, staff can come outside to interact with those unable to enter their building. A map showing which buildings are accessible is available on the website.

For more details and information, see the Conner Prairie website.