Dana-Thomas House

Description

The Dana-Thomas House, perhaps the best-preserved example of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright's "Prairie period" dwellings, was built for feminist socialite and heiress Susan Lawrence Dana (1862–1946). Constructed between 1902 and 1904, the house has been restored to appear as it might have been furnished shortly after being built. In 1974 the structure was entered on the National Register of Historic Places and in 1976 was designated a National Historic Landmark. One-hour guided tours begin at the carriage house visitor center, which contains a small exhibit area, an auditorium, and the Sumac Shop. Tours open with a 10-minute orientation video that provides background information on Frank Lloyd Wright, Susan Lawrence Dana, and construction of the Dana-Thomas House. Visitors see a stunning collection of elegant art glass, Arts and Crafts style furniture, dramatic lamps, and ceramics. Several items owned by Susan Lawrence Dana and her family are on display.

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

Greater Houston Preservation Alliance [TX]

Description

The Greater Houston Preservation Alliance is dedicated to preserving the rich historical and architectural heritage of Houston, Texas. While mainly focused on advocacy and preservation efforts, the alliance also offers walking tours of architecturally significant areas of Houston. The tours are offered every second Sunday or by appointment.

The website offers information regarding the activities of the alliance, as well as information regarding the walking tours program.

Landmark West! [NY]

Description

Landmark West! is an advocacy and education organization striving for preservation of the historical architecture from 59th to 110th Streets between Central Park West and Riverside Drive in New York City's Upper West Side.

The organization offers an educational program titled "Keeping the Past for the Future," which was awarded the American Architectural Foundation's Award of Merit for K-12 Architectural Education in February 2008. The program includes a student workbook, lessons, walking tours, and workshops; and is free to New York City public schools.

Sauk County Historical Society [WI]

Description

The Sauk County Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of Sauk County, Wisconsin. To this end, the society operates a museum, located within the 1903 Tudor Revival-style Jacob Van Orden Mansion. This structure contains a variety of exhibits dedicated to topics of local historical interest. Topics include Devil's Lake, Native Americans, pioneers, military, and architecture.

The society offers museum tours and archival access. Reservations are required for group tours, and the archives require payment for non-member use.

Rensselaer County Historical Society [NY]

Description

The Rensselaer County Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of Rensselaer County, New York. To this end, the society operates the 1827 Hart-Cluett House, a Federal-style townhouse. Collections include furnishings, fine arts, decorative arts pieces, costumes, textiles, vernacular artifacts, and military artifacts.

The society offers exhibits; lectures; walking tours; scavenger hunts; hands-on outreach programs; educational programs; library access; Girl Scout programs; camps; and guided tours of the Hart-Cluett House , exhibits, and/or local architecture. Reservation are required for school groups.

Whitehall House & Gardens [KY]

Description

The Whitehall Mansion had its beginnings in the mid 19th century as a modest two story brick house. In 1909, when successful horseman and entrepreneur John Middleton bought the home, the home was converted into the impressive Greek Revival style mansion that stands today. Today the home stands as a historic house museum and is a popular venue for weddings and other special occasions.

The house offers guided and self-guided tours. The website offers a history of the home as well as visitor information.

Hermann-Grima House [LA]

Description

The Hermann-Grima House, built in 1831, is one of the most significant residences in New Orleans. The home accurately portrays the lifestyle of wealthy Creole families prior to the Civil War. The home is an impressive example of Federal architecture, and boasts the only horse stable and functional 1830s outdoor kitchen in the French Quarter.

The home offers guided tours, demonstrations, summer camps, field trip programs, teacher workshops, and special tours that focus on unique topics in local history. The website offers visitor information, virtual tours, lesson plans, information regarding all programs offered by the home, and a calendar of events.

Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust [IL]

Description

The Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust works to chronicle the life and work of Frank Lloyd Wright, widely regarded as America's most influential architect. The trust maintains Wright's first home and studio, which is located in Oak Park, Illinois, and the Robie House, a masterpiece designed by Wright for his client Frederick Robie.

The trust offers a variety of guided and self guided tours of these landmark buildings. In addition, the trust offers the Wright Plus architectural housewalk, youth architecture workshops, field trip programs, and professional development programs for teachers. The website offers visitor information, a brief biography of Wright, information regarding the two homes maintained by the trust, and information regarding all of the trust's programs.