Settlers and Native Americans Before the Black Hawk War

Description

John Mack Faragher of Yale University discusses the range of relationships between Native Americans (particularly the Kickapoo) and settlers in antebellum Illinois. He looks at the development from relatively benign relations, involving the trading of goods and ideas, to the rise of racism and violence following the War of 1812 and the Black Hawk War.

To view this clip, select "Settlers and Native Americans Before the Black Hawk War" under "Native American Relations Video."

Like America Only More So: The Origins and Power of California's Image

Description

This lecture provides a narrative account of the rapid migration to and development of California during the Gold Rush years, from 1849 through 1884. It describes the wild scramble for profit, exploitation of resources, and relative lawlessness during the early years, while also emphasizing the role of farmers in the Gold Rush—first as supporters of the miners, and then in conflict with the miners.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to "Like America Only More So: The Origins and Power of California's Image," and select "Listen to Broadcast."

Heritage Farmstead [TX]

Description

The Heritage Farmstead preserves a representative example of Blackland Prairie farm culture and history from about 1890 to 1920 on its four-acre farmstead site. The centerpiece 1891 Farrell-Wilson house represents the daily life of a prosperous farm family on the North Texas Blackland Prairie.

The farmstead offers exhibits; guided tours by costumed docents, which may be adapted for school groups; living history demonstrations; and recreational and educational events.

Littleton Historical Museum [CO]

Description

The Museum serves as the primary repository for the history, art, and culture of Littleton. It consists of two living history farms (one from the 1860s and one from the 1890s), a small lake, a collections center, and a main exhibition and administration building. Interpreters work the farm sites, run the blacksmith shop, and teach in the schoolhouse, offering a "living history" perspective to the museum visitor.

The museum offers exhibits, research library access, and recreational and educational events (including living history events).

Sanchez Adobe [CA]

Description

The Sanchez Adobe was constructed between 1842 and 1846 by Francisco Sanchez, owner of Rancho San Pedro and one-time alcalde of San Francisco. Sanchez was a leader of Mexican California who led volunteers against United States forces at the Battle of Santa Clara. Today, the site shows the different periods of local history. Visitors can take a walk on the grounds and see native plants—the Ohlone village of Pruristac was located on the site. They can view the location of the original Spanish farm buildings; explore the Sanchez family's adobe home; and discover what items were uncovered during archaeological digs, including items from the adobe's time as a hotel and speakeasy.

The site offers exhibits and educational programs.

Wilder Ranch State Park [CA]

Description

The park has 34 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian rails winding through coastal terraces and valleys. Several restored buildings once belonging to the Wilder family are preserved. The park has tours and living history demonstrations to help visitors explore the history of early ranchers and farmers along the Central Coast. The site was originally the main rancho supplying Santa Cruz Mission. It later became a successful and innovative dairy ranch. Surrounding grounds include Victorian homes, gardens, and historic adobe.

The park offers tours; exhibits; demonstrations; and occasional recreational and educational events, including living history events.

Watson Farm

Description

Before European settlement, Native Americans planted their crops of corn and beans on Conanicut Island overlooking Narragansett Bay. In 1789, Job Watson purchased a piece of this rich farmland, and for the next two centuries, five successive generations of the Watson family cultivated the land, changing their crops and practices as needed to adapt to the evolving market. Today, the property is still a working family farm. The farmers raise cattle and sheep for beef, lamb, and wool markets; grow acres of grass for winter hay supplies; make compost for fertilizer; and cultivate a large vegetable garden. The 1796 house, still used as the farmers' residence, is not open to the public. Visitors are welcome to explore the farmland on their own, following a self-guided walking tour. Educational programs and group tours are available by appointment.

The farm offers tours and educational programs.

Double Trouble State Park and Historic Village [NJ]

Description

Originally a cranberry farm and packing plant, the former company town called Double Trouble is a window into past and current industries in the Pinelands. The Double Trouble Company was formed to sell timber, millwork products, and cranberries. A succession of sawmills has been on site since the mid-1700s. The village consists of cranberry bogs and 14 original historic structures dating from the late 19th century through the early 20th century including a general store, a schoolhouse and cottages.

The site offers tours.

Wayne County Historical Society and Prairie Trails Museum [Iowa]

Description

The Society operates the Prairie Trails Museum. The large main brick building of the Museum houses 25,000 artifacts in five galleries covering over 21,000 square feet and the range of the area's history. The red Heritage Barn contains an extensive collection of early farm artifacts displayed in interpretive exhibits.

The museum offers exhibits, research library access, and occasional recreational and educational events.