Penfield Museum [NY]

Description

Penfield Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of the Ironworking industry in upstate New York, and more specifically the Town of Crown Point, New York. The town is now known as the "Birthplace of the Electric Age," since it was the first place where electricity was applied in an industrial use. In addition, the museum also chronicles Crown Point's involvement in the Civil War, both in terms of soldiers and iron provided by the town.

The site offers visitor information, a small 6-photo photograph gallery, brief historical information, and an online gift shop.

Johnson Hall State Historic Site [NY]

Description

William Johnson was the primary landholder and most influential individual living in the Mohawk Valley in the mid 18th century. He is known for his genius in dealing and trading with the local indians and for helping England gain control of North America. The home is a classic Georgian home made with wood that was designed to appear as stone. Visitors can enjoy the home and its grounds, which have been restored to their state in the 18th century.

The site offers visitor and historical information regarding the home. In addition, the site is part of the New York State Parks official website, and thus offers links to information about all New York State Historic Sites.

Rock Island Lighthouse Historical & Memorial Association [NY]

Description

The Rock Island Lighthouse is located in the Thousand Islands about 4.5 miles north of Clayton off of Fisher's Landing. The lighthouse was originally commissioned in 1847 and is one of six lighthouses that serve the St. Lawrence River. Today, the lighthouse and island are maintained by the NY State Office of Parks and Recreation. The island is only accessible by boat, but is available for touring and picknicking. The association is founded with the intention of preserving the history and genealogy of the lighthouse keepers, documenting the history of the lighthouse, facilitating visits to the lighthouse, and working with the New York State Office of Parks and Recreation in order to aid in the preservation of the lighthouse.

The site offers visitor information, historical and genealogical information regarding the lighthouse keepers, links to outside resources - mainly journal and press articles, a virtual tour, and an extensive photo gallery.

Herkimer County Historical Society [NY]

Description

The Herkimer County Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history of Herkimer, New York, and to that end owns and maintains four museums in Herkimer. The museums are collectively known as the "Historic Four Corners," and are the 1884 Herkimer County Historical Society Suiter Building Museum, the 1834 Herkimer County Jail, 1873 Herkimer County Courthouse, and the 1834 Herkimer Reformed Church, which are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The site offers visitor information, an online gift shop, historical information about the museums and town, and research information.

Adirondack Museum [NY]

Description

In 1948, the Adirondack Historical Society was founded by two men who lived and vacationed in Blue Mountain Lake, located in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. Five years later, they purchased the Blue Mountain House, which would play host to the Adirondack Museum. Now, the Adirondack Museum is "renowned for the breadth of its collections that include historic artifacts, photographs, archival materials, and fine art documenting the Adirondack region's past," and features 22 exhibit spaces and galleries. In addition, the museum features a research library, publications program, and an educational department that puts on a variety of special events.

The site offers library access, visitor information, information about all of the exhibits currently on display, one online exhibit, and an events calendar.

Delaware County Historical Association [NY]

Description

The Delaware County Historical Association (DCHA) was founded in 1945 to preserve and present the rich history of Delaware County. In the early 1960s, the Association purchased property, originally settled by Gideon Frisbee. Today, DCHA is home to seven historic buildings including the 1797 Frisbee House (pictured above, photo by Barbara Onasch) and barn, blacksmith shop, nineteenth-century gun shop, school house, turnpike tollgate house, Christian Church at Fitch's Bridge a well as two exhibit galleries, research library and archives, gift/book shop, nature trail and much more. In addition, DCHA offers educational programs where the society will travel to a school and present a program.

The site offers general information about the association, a virtual tour with pictures of all of the DCHA buildings, an events calendar, information about the educational sessions offered by DCHA, and a listing of books about Delaware County.

Geneva Historical Society [NY]

Description

The Geneva Historical Society seeks to preserve and interpret the history of Geneva, New York and its denizens through its collections, educational programs, historic properties, and the Fund for Historic Geneva. The Geneva Historical Society Museum and offices are located in the Prouty-Chew House, which features marvelous period rooms, costume displays, and changing exhibits on Geneva's history and culture. The site also features a gift shop, staff offices, collections storage, programming space, and the Society's archives and library, which are open to researchers, genealogists, and the public.

The site offers brief historic and visitor information on all historic properties held by the Geneva Historical Society, along with an events calendar, information on current exhibits, and information on the educational sessions offered by the society.

African American Museum of Nassau County [NY]

Description

The African American Museum of Nassau County opened in 1970 in order to to provide programming and events that help to satisfy the intellectual curiosity of community members with an interest in African American art, history, and culture. The museum is the only museum of African American history on Long Island and offers a series of rotating exhibits showcasing local and national African American artists. In addition, the museum houses the African Atlantic Genealogy Society, which provides workshops and individual research access and instruction in family genealogy.

The site offers photos and information on past and current exhibits as well as general information about the museum for prospective visitors. The site appears to be under construction and possibly will feature upcoming exhibits and items from the museum's permanent collection in the future.

Northeast Classic Car Museum [NY]

Description

The Classic Car Museum was founded by George Staley, who generously donated his personal collection of over 90 historic vintage automobiles. Today, the museum houses over 100 classic automobiles, many of which were manufactured in New York. Most notable among the local brands are the Franklin automobiles, a favorite of aviators.

The site offers general visitor information regarding the museum, an archive of all past newsletters put out by the museum, and a six minute video tour. In order to email the site, use the "Contact Us" link on the web site.

National Museum of Racing

Description

The National Museum of Racing is located in Saratoga Springs, NY, across the street from the oldest continually operating racetrack in the United States. The museum's mission is to interpret the history and convey the excitement of thoroughbred racing in America to the broadest possible audience. Visitors to the museum can enjoy both traditional and interactive exhibits as well as take part in a variety of special events and educational programs. In addition, the museum houses the American Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame.

The site offers a virtual tour as well as information about the exhibits, programs, and events offered by the museum.