Hawaii State Historic Preservation Division, Department of Land & Natural Resources [HI]

Description

"Historic sites in our islands are tangible evidence of a colorful, rich heritage and provide our society with a sense of continuity. The State Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources works to preserve and sustain reminders of earlier times which link the past to the present. SHPD's three branches, History and Culture, Archaeology, and Architecture, strive to accomplish this goal through a number of different activities." The archaeological Branch seeks to facilitate investigation of Hawaii's many archaeological resources, while the architectural division works to preserve and restore historic structures throughout the islands. The history and culture branch of SHPD focuses on research regarding the Hawaii's indigenous population.

The site offers basic information about the SHPD and its current projects along with government reports generated by the SHPD regarding Hawaii's historic resources.

Ridge Historical Society [IL]

Description

The Ridge Historical Society is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1971 in order to preserve and promote the history of the Chicago neighborhoods of Beverly Hills, Morgan Park, and Washington Heights. The Ridge Historic District is one of the largest urban districts on the National Register of Historic Places. The Society is especially focused on preserving the architectural history of the area along with personal history of area residents.

The site offers historical information in the form of feature stories that explore one area of history in depth. In addition, the site offers information about upcoming and past events, as well as general information about the Society.

Taliesin Preservation Inc. [WI]

Description

The Taliesin Estate is Frank Lloyd Wright's Wisconsin home. At this fabulous estate, visitors can appreciate all of the architectural character that the rest of Wright's works exhibited. In fact, this estate can essentially be called the "source" of all of Wright's later architecture. It was at Taliesin that Wright experimented with different ideas, ideas that were then applied to the buildings upon which Wright's considerable reputation rests. Taliesin Preservation Inc.
is dedicated to preserving this impressive architectural marvel and the source of all of Frank Lloyd Wright's later architectural works.

The site offers information for visitors, a brief biography of Frank Lloyd Wright as well as links for obtaining more information on Wright, general information on current preservation programs, a bookstore, and an events calendar.

Santa Monica Conservancy

Description

Santa Monica is one of California's most architecturally, culturally, and historically significant communities. The Conservancy was started in August 2002 by a group of residents who wanted to celebrate and protect our Santa Monica's historic treasures. Many of the founders had recently come together to successfully defeat an anti-Landmarks ballot measure that threatened to eviscerate Santa Monica's preservation ordinance. Through educational programs, assistance and advocacy, the Conservancy reinforces the importance of preserving the historic resources of Santa Monica's unique urban landscape.

The site offers information on current projects and upcoming events.

Mosholu Preservation Corporation

Description

The Mosholu Preservation Corporation was founded by Montefiore Medical Center in 1981 in order to help preserve the buildings in the surrounding neighborhood. The Corporation started as a buyer and renovator of old properties in the Norwood neighborhood, and now is a multi-directional force for preservation and pride in the Northwest Bronx.

The site provides general information about the history of the Corporation and its present projects.

Springfield Preservation Alliance (OH)

Description

The Springfield Preservation Alliance is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to recognizing, preserving and revitalizing the architectural and cultural heritage of Springfield, Ohio. The Alliance hosts a variety of educational events and pushes for responsible legislation regarding Springfield's historic landmarks.

The site offers information about upcoming events, their public policy, how to get involved, and also offers resources for activists.

Architectural Heritage Center [OR]

Description

The Center is a nonprofit resource center and showcase for historic preservation. It offers a wide range of education programs and exhibits to help people appreciate, restore, and maintain vintage properties. The Center includes two exhibition galleries, two classrooms, workshop space, a library, collections storage spaces and the Foundation's offices. Its exhibits display artifacts from its extensive collection of architectural hardware, fixtures, and other objects.

The center offers exhibits, lectures, tours, and other educational and recreational programs.

Glessner House Museum [IL]

Description

Glessner House Museum engages diverse audiences in exploring urban life and design through the preservation and interpretation of the architecture of Henry Hobson Richardson and the historic home of John and Frances Glessner. In addition to its architectural trust, the museum protects and conserves an outstanding collection of 19th- and early-20th-century furniture and decorative art objects. As one of the country's premier sites for the study and enjoyment of decorative arts, Glessner House Museum offers both the casual visitor and the serious connoisseur a unique opportunity to explore the Aesthetic and English Arts and Crafts movements.

The house offers exhibits, tours, lectures, and educational and recreational events.

Pleasant Home Foundation

Description

The Pleasant Home, also known as the John Farson House, was designed in 1897 by noted Prairie Style architect George W. Maher for investment banker and philanthropist John W. Farson. This makes the house one of the earliest and most distinguished examples of the Prairie School of architecture and earned it National Historic Landmark status.

The home offers tours.

Architecture as a Primary Source in the Classroom

Date Published
Article Body

People use buildings for a wide range of activities related to family life, work, shopping, religion, recreation, entertainment, and so on. Structures reflect the needs, style preferences, and sensibilities of the people who designed and used them. Over time, some structures may be neglected and fall into disrepair, while others are torn down to make way for new construction. Buildings may also be preserved or restored for continued use—often for a completely different purpose.

This lesson plan on the restoration of Montpelier, home of James Madison, appears in the free digital Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Gazette and guides teachers to help students begin viewing buildings as primary sources. Just like documents, buildings can yield information about how people in the past lived and what they valued. Students can begin to think in terms of preserving and restoring the architectural history around them.

The lesson plan includes a feature article, slideshow, worksheets and samples of completed worksheets with guided discussion questions.