Heritage Society of Austin [TX]

Description

The Heritage Society of Austin is dedicated to preserving important historic structures in the greater Austin area. The society has worked over the years to preserve many of Austin's most important structures, and also aids local attractions such as the Pioneer Farms, a living history farm which showcases life in early Texas.

The society offers tours of local historic homes and structures. Pioneer farms offers guided tours, interpretive events, and workshops. The website offers visitor information and a calendar of events.

Kelley House Museum [CA]

Description

The Kelley House Museum presents the history of the logging and shipping industries in and the Victorian architecture of the Mendocino Coast, California. The museum is located within an 1861 residence. Permanent exhibits include artifacts from the 1850 wreck of the Frolic, a clipper ship involved in the international opium trade.

The museum offers exhibits, guided walking tours, gardens, and archival access. Archival access is by appointment only.

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.

The Meeker Mansion [WA]

Description

The Meeker Mansion was completed in 1890 and is a fabulous example of Italianate Victorian architecture. The home was constructed for Eliza Jane, the wife of Ezra Meeker, who had wanted a nicer home after a trip to England. The Meekers lived in the home until Eliza Jane's death in 1909, at which point Ezra abandoned the house. Today, the home serves as a historic house museum, and gives visitors a glimpse of life in Washington at the turn of the century.

The home offers guided tours and special events. The home is also available for rental for events such as weddings. The website offers visitor information, a brief history of the home, and an events calendar.

The Gamble House [CA]

Description

Noted architects Charles and Henry Greene designed the Gamble House in 1908 for the Gamble family of Proctor & Gamble fame. The home is one of the finest examples of Arts and Crafts style architecture in the country. Today, the home is administered by the University of Southern California and serves as a historic house museum.

The house offers guided tours and special events such as presentations. The website offers visitor information, a history of the home, biographies of the architects, a virtual tour, and an events calendar.

Onondaga Historical Association Museum and Research Center [NY]

Description

The Onondaga Historical Association Museum and Research Center presents the history of Syracuse and Onondaga County, New York. Museum permanent exhibits cover the Franklin Automobile; historic brewing; pottery manufacturing; the Underground Railroad; and county trades, transportation, architecture, settlement, and immigration. Collections include textiles, artwork, decorative arts, Native American artifacts, toys, and locally made commercial products.

The museum offers exhibits, research center access, research assistance, outreach presentations, and educational programs. Note that both research center usage and research assistance require payment. The website offers featured artifact information, a research library catalog, videos on topics of historical interest, children's activities, and an image database. The society also offers educator workshops.

Heyward-Washington House [SC]

Description

The Heyward-Washington House was built in 1772 by rice planter Daniel Heyward for his son Thomas Heyward, Junior (1746-1809), Revolutionary War soldier and signer of the Declaration of Independence. The residence was rented to George Washington for one week during 1791. Other structures on site include an 18th-century well, a 1740s kitchen building, and a carriage house. Collection highlights include the Holmes Bookcase, considered the finest example of furniture made in the U.S.

The site offers period rooms; gardens with heirloom plants; educational programs; outreach programs; and student tours with a general, Revolutionary War, African American history, or architectural focus.

Utah Heritage Foundation

Description

The Utah Heritage Foundation is a state-wide preservation organization. Functions include education, advocacy, and financial assistance.

The foundation offers self-guided tours of two historic Salt Lake City streets, interactive guided tours of the Kearns Mansion and the Salt Lake City and County Building, and outreach slide presentations. All of the aforementioned activities were designed with kindergarten through 12th grade students in mind. The website offers teacher's guides and a combined game and virtual tour of the Kearns Mansion.