Woolwich Historical Society and Museum [ME]

Description

The Woolwich Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of Woolwich, Maine. To this end, the society operates a local history museum. The museum is located within an 1810 barn, and contains artifacts from the late 18th through early 20th centuries. Collections include archaeological findings, Native American artifacts, maritime paintings and photographs, quilts, sewing artifacts, an early 19th-century loom, domestic devices, decorative arts, and farming tools. Exhibit topics include ice harvesting.

The society offers exhibits. Tours of the 1757 Meeting House can be arranged upon request. The museum is open in July and August. However, it can be made available throughout the year.

Sotterley Foundation and Plantation [MD]

Description

The Sotterley Plantation, built in 1703, is one of the oldest examples of colonial architecture in Maryland's Tidewater region. The plantation was built by James Bowles, a wealthy British tobacco merchant and later owned by the Plater family, which included Maryland's sixth governor, George Plater III. The plantation was favored by George Washington and may have served as a model for his home, Mount Vernon. The site also includes a slave cabin, gardens, and several 18th-century outbuildings.

School groups may take the standard plantation tour (mansion and gardens), a specialized tour with a more personal feel, or a self-guided tour. Groups may opt to dine on the portico after their tour. The site also offers a variety of educational programs for students of all ages, focusing on Maryland history, agriculture and daily life, and the environment.

Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park: Kawaiisu Native American Village [CA]

Description

Nestled atop a ridge in the Tehachapi Mountains, overlooking Sand Canyon to the east and the Tehachapi valley to the west, Tomo-Kahni, or "Winter Village," was the site of a Kawaiisu (Nuooah) Village. The location was likely chosen for its moderate temperature and plentiful resources. The Kawaiisu migrated from the Great Basin and made the Tehachapi their home for two to three thousand years. The Kawaiisu are noted for their finely woven baskets of intricate and colorful design.

The park offers exhibits and tours.

Ida County Historical Society [IA]

Description

The Ida County Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history of Ida County, IA, from its founding in 1856 through the present day. The society owns and operates two historic structures, the Moorehead House, the home of John Moorehead, the first Ida County Judge, and a one-room schoolhouse.

The society offers guided tours of its two properties. The website offers a brief history of Ida County as well as visitor information.

Oklahoma Historical Society and Museum [OK]

Description

The Oklahoma Historical Society was first founded in 1893, and since has grown into one of the nation's premier state historical societies. Today, the society owns and operates 26 separate historic sites, including museums, memorials, and military history sites. The society also runs the Oklahoma History Center, a brand new museum and research facility located in downtown Oklahoma City.

The society offers guided tours of its historic sites, galleries and exhibits in the center, field trip programs, outreach programs, and special events. The website offers an events calendar, limited access to the society's research resources, visitor information, teacher resources including lesson plans and curriculum guides, and a brief history of the society.

Missouri History Museum [MO]

Description

The Missouri History Museum chronicles the history of the state of Missouri from prehistoric times up to the present day. The museum houses collections and exhibits on local Indian tribes and special events and places in Missouri.

The museum offers field trip programs, guided tours, exhibits, a library and research center, special events, and school outreach programs such as "History in a Box" and interpretive presentations. The website offers visitor information, online exhibits, library access, and an events calendar.

La Purísima Mission State Historic Park [CA]

Description

Misión la Purísima Concepción de María Santísima (Mission of the Immaculate Conception of Most Holy Mary) was founded by Father Presidente Fermin de Lasuén on December 8, 1787. It was the 11th of 21 Franciscan Missions established in Alta California. A major earthquake on December 21, 1812, destroyed many of the mission buildings. Father Mariano Payeras received permission to relocate the mission community four miles to the northeast in La Cañada de los Berros, next to El Camino Real. La Purísima Mission was officially established in its new location on April 23, 1813. Materials salvaged from the buildings destroyed by the earthquake were used to construct the new buildings, which were completed within 10 years. The end of the California missions came in 1834, when the Mexican government, which had gained independence from Spain, transferred control of the missions from the Catholic Church to civil authorities. Today, La Purísima Mission State Historic Park is considered the most completely restored mission in California, with 10 of the original buildings fully restored and furnished, including the church, shops, quarters, and blacksmith shop. The mission gardens and livestock represent what would have been found at the mission during the 1820s. Special living history events are scheduled throughout the year. A visitor center features information, displays, and artifacts; and a self-guided tour gives visitors the opportunity to step back in time for a glimpse of a brief, turbulent period in California's history.

The site offers exhibits, tours, living history events, educational programs, and occasional other educational and recreational events.

Osage County Historical Society, Hawley Genealogical Research Center, and Museum [KS]

Description

The Osage County Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of Osage County, Kansas. To this end, the society operates a museum of local history. Topics addressed include business, farming, railways, coal mining, and family life. The area's ethnic heritage includes African Americans and English, Welsh, Swedish, French, Irish, German, and Italian immigrants.

The museum offers exhibits. The research center offers access to official Orange County records, as well as research assistance. Payment is required for research assistance.

Phelps Historical Society and Museum [NY]

Description

The Phelps Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of Phelps, New York. To this end, the society operates a museum and the circa 1835 Country Lawyer's Office. The museum is located within the 1869 Second Empire-style Howe House, and presents exhibits on historical households and farming life.

The society offers exhibits, customizable group programs, and access to the Country Lawyer's Office. The law office is open by appointment only.