The Henry Sheldon Museum of VT History [VT]

Description

Founded in 1882, the Henry Sheldon Museum of History is the oldest chartered history museum in the United States. The museum is broken into three parts. The Judd-Harris house serves as a historic house museum, and has been restored to its state in the mid 19th century. The house features a variety of artifacts depicting small town life. The Stewart-Swift research center houses one of the state's premier archival collections, which focuses on the Middlebury area and the state of Vermont. Finally, the Walter Cerf gallery hosts the museum's exhibits, which change throughout the year.

The site offers information on the Judd-Harris House, a search function for the research center, information about the current exhibit up in the Walter Cerf gallery, an events calendar, information on the educational programs offered by the museum and the educational kits available for rental by instructors, and information on other area attractions.

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park [AZ]

Description

The Riordan Mansion was built in 1904 for two Riordan families. The mansion is a remarkable example of the Arts and Crafts style of architecture. The house features a rustic exterior of log-slab siding, volcanic stone arches, and hand split wooden shingles. The house has 40 rooms, over 13,000 square feet of living area, and a servant's quarters. The Riordan Mansion was designed by the creator of the Grand Canyon's El Tovar Hotel, Charles Whittlesey. Guided tours of the mansion are offered daily.

The site offers an events calendar, a brief history of the Riordan Mansion, information on children's programs, a photo-gallery featuring 16 photographs of the mansion and its surrounding grounds, and a feature story highlighting one aspect of the park.

Old Saybrook Historical Society [CT]

Description

Founded in 1958, Old Saybrook Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to investigating, preserving, and maintaining collections in the archaeology, art, furniture, genealogy, and historical records of the town of Old Saybrook. In addition, the society works to encourage the preservation of historic sites and the appreciation of the history of Old Saybrook. The society seeks to increase the appreciation of the history of Old Saybrook through exhibits, videos, tours, and lectures.

The site offers information about current exhibits, the archives, educational programs, and research services offered by the society.

Adirondack Museum [NY]

Description

In 1948, the Adirondack Historical Society was founded by two men who lived and vacationed in Blue Mountain Lake, located in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. Five years later, they purchased the Blue Mountain House, which would play host to the Adirondack Museum. Now, the Adirondack Museum is "renowned for the breadth of its collections that include historic artifacts, photographs, archival materials, and fine art documenting the Adirondack region's past," and features 22 exhibit spaces and galleries. In addition, the museum features a research library, publications program, and an educational department that puts on a variety of special events.

The site offers library access, visitor information, information about all of the exhibits currently on display, one online exhibit, and an events calendar.

Denton County African American Museum [TX]

Description

The Denton County African American Museum is dedicated towards preserving and presenting the history of African Americans in Denton County, Texas. The museum is open to the public and charges a $1 admissions fee. The museum also hosts a variety of special events including historical speakers.

The website contains only very basic visitor information and minimal information regarding upcoming events. The site is also part of the Denton County government website. Thus, visitors to the site can access information on all government projects. In order to contact the museum, use the links on the right side of the webpage.

Delaware County Historical Association [NY]

Description

The Delaware County Historical Association (DCHA) was founded in 1945 to preserve and present the rich history of Delaware County. In the early 1960s, the Association purchased property, originally settled by Gideon Frisbee. Today, DCHA is home to seven historic buildings including the 1797 Frisbee House (pictured above, photo by Barbara Onasch) and barn, blacksmith shop, nineteenth-century gun shop, school house, turnpike tollgate house, Christian Church at Fitch's Bridge a well as two exhibit galleries, research library and archives, gift/book shop, nature trail and much more. In addition, DCHA offers educational programs where the society will travel to a school and present a program.

The site offers general information about the association, a virtual tour with pictures of all of the DCHA buildings, an events calendar, information about the educational sessions offered by DCHA, and a listing of books about Delaware County.

Grapevine Heritage Foundation [TX]

Description

The Grapevine Heritage Foundation is dedicated towards the preservation of the history and historical structures of the town of Grapevine, Texas. To this end, the foundation has acquired a number of buildings in the last fifteen years. In 1991, Grapevine Heritage Foundation saved the Palace Theater, a classic Art Modern building. In addition, the Foundation owns the Thomas Jefferson Nash Farmstead and the Buckner Cash Grocery Store.

The site is actually part of the larger Grapevine Convention and Visitor's Bureau website. Thus, it offers information about upcoming events in the town of Grapevine, information for visitors including information on local hotels, and a small about section regarding the Foundation.

Old Fort Harrod State Park [KY]

Description

Fort Harrod State Park is located in central Kentucky. The Park seeks to preserve Kentucky's pioneer history, and has reconstructed the fort close to the site of the original fort. Today, the reconstructed fort serves as a living history site, complete with interpreters in correct period clothing show visitors how pioneer tasks such as woodworking, weaving, broom making, and blacksmithing were performed. In addition, the site served as the location of the marriage of Abraham Lincoln's parents in 1806. Finally, the park features a museum which houses Civil War artifacts, a gun display, Native American artifacts and a collection of Lincoln memorabilia.

The site offers general information about the park intended for visitors, including an events guide, park maps, and a small photo gallery featuring 16 photographs of the park and the fort.

Jarrot Mansion State Historic Site [IL]

Description

Nicholas Jarrot was a French born entrepreneur and land speculator who also served as a local judge and militia officer. Jarrot began construction of his mansion in 1807, and was one of the earliest buildings built with brick in the state of Illinois. In addition, the home is notable for its use of the American Federal architecture style, not the more common French Colonial style prevalent in the midwest during the time period. Currently, the house is under restoration and is only opened periodically to the public for special events.

The site provides visitors with historical information regarding the house, current information on the restoration projects, a photo gallery featuring nine historical and present photographs of the mansion, a calendar of events, and links to local historical sites and organizations.

Fenton Historical Society [MI]

Description

The Fenton Historical Society is one of the oldest historical societies in the United States. Founded in 1936, the society has worked since then to promote and showcase the history of Fenton through a variety of ways. The society maintains the Fenton Historical Museum, as well as an extensive library that chronicles the local history. In addition, the society is the main genealogical research center in Fenton.

The site offers library access, information for researchers, a fairly extensive history of the the founding of Fenton and early Fenton, a photo gallery with seven photographs of historical people and structures in Fenton, and archives of the newsletter put out by the society. As of Jan 23, 2009, only four newsletter are up online, but the society is working on adding the rest of the newsletters.