Bainbridge Island Historical Society and Museum [WA]

Description

The Bainbridge Island Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the material and cultural history of Bainbridge Island, Washington. To this end, the society operates a museum of local history, located within a 1908 one-room schoolhouse. A MUSE award was given to the museum for its creative use of technology within a small-scale museum. Collections include more than 3,500 artifacts.

The society offers multi-media and traditional exhibits.

El Cajon Historical Society and the Knox House Museum [CA]

Description

The El Cajon Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of El Cajon Valley, California—with a particular emphasis on archival documents. To this end, the society operates the Knox House Museum. The museum contains the personal artifacts of the settlers who came to the El Cajon area between 1895 and 1912. The museum structure itself was built in 1876.

The museum offers exhibits, period rooms, and tours. Please call ahead to arrange tours and to verify that the museum will be open at the time you plan to visit.

Thorsen House [CA]

Description

The 1909 Thorsen House was designed by preeminent Arts and Crafts Movement architecture firm Greene and Greene. The house currently serves as the residence of college students in the Sigma Phi Society.

The house offers drop-in guided tours and more comprehensive guided tours by reservation. Groups larger than six individuals must make reservations. As college students live in the building and their schedules vary with the academic year, it is advisable to call ahead and verify that the site will be open on the day which you wish to visit.

Pacific County Historical Society and Museum [WA]

Description

The Pacific County Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of Pacific County, Washington. To this end, the society operates the Pacific County Museum, the collections of which include more than 10,000 photographs, 1,500 artifacts, and historical documents. Areas of focus include Native American history, natural history, transportation, maritime history, daily life, and natural resources.

The museum offers exhibits and research collection access. Access to the research collection requires an appointment with the director.

Jack London State Historic Park [CA]

Description

Jack London State Historic Park is a memorial to writer and adventurer Jack London, who made his home at the site from 1905 until his death in 1916. The park was once part of the famous writer's Beauty Ranch. The park contains the cottage residence where he wrote books, short stories, articles, and letters while he oversaw various agricultural enterprises. After London's death, his wife, Charmian, continued to live in the cottage until her death in 1955. It was her wish that the ranch be preserved in memory of Jack London and his work. There is a museum in "The House of Happy Walls," which Mrs. London built in a redwood grove.

The park offers tours and exhibits.

California Oil Museum [CA]

Description

The California Oil Museum recounts the boom in black gold in the city of Santa Paula during the late 19th century. The museum contains exhibits that display oil rigging tools, oil advertisements, wildcatter memorabilia, and other relevant artifacts.

School tours are available for K-12 with the option of hands-on educational programs.