Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park [CA]

Description

Originally built in 1856 by Gold Rush merchant Sheldon Fogus, the Mansion was later purchased and remodeled (twice) by Leland and Jane Stanford. Leland Stanford served as Governor of California from 1862–1863. The Mansion served as the office of three governors during the turbulent 1860s: Leland Stanford, Fredrick Low, and Henry Haight. Today, it stands as an example of the splendor and elegance of the Victorian era in California. On a tour of the 19,000-square-foot Mansion visitors will see 17-foot ceilings, gilded mirrors and detailed carved moldings, restored woodwork, 19th-century crystal and bronze light fixtures, historic paintings, recreated carpeting and draperies based on photographs from the 1870s to match the original interior design; original period furnishings that belonged to the Stanfords; and 19th-century-style gardens.

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

Los Encinos State Historic Park [CA]

Description

Los Encinos State Historic Park was the hub of Rancho El Encino. Located in the San Fernando Valley, this California rancho includes the original nine-room de la Ossa Adobe, the two-story limestone Garnier building, a blacksmith shop, a natural spring, and a pond. Located along a significant travel route between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, the property passed through many hands between the 1840s and the early 20th century. Today, the park contains exhibits related to the agricultural enterprises of Rancho El Encino's various owners, including Mission Indian, Mexican Californio, French, and French Basque families.

The site offers exhibits, tours, and living history events.

Covina Valley Historical Society [CA] Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 01/08/2008 - 13:36
Description

The Covina Valley Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the historical heritage of Covina and West Covina, California, which today are suburbs of Los Angeles. The society maintains two buildings, a local history museum housed in the Firehouse Jail Museum, and the Heritage House, which serves as a historic house museum.

The society offers exhibits, guided tours, and special events. The website offers a brief history of the society as well as visitor information.

Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting [AZ]

Description

The Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting is located in Phoenix, Arizona, and is one of the nation's largest firefighting museums. The museum has over 90 pieces of firefighting equipment on display, and is home to the National Hall of Firefighting Heroes, where firefighters who have died in the line of duty or who were decorated for heroism are honored.

The museum offers exhibits and guided tours. The website offers basic visitor information

Tillamook County Pioneer Museum [OR]

Description

The Tillamook County Pioneer Museum chronicles the history of the peoples of Tillamook County, from the Tillamook Indians to Captain Gray's 1788 voyabe into the Tillamook Bay. The Pioneer Museum now contains over 35,000 items, covering Tillamook county history from the prehistorical periods up to the modern day.

The museum offers exhibits and guided tours. The website offers visitor information and a history of the museum.

Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society [CA]

Description

The Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society is dedicated to preserving the historical and architectural heritage of Santa Anna, California. The society owns and operates the Dr. Howe-Waffle House, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, and today operates as a historic house museum.

The society offers guided tours of the Dr. Howe-Waffle House and special events. The website offers visitor information, histories of Santa Anna and the Dr. Howe-Waffle House, an events calendar, and a virtual tour of the home.

Pioneer Woman Museum [OK]

Description

The Museum preserves the legacy of women from all races, creeds, and nationalities who have contributed to the development of Oklahoma. Its education center features craft demonstrations, special exhibits, an interactive timeline, and the Pioneer Woman Walk of Fame.

The museum offers exhibits, demonstrations, workshops, and educational and recreational events.

Fort Griffin State Historic Site [TX]

Description

Fort Griffin State Historic Site is located on 506.2 acres with 1,500 feet of river area. The site is home to the partially restored ruins of Old Fort Griffin located on a bluff overlooking the town site of Fort Griffin and the Clear Fork of the Brazos River Valley. The fort was constructed in 1867 and deactivated in 1881. The ruins include a hand-dug well, a mess hall, barracks, a library, a rock chimney, a store, an administration building, a cistern, a hospital, a powder magazine, the foundation of the officers' quarters, the first sergeant's quarters, a restored bakery, and replicas of enlisted men's huts.

The site offers occasional recreational and educational events (including living history events).

Fort Benton [MT]

Description

Fort Benton is located on the banks of the Missouri River and served as a fur trading outpost. The fort was abandoned in the 1860s, and was occupied briefly by the U.S. military before it was finally abandoned for good in 1871. The fort has recently undergone an extensive renovation, and now serves as a museum of Montana history.

The fort offers exhibits, guided tours, and special events. The website offers visitor information and brief history of the fort.

Lincoln Fire Department Museum [NE]

Description

The Lincoln Fire Department Museum presents the history of Lincoln, Nebraska's firefighting department, founded in 1886. Collections include historic firefighting equipment, photographs, and other related artifacts. Highlights include a fire trumpet, period uniforms, and a 1911 American LaFrance motorized fire engine.

The museum offers exhibits.