Michigan Historic Preservation Network [MI]

Description

"The Michigan Historic Preservation Network is the largest membership organization in the state dedicated to recognizing and preserving Michigan's rich cultural and architectural heritage." The network is dedicated to the restoration of historic districts and structures across the state, and specifically focuses on the restoration of historic districts in small towns. The organization works with Michigan lawmakers to help pass legislation that favors "adaptive re-use" and works with individuals throughout the state to help pass Historic Preservation Easements in order to protect Michigan's past.

The site offers information on all Michigan Historic Preservation Network programs and offers resources and information for individuals interested in becoming active preservationists.

Fort Tejon State Historic Park [CA]

Description

Fort Tejon is located in the Grapevine Canyon, the main route between California's great central valley and Southern California. The fort was established to protect and control the Indians who were living on the Sebastian Indian Reservation, and to protect both the Indians and white settlers from raids by the Paiutes, Chemeheui, Mojave, and other Indian groups of the desert regions to the southeast. Fort Tejon was first garrisoned by the United States Army on August 10, 1854 and was abandoned ten years later on September 11, 1864. There are restored adobes from the original fort, and the park's museum features exhibits on army life and local history.

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

Elkhart County Parks and Recreation [IN]

Description

Elkhart County Parks and Recreation manages of 1,500 acres of parkland throughout Elkhart County perfect for fishing, hiking, or picnicking. In addition, Elkhart County Parks and Recreation owns and manages two sites that bring the history of Elkhart County to life, the Bonneyville Mill and the Elkhart County Historical Museum. Bonneyville Mill is the oldest operating mill in Indiana and visitors can view over 20,000 artifacts reflecting Elkhart County's history at the museum. Finally, Elkhart County Parks and Recreation offer a huge variety of both historical and environmental educational programs. Elkhart County Parks and Recreation will travel to local schools in order to present the programs.

The site offers visitor information for all parks and the museum, an events calendar, and detailed and specific information regarding all of the educational programs offered.

Appanoose County Historical & Coal Mining Museum [IA]

Description

The Appanoose County Historical & Coal Mining Museum is located in the old post office in Centerville, Iowa. The museum features a variety of exhibits, including exhibits on coal mining, pioneer life, local businesses, the mormon trail, and the local American Indian population. The museum is open to the public every Sunday during the summer months and by appointment.

The site offers visitor information, very brief information on the exhibits, and an events calendar.

Louisiana State Fire Museum [LA]

Description

The Louisiana State Fire Museum is housed in the David Crocket Fire Hall. Built in 1859, the fire hall is the home of the David Crockett Volunteer Fire Company which was organized in 1841 and today is the oldest continually operating volunteer fire company in the United States. The museum has two floors of exhibits which showcase items of historical valley to the David Crockett Fire Company and the history of firefighting.

The site is part of the greater Gretna Historical Society website, and so offers information about all of the museums and historic homes owned and operated by the society.

Union Fire Company No. 1 Museum [PA]

Description

The Union Fire Company No. 1 boasts a proud history of over 215 years, and continues to serve the Carlisle, PA area today. The Fire Company maintains a museum located in part of its old station, which was built in the late 19th century. The museum encompasses two floors and contains artifacts dating back to the founding of the Company in 1789. Visitors can enjoy an impressive collection of firefighting artifacts ranging from vintage firefighting equipment to patches and photos chronicling the history of the company.

The site offers visitor information, five photo galleries, brief historical information, and an online store.

Connecticut Historical Society [CT]

Description

Established in in 1825, the Connecticut Historical Society is one of the oldest historical societies in the nation and today runs a museum, library, and education center. The museum hosts an impressive collection of Connecticut historical artifacts, including 242,000 photographs and 38,000 objects. The library is similarly extensive, and also has one of the finest genealogical collections in the nation. The education center holds a variety of events, including museum tours and programs, outreach programs, online resources, and professional development for educators.

The site offers library access, information on all educational programs offered by the society, visitor information, an events calendar, exhibits information, eight online exhibits, and resources for genealogical researchers.

Penfield Museum [NY]

Description

Penfield Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of the Ironworking industry in upstate New York, and more specifically the Town of Crown Point, New York. The town is now known as the "Birthplace of the Electric Age," since it was the first place where electricity was applied in an industrial use. In addition, the museum also chronicles Crown Point's involvement in the Civil War, both in terms of soldiers and iron provided by the town.

The site offers visitor information, a small 6-photo photograph gallery, brief historical information, and an online gift shop.

Johnson Hall State Historic Site [NY]

Description

William Johnson was the primary landholder and most influential individual living in the Mohawk Valley in the mid 18th century. He is known for his genius in dealing and trading with the local indians and for helping England gain control of North America. The home is a classic Georgian home made with wood that was designed to appear as stone. Visitors can enjoy the home and its grounds, which have been restored to their state in the 18th century.

The site offers visitor and historical information regarding the home. In addition, the site is part of the New York State Parks official website, and thus offers links to information about all New York State Historic Sites.

Rock Island Lighthouse Historical & Memorial Association [NY]

Description

The Rock Island Lighthouse is located in the Thousand Islands about 4.5 miles north of Clayton off of Fisher's Landing. The lighthouse was originally commissioned in 1847 and is one of six lighthouses that serve the St. Lawrence River. Today, the lighthouse and island are maintained by the NY State Office of Parks and Recreation. The island is only accessible by boat, but is available for touring and picknicking. The association is founded with the intention of preserving the history and genealogy of the lighthouse keepers, documenting the history of the lighthouse, facilitating visits to the lighthouse, and working with the New York State Office of Parks and Recreation in order to aid in the preservation of the lighthouse.

The site offers visitor information, historical and genealogical information regarding the lighthouse keepers, links to outside resources - mainly journal and press articles, a virtual tour, and an extensive photo gallery.