Double Trouble State Park and Historic Village [NJ]

Description

Originally a cranberry farm and packing plant, the former company town called Double Trouble is a window into past and current industries in the Pinelands. The Double Trouble Company was formed to sell timber, millwork products, and cranberries. A succession of sawmills has been on site since the mid-1700s. The village consists of cranberry bogs and 14 original historic structures dating from the late 19th century through the early 20th century including a general store, a schoolhouse and cottages.

The site offers tours.

Lighthouse Field State Beach and Santa Cruz Surfing Museum [CA]

Description

Also known as Point Santa Cruz, this beach forms the northern boundary of Monterey Bay. It is one of the last open headlands in any California urban area. Housed in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum traces over 100 years of surfing history as it relates to Santa Cruz. Visitors to the museum can enjoy a spectacular view of Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay while overlooking Steamer Lane, an internationally known surfing site. Museum displays include surf boards ranging from redwood "planks" to modern high-tech designs, early wetsuits, photographs showing Santa Cruz surfers and wave riding from the 1930s through today, and continuous videos illustrating surfing's ever-changing styles.

The museum offers exhibits and occasional recreational and educational events.

Lyman Museum and Mission House [HI]

Description

The Lyman Mission House was built in 1839 as the Hawaii residence of New England missionaries David and Sarah Lyman. The home has been restored to period style, and is used to depict the lives and challenges of the Lymans. The neighboring museum presents Hawaiian history and culture through fine art pieces, other artifacts, and natural history exhibits. Exhibit topics include Hawaii climate zones, wildlife, minerals, shells, native tools and costume, Hawaiian royalty, sugar industry immigrants, and Chinese art. The site is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution.

The site offers period rooms, guided house tours, exhibits, guided house and museum tours for students, outreach programs for students, Elderhostel programs, and archive access. Appointments are required for archive access. All school groups must make reservations.

Western North Carolina Air Museum

Description

The Western North Carolina Air Museum presents historical aircraft in a hands-on setting. Original aircraft on site date from 1930 to 1949, within a period known as the Golden Age of General Aviation. Highlights include a Stearman N2S-4, SNJ-5 Texan, and Piper J2 and J3 Cubs.

The museum offers exhibits and docents ready to answer questions and share stories.

Pebble Hill Plantation [GA]

Description

The Pebble Hill Plantation is a cotton plantation dating to circa 1827. The current 1936 main residence was erected after the original home suffered a fire. The interior has been restored with 19th century furnishings and decorative arts. Collection highlights include Audubon lithographs and a strong collection of sporting art. The grounds contain animal shelters, a tack room, carriage room, pump house, nurse's station, firehouse, carpenter's shop, dog hospital, kitchen garden, 1901 log cabin school, and gardens designed in the 1920s and 1930s.

The plantation offers an introductory video, exhibits, period rooms, self-guided grounds tours, guided house tours, art gallery tours, group tours, a picnic area, and snack vending. The house tour narrative is available in English, Spanish, French, German, and Japanese. Reservations are required for group tours and art gallery tours. Catered picnic lunches can be arranged for groups. The website offers historical photographs

USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park [AL]

Description

The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is a general military history museum covering the years from World War II to present day. Visitors are welcome to visit 12 decks of the 1942 battleship USS Alabama. Sights include crew quarters, the sick bay, gun turrets, and an engine room. Off the USS Alabama, the park presents historic aircraft and tanks, a Vietnam PBR Boat, Vietnam and Korean War Memorials, and the 1941 submarine USS Drum.

The park offers a 15-minute introductory film, exhibits, self-guided tours, a flight simulator, and a Scout overnight program. Advance notice is appreciated for group visits and required for school visits. Catered meals can be provided with two weeks notice, subject to availability. Student lunch packages must be reserved one week in advance. The website offers pre-visit activities.