Pictograph Cave State Park [MT]

Description

The Pictograph, Middle, and Ghost cave complex was home to generations of prehistoric hunters. Over 30,000 artifacts have been identified from the park. A short paved trail allows visitors to view the rock paintings, known as pictographs, that are still visible in Pictograph Cave, the largest of the three. Interpretive signs tell the story of Montana's first professional archaeological studies and excavations.

A second website for the site can be found here.

The site offers tours and occasional recreational and educational events.

Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle House and Medical Museum [CA]

Description

The Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle House and Medical Museum is located within an 1889 Queen Anne Victorian residence. The site was once home to Alvin and Willella Howe, both physicians. Graduating in 1886, Willella Howe was one of Orange County, California's earliest female doctors. After Alvin Howe was accused of performing an abortion, he left the area. Willella divorced him and married a local rancher, Edson Waffle. The house has been restored to a circa 1890s appearance.

The house offers period rooms.

Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum [CA]

Description

The Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum consists of three historic sites—the 1870s Workman House; 1927 Spanish Colonial Revival mansion, La Casa Nueva; and El Campo Santo, a historic private cemetery. La Casa Nueva has been returned to its 1928 appearance, and is used to present southern California history between 1830 and 1930. The residence's art tile and stained glass work are of note. The interior of the Workman House has yet to be restored. The cemetery contains the remains of Pio Pico (1801-1894), last governor of Mexican California.

La Casa Nueva offers period rooms and guided tours. The Workman House offers guided tours. El Campo Sancto offers self-guided tours. The museum also offers guided tours for students, a 10-day 4th grade curriculum unit, a junior curator camp, research library access, and a picnic area. Two weeks advance notice is required for groups of 10 or more. Groups may reserve the picnic area. Tours can be customized to fit visitor interests. Appointments are required for library access.

Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park [CA]

Description

The Park is the site of a water-powered grist mill that was built in 1846. It was once the center of social activity as Napa Valley settlers gathered to have their corn and wheat ground into meal or flour. The owner of the mill was Dr. Edward Turner Bale. He received the property in a land grant from the Mexican government and lived near the site until his death in 1849. The mill remained in use until the early 1900s. The mill and its 36-foot water wheel are protected as a state historic landmark and have been partially restored. A trail connects the historic park to Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. Additionally, the park includes the site of the first church in the Napa Valley as well as the Pioneer Cemetery.

The park offers exhibits, tours, and demonstrations.

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park [CA]

Description

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park secures for the people and makes available for their observation, inspiration, and enjoyment, the gold discovery site and its environs as an accurate portrayal of the story that unfolded at the time of the discovery and Gold Rush. The park's interpretive program primarily embraces the period from 1847 through 1852, but also shows the town of Coloma as it developed. Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is the place where James W. Marshall found flecks of gold in the tailrace of the sawmill he was building for himself and John Sutter. This discovery in 1848 changed the course of California's and the nation's history. Visitors can see a replica of the original sawmill and over 20 historic buildings including mining, house, school, and store exhibits. Visitors have the opportunity to try panning for gold in the American River and enjoy hikes and picnics under the riparian oak woodlands. Overlooking the river canyon, where the gold discoverer rests today, visitors ca see California's first historic monument, the statue of James Marshall pointing at his gold discovery site .

The park offers exhibits, tours, educational programs, living history events, and other recreational and educational events.

Spokane Sea Services Museum [WA]

Description

The Spokane Sea Services Museum chronicles the history of the USS Spokane, a Jeneau-class cruiser that made its maiden voyage in 1945 at the tail end of World War II. The museum hosts an impressive collection of USS Spokane artifacts an memorabilia.

The museum offers exhibits and guided tours. The website offers basic visitor information regarding the museum, a brief history of the ship, and a photo gallery of the ship.

Whitestone Hill Battlefield State Historic Site [ND]

Description

Whitestone Hill Battlefield State Historic Site marks the scene of the fiercest clash between Indians and white soldiers in North Dakota. On September 3, 1863, General Alfred Sully's troops attacked a tipi camp of Yanktonai, some Dakota, Hunkpapa Lakota, and Blackfeet (Sihasapa Lakota), as part of a military mission to punish participants of the Dakota Conflict of 1862. In the ensuing battle, many Indian men, women, and children died or were captured. Military casualties were comparatively light. The Indians also suffered the destruction of virtually all of t heir property, leaving them nearly destitute for the coming winter. Today, Whitestone Battlefield State Historic Site includes a portion of the battlefield and a small museum with exhibits explaining the 1863 Sibley and Sully expeditions and the Battle of Whitestone Hill. There are two monuments, one honoring the Indian dead and a second commemorating the soldiers who died in the battle. A marker also recognizes two early settlers, Tom and Mary Shimmin.

The site offers exhibits and occasional recreational and educational events.

Fort Walla Walla Museum [WA]

Description

The Fort Walla Walla Museum chronicles the early history of the town of Walla Walla, WA, and the Fort Walla Walla military site. The museum is comprised of four exhibit halls and 17 pioneer buildings. The museum also maintains the original military cemetery adjacent to the park's entrance.

The museum offers living history presentations, exhibits, guided tours, field trip programs, summer camps, and research resources. The website offers visitor information and a listing of upcoming events.

San Juan Capistrano Historical Society and O'Neill Museum [CA]

Description

The San Juan Capistrano Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of San Juan Capistrano, California. To this end, the society operates the O'Neill Museum, a circa 1880 home. The structure was once the residence of a saloon owner, and is now furnished to an 1880s appearance.

The society offers period rooms, 90-minute walking tours, archival access, and oral histories.