Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site [AK]

Description

The Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site preserves the site at which nine African American students entered the Little Rock Central High School for the first time on September 23, 1957. Their right to do so, determined under the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka decision, proved a national symbol of the end of segregation in public schools. Despite the legality of the situation, desegregation was still highly inflammatory to many. The students had previously been turned away by the Arkansas State Guard before federal troops were deployed to escort them to and from the school.

The site offers interactive exhibits, captioned audio-visual programs, oral history listening stations, 30-minute guided group tours of the high school, gardens, Junior Ranger activities, Trail of Tears guided bicycle tours, student educational programs, teacher workshops for credit, school outreach presentations, and a traveling trunk. Tours of the school require two weeks advance notice, and groups must include 10 or more individuals. The high school is still in use. As a result, visitors may not tour the school without a guide. The website offers oral history videos, a pre-visit booklet, and lesson plans.

Andersonville National Historic Site [GA]

Description

The Andersonville National Historic Site has a three-fold mission—namely, operation of the National Prisoner of War Museum; care of the Andersonville National Cemetery; and preservation of Camp Sumter, also known as Andersonville prison. Camp Sumter was among the largest Civil War prisons established by the Confederacy, and housed more than 32,000 Union soldiers in 1864. At that time, more than 100 men died on an average day in the camp. The National Prisoner of War Museum honors the U.S. men and women who have suffered as prisoners of war. The Andersonville National Cemetery originally served as the burial grounds of Union soldiers who died in Camp Sumter. Today, the cemetery is an active site for veteran burials.

The site offers a curriculum-based educational program for students, educational resource packages for rental, a 3-mile self-guided hike with a questionnaire, Junior Ranger activities, exhibits, and a summer camp. The educational program focuses on the prison at Camp Sumter; and meets Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama educational standards. The educational program must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance.

Cowpens National Battlefield [SC]

Description

The Cowpens National Battlefield commemorates the battle of Cowpens, which was fought between American and British soldiers in 1781 on grazing grounds in northwest South Carolina. The battle is notable for its result as a resounding American victory. Today, the battlefield is open to visitors and has been preserved in much the same state as during the battle.

The battlefield offers guided tours, exhibits and presentations in the visitor center, re-enactments, and demonstrations. The website offers visitor information, a history of the battle, a calendar of events, and resources for teachers.

George Washington Birthplace National Monument [VA]

Description

Visit the house where George Washington, first President of the US and commander of the Continental Army, was born and spent his early years. The house burned in 1779 although its foundation survived. The home was rebuilt in the 1930's and now contains pieces from the Colonial era.

The site offers tours for school group as well as Virginia SOL-based educational programs (grades K-7). In addition to history education programs the site also offers environmental education programs on grounds. Outreach programs can be arranged during the winter months. Curriculum materials can be downloaded free of charge for teachers to use both before and after their visit.

Fort Davis National Historic Site [TX]

Description

The Fort Davis National Historic Site consists of a surviving frontier Indian Wars fort, used between 1854 and 1891. The soldiers of the fort sought to protect travelers along the San Antonio-El Paso Road and the Chihuahua Trail from Native American attack. The Comanche and Apache peoples proved to be the greatest concern for the fort. Five structures on site have been returned to their 1880s appearances, and are fully furnished. Visitors can also explore 20 other buildings and more than 50 ruins.

The site offers a 15-minute introductory film, period rooms, self-guided tours, one- to three-hour educational programs, costumed interpreters, audio programming, Junior Ranger activities, traveling trunks, hiking trails, and a picnic site. Junior Ranger activity booklets are available in large print and in braille. Reservations are required for school groups. The website offers curricula.

Pea Ridge National Military Park [AR]

Description

The 4,200-acre Pea Ridge National Military Park commemorates the March 7 and 8, 1862, Civil War Battle of Pea Ridge. The battle ended in a decisive Union victory. The site is considered to be the most intact Civil War battlefield in the country. Confederate generals included Earl van Dorn, Sterling Price, Benjamin McCulloch, James McIntosh, and Albert Pike; while the Union generals were Samuel Ryan Curtis, Franz Sigel, and Alexander Asboth.

The park offers a 28-minute film, traditional and wayside exhibits, a 7-mile tour road, a 9-mile horse trail, a 7-mile hiking trail, demonstrations, self-guided school tours, guided school tours, Junior Ranger activities, and Scout programs. Reservations are required for school visits. The website offers historic photographs, artwork depicting the battle, and soldier letter and diary excerpts.

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park [WV]

Description

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park presents living history interpretations of past area events and daily life. Harpers Ferry events include the 1859 John Brown's Raid, constant Civil War action, the Niagara Movement's second conference, military industrialization, and the convergence of two railroads and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal circa 1835.

The park offers exhibits, trails, guided tours, self-guided tours, self-guided educational hikes and scavenger hunts, guided educational programs which meet state educational standards, educator workshops, Junior Ranger activities, and picnic areas. The website offers historic photographs, curricula, and a lesson plan.

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site [NC]

Description

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site preserves the known portions of England's first New World settlements, commonly known as the Lost Colony. In addition to exploring the mystery of the Lost Colony, the historic site also celebrates the preservation of Native American culture.

The historic site offers guided tours and interpretive events. The website offers visitor information and a history of the park. In order to contact the website via email, use the "contact us" link located on the left of the webpage.

De Soto National Memorial [FL]

Description

The De Soto National Memorial commemorates Spaniard Hernando de Soto's (circa 1496-1542) 1539 arrival at Tampa Bay. Following the landing, de Soto and his men encountered, and in some cases fought, local Native American groups over the course of four years. Collections include historic arms and armor. Between December and April, the site offers re-enactments and demonstrations at Camp Uzita.

The park offers a 22-minute introductory film, exhibits, helmets and armor for guests to try on, guided walking tours, nature trails with interpretive signage and wayside exhibits, 40-minute outreach presentations, Junior Ranger activities, Junior Ranger camps, and a picnic area. The website offers a suggested reading list.

Natchez National Historical Park [MS]

Description

Natchez, Mississippi, is located on the banks of the Mississippi River and offers visitors a chance to explore life in the antebellum south. Natchez is home to the William Johnson House, the Cypress Swamp, and the Melrose Mansion, and so offers visitors a comprehensive view of southern culture, from the life of former slave William Johnson to the life of wealthy southerner John McMurran.

The historical park offers guided tours, field trip programs, and exhibits in the park visitor center. The website offers visitor information, curriculum materials for teachers, and a history of Natchez. In order to contact the park via email, use the "contact us" link located on the left side of the webpage.