Fort Simcoe State Park

Description

The Park is a 200-acre, day-use heritage park in south central Washington on the Yakama Indian Nation Reservation. The park is primarily an interpretive effort, telling the story of mid-19th-century army life and providing insights into the lifeways of local Native American culture. Located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains in an old oak grove watered by natural springs, Fort Simcoe was an 1850s-era military installation established to keep peace between the settlers and the Indians. Due to its historic significance, the park was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in June, 1974. Before the fort era, the site was an Indian campground where many trails crossed. Five original buildings are still standing at the fort: the commander's house, three captain's houses and a blockhouse. Various other buildings have been recreated to appear original. Houses are filled with period furnishings.

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

Plimoth Plantation

Description

Plimoth Plantation, a bicultural museum, offers powerful personal encounters with history built on thorough research about the Wampanoag People and the Colonial English community in the 1600s. The Plantation's exhibits, programs, live interpreters, and historic settings encourage a new level of understanding about present-day issues affecting communities around the world. The Plantation is made up of several organized areas, including the Wampanoag Homesite, the Mayflower II, the 1627 English Village, the Crafts Center, and the Nye Barn.

The plantation offers exhibits, tours, living history demonstrations, workshops, lectures, and educational and recreational programs.

Amish Country Homestead

Description

The Homestead is the home of the fictional Old Order Amish family of Daniel and Lizzie Fisher. Inside the Homestead, visitors learn of Amish traditions and practices, including Sunday church services held in the home. They tour the nine rooms on the first and second floors and learn up close how the Fisher family lives from day to day.

The homestead offers the "experiential theater" film Jacob's Choice and tours.

Cracker Country [FL]

Description

Cracker Country, a rural Florida outdoor living history museum was established so that future generations might better understand and appreciate Florida's rural heritage. From the rustic cypress log corn crib to the grand old two-story Carlton house, Cracker Country features 13 original buildings dating from 1870—1912. These buildings were moved to their present location from throughout the state, then restored and furnished with antiques of the period.

The site offers exhibits, tours, and demonstrations.

Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park [FL]

Description

More than eight centuries ago, Native Americans inhabited the area around Lake Jackson. The park site was part of what is now known as the Southeastern Ceremonial Complex. Today, it encompasses six earthen temple mounds and one possible burial mound. The largest mound is 278 feet by 312 feet at the base and approximately 36 feet in height. Artifacts of pre-Columbian societies have been found here including copper breastplates, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, and cloaks. Visitors can enjoy a short hike past the remains of an 1800s grist mill or picnic on an open grassy area near the largest mound.

The park offers tours and exhibits.

El Camino Real International Heritage Center [NM]

Description

The newest State Monument tells the fascinating story of more than three centuries of trade and commerce that traversed the trail, linking Spain, Mexico, and the United States at a time when mules, trains, and horses were the only means of land travel. The award-winning building is set amidst the pristine Chihuahuan Desert north of the Jornada del Muerto and houses an exhibit that takes visitors on a virtual journey along the historic trail from Zacatecas, Mexico to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Visitors can discover the indigenous people encountered by the Spanish and the impact the arrival of the Spanish had on the formation of New Mexico. Remnants of the early journey remain today in hand-hewn carts, tools, leather water jugs, and religious altars and objects that accompanied the travelers into the northern territory. Visitors experience the journeys of Native Americans, Spaniards, and Mexicans; the military fort period; and the first Anglo settlers from the Eastern United States, through first-person stories and the art and objects they brought with them.

A second website, maintained by the El Camino Real International Heritage Center Foundation, can be found here.

The center offers exhibits, tours, educational programs, workshops, and occasional recreational and educational events.

New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum

Description

The Museum brings to life the 3,000-year history of farming and ranching in New Mexico. The main building contains more than 24,000-square-feet of exhibit space, along with catering space for meetings and events, a mercantile, and theater. Visitors can watch a cow being milked, stroll along corrals filled with livestock, enjoy several gardens, or watch one of a growing number of demonstrations.

The museum offers exhibits, tours, demonstrations, classes, lectures, and other educational and recreational events and programs.

Friends of the James Farm and Museum [MO]

Description

Until 1978, the James farm was owned by the descendents of Frank and Jesse James. Today, a museum has been added to the site, displaying Jesse James and James family artifacts including three of Jesse's guns; the boots he was wearing when he was killed; and the family Bible, with inscriptions written in Zerelda's own hand. The farm and house look much as they did when Zerelda was giving the tours and is fully furnished with items that belonged to the James and Samuel families.

The museum and farm offer exhibits, tours, and research library access.

Chattanooga African American Museum [TN]

Description

The Museum operates as a source of curricula, historical references, creative works, and media about the African-American experience. The Museum maintains a collection of multimedia presentations, rare artifacts, African art, original sculptures, paintings, musical recordings, and local Black newspapers. Visitors can explore the history of Africans in Chattanooga, a region where most Africans were bought to be personal servants or laborers, rather than field hands.

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