South Carolina State House

Description

The South Carolina State House has been the site of the South Carolina state legislature since 1907. Construction of the structure itself began in 1857 but was delayed by both architect fraud and the Civil War. Visitors are welcome both on days when the legislative body is in session and when it is not. Each offers a different site experience.

The site offers a 15-minute introductory film and guided tours. Reservations are recommended for group visits.

Person County Museum of History

Description

The museum complex includes the Kitchin House, the Male Academy/Parsonage, Woodsdale General Store, Dr. John H. Merritt's office, a tobacco barn, and the Van Hook Subscription School, which is believed to be the oldest in the state. Variety is the emphasis of the museum with something for everyone from sports fans to doll lovers. The Enos Slaughter display honoring the Roxboro native and Hall of Famer features a replica of a statue depicting his winning slide in the 1946 World Series while the Victorian Wedding Room showcases a wedding party of dolls in full wedding garb. Other exhibits focus on Black history; Native Americans; the Titanic; and the military, with uniforms from all branches of the service in all the wars from the American Revolution to Vietnam. Displays are updated often and special commemorative events including historical reenactments are held throughout the year.

The museum offers exhibits, tours, and occasional living history events.

Historic Collinsville [TN]

Description

Historic Collinsville is a living history museum featuring several authentically restored log houses and outbuildings from the mid 1800s. The settlement is also home to a one-room schoolhouse, church, and a exhibit center which focuses on Collinsville-area wildlife and Native Americans.

The museum offers exhibits, guided tours, and field trip programs. The website offers visitor information regarding the museum.

Historic Halifax State Historic Site [NC]

Description

Located on the Roanoke River, the town of Halifax developed into a commercial and political center at the time of the American Revolution. North Carolina's Fourth Provincial Congress met in Halifax in the spring of 1776. On April 12 that body unanimously adopted a document later called the "Halifax Resolves," which was the first official action by an entire colony recommending independence from England. A guided walking tour takes visitors into several authentically restored and furnished buildings. These include the 1760 home of a merchant, the house and law office of a 19th-century attorney, and the 1808 home of a wealthy landowner. The 1833 clerk's office, a jail, Eagle Tavern, and a unique archaeological exhibit are also featured on the tour.

The site offers a short film, exhibits, tours, and occasional recreational and educational events.

Gaithersburg Community Museum [MD]

Description

The Gaithersburg Community Museum presents the history of Gaithersburg, MD. The museum consists of the restored 1884 B and O Railroad Station complex's Freight House, History Park, and Gaithersburg Railway Museum rolling stock. The Freight House holds local history exhibits, and the History Park contains plantings and plaques. Collection highlights include a 1918 steam locomotive.

The museum offers exhibits and educational programs.

James K. Polk Home [TN]

Description

Built in 1816 for James K. Polk's father, Samuel, this Federal-style house is the only surviving home of America's 11th President. James K. Polk lived here with his parents from 1818 to 1824, when he began his legal and political career. His rise to national prominence included serving as governor of Tennessee from 1839 to 1841, and culminated in 1844, when he was elected as a "darkhorse" Democratic candidate for the Presidency. He died of cholera in Nashville at age 53 on June 15, 1849, three months after stepping down from the White House. Today, the James K. Polk ancestral home is a Presidential historic site that displays original Polk belongings, such as furnishings, documents, White House artifacts, and political memorabilia. The site also features the adjacent Sisters' House museum, a reconstructed 19th-century kitchen building, and formal gardens.

A second website for the home can be found here.

The home offers a short film, exhibits, tours, lectures, educational programs, and demonstrations.

Rock Castle [TN]

Description

In 1773 Daniel Smith married Sarah Michie in North Carolina. Subsequently, he received a land grant from that state. In 1784 the Smiths brought their family to this site and commenced construction on Rock Castle. Much of the construction supervision and plantation management was taken care of by Mrs. Smith, since her husband was gone for long periods on surveying trips. A blend of the Federal and Georgian architectural styles, the house was once the center of a 3,140-acre plantation which today is but 18 acres. In addition to the house, there is a family cemetery and a smokehouse.

The house offers tours.

Humanities Tennessee

Description

Humanities Tennessee promotes state-wide community through educational history, culture, and literature programming. The organization maintains a lending library of documentary films which are relevant to Southern history and culture.

The organization offers videos for loan.

The Herndon Home [GA]

Description

The 1910 Beaux Arts Classical Herndon Home was once the residence of Alonzo Herndon (1858-1927), one of the most successful African American businessmen of his time. Herndon survived slavery, sharecropping, and Jim Crow laws during his life to become the founder of the Atlanta Life Insurance Company and a prominent barber. Alonzo's first wife, Adrienne McNeil, served as the head of dramatics at Atlanta University. The interior is furnished to period with pieces which belonged to the Herndons and others purchased by their son, Norris.

The home offers period rooms.