The Slater Memorial Museum [CT]

Description

The Slater Memorial Museum presents world culture through a collection of fine and decorative arts. Collections include 18th through 19th century American art and decorative arts; African and Oceanic sculpture; casts of Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Renaissance sculptures; Native American artifacts; Tokugawa Period Japanese art; Chinese and Korean art; local maritime artifacts; and European decorative and fine arts from between 1600 and 1800. The museum is located within a circa 1886 Romanesque Revival structure.

The museum offers exhibits, guided tours, and weekly art classes for children. Four to six weeks advance notice is required for guided tours.

The Connecticut Firemen's Museum

Description

The Connecticut Firemen's Museum presents firefighting history within the United States. Particular emphasis is given to Connecticut history. Located within a 1901 fire station, the museum's collections include a Gamewell Fire Alarm System, lighting equipment, leather equipment, paintings, toy fire engines, and photographs, among other artifacts. Highlights include one of two known Portland Steam Fire Engines.

The museum offers exhibits, tours, and video displays. Appointments are required for all tours.

Herreshoff Marine Museum / America's Cup Hall of Fame [RI]

Description

The Herreshoff Marine Museum / America's Cup Hall of Fame celebrates the unique accomplishments of the Herreshoff family and the related drama of the America's Cup races. From 1863 to 1945, the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, on the site of the present day Museum, produced the world's finest yachts. The genius of naval architect Captain Nathanael Greene Herreshoff along with the business acumen of his blind older brother John Brown Herreshoff truly built the "better mouse trap" for which the world beat a path to Bristol. Today, visitors from around the world see the nation's finest collection of yachts, all Herreshoff and many more than 100 years old. They can view the design models recording Captain Nat's design genius and see the products of his innovations. The companion America's Cup Hall of Fame is the international center for appreciation of the Cup.

The museum offers exhibits, research library access, lectures, classes, and occasional recreational and educational programs; the hall offers exhibits.

Firehouse No. 3 Museum [WI]

Description

The Firehouse No. 3 Museum chronicles the history of firefighting in Racine, WI. The museum houses an impressive collection of firefighting equipment and memorabilia, including 1882 Stephen Freeman Steamer and a 1930s pumper. The museum also features helmets, hoses, nozzles, trophies and awards from Racine firefighting history.

The museum offers exhibits. The website offers visitor information.

Virginia Aviation Museum [VA]

Description

Located in Richmond, Virginia, the Virginia Aviation Museum features the spectacular SR-71 Blackbird as well as 36 historic vintage aircraft and other pieces of aviation memorabilia. The museum also is home to the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame.

The museum offers exhibits, field trip programs, outreach programs, and occasional special events such as the annual Air Fair. The website offers visitor information, information regarding some of the aircraft on display, and information regarding the educational programs offered.

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.

Camden County Historical Society, Pomona Hall, and Museum [NJ]

Description

The Camden County Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of Camden County, New Jersey. To this end, the society operates a 20,000 volume library, the circa 1788 Georgian-style Pomona Hall, and a museum. Pomona Hall offers a glimpse of daily life following the Revolutionary War. The museum presents 300 years of area history, including exhibits on weaving, farming, education, blacksmithing, and transportation.

The society offers research library access, a traveling trunk, and school outreach presentations. Pomona Hall offers period rooms, open hearth cooking demonstrations, spinning demonstrations for students, and student tours. The museum offers exhibits, period rooms, and student tours. Payment of a fee is required for non-members to use the research library.