Nathan Hale Homestead [CT]

Description

One of the first of thousands of patriots who would die in the war for American independence, Hale is Connecticut's official State Hero. He was born and spent most of the short life he courageously sacrificed on this 400-acre farm. Hale, a Yale-educated schoolteacher, was commissioned a first lieutenant in the Continental Army in 1775. A year later he volunteered to go behind British lines on Long Island to gather military intelligence desperately needed by General George Washington. The British captured Hale and, when they discovered he was a spy, executed him. He was 21. In 1776, Hale's father rebuilt the Homestead, which has changed little since. Its furnishings include collections amassed by pioneer Connecticut antiquarian George Dudley Seymour and several Hale family possessions.

The homestead offers exhibits and tours.

Fort Ticonderoga National Historic Landmark [NY]

Description

Fort Ticonderoga is located in upstate New York, and is famous for its pivotal roles in the French and Indian War and, more importantly, the Revolutionary War. However, the fort is much more than a restored military fortress. A typical visit to the fort will include rich and varied offerings including costumed interpreters, 30-minute guided tours, a world class museum, daily musket demonstrations, and self-guided tours of the Fort.

The site offers a detailed history of the fort, an events calendar, visitor information, and information regarding major events and educational programs. The site also offers a page for educators detailing Fort Ticonderoga's participation in National History Day, which is on February 27th.

Indian King Tavern Museum [NJ]

Description

The Indian King Tavern, built circa 1750 by a wealthy Philadelphia merchant and ship owner named Matthias Aspden, is a fine example of an early American public house and tavern. The tavern was originally built as a three-and-one-half story brick building. By 1764, it had been enlarged to 24 rooms with five cellars. On its north elevation, a two-story addition was constructed. Commonly referred to as "the ark," this part of the building was used in connection with tavern operations. Thomas Redman purchased the property in 1775. Redman, a Quaker, quickly raised the ire of local patriots with his outspoken pacifism. In January 1777, he was arrested and jailed for his frequent public pacifist readings. Shortly after his release from prison in May of that same year, he sold the tavern to Hugh Creighton. Creighton continued to operate the premises as a tavern and inn, retaining Thomas Smith, the innkeeper for previous owner Thomas Redman. Before long, Smith and the tavern's new owner found themselves at the center of political events that would forever change the course of history for the colony of New Jersey and the nation.

The museum offers tours.

Governor John Langdon House

Description

John Langdon rose from modest origins to become a merchant, shipbuilder, Revolutionary leader, signer of the United States Constitution, and three-term governor of New Hampshire. The house he built for his family in 1784 expresses his status as Portsmouth's leading citizen and was praised by George Washington, who visited there in 1789. Its reception rooms are ornamented by elaborate wood carving in the rococo style. After Langdon's death in 1819, the house was occupied by other leading families. At the end of the 19th century, Langdon descendants purchased the house and restored it to its 18th-century state, adding on a substantial wing designed by McKim, Mead, and White to house modern conveniences.

The house offers tours.

Lexington Historical Society [MA]

Description

"The Lexington Historical Society in Lexington, Massachusetts preserves and celebrates Lexington's history, with a special emphasis on the town's important role in the beginning of the American Revolution." The society manages three historic house museums, the Hancock-Clarke House, which was Paul Revere's destination in Lexington during his famous midnight ride, Buckman Tavern, the gathering place for the Lexington Militia on April 19, 1775, and the Munroe Tavern, which served as the temporary British headquarters during the British retreat from Concorde to Boston. All of these locations have been restored so that visitors can experience the locations exactly as they were at the beginning of the American Revolution. In addition to the museums, the society maintains a historical archive and puts on a variety of educational programs.

The site offers visitor information, detailed historical information on all three historic house museums as well as the society, an events calendar, information on the educational events provided by the society, a museum store, and research information.

Brunswick Town / Fort Anderson [NC]

Description

A major pre-Revolutionary port on North Carolina's Cape Fear River, Brunswick was razed by British troops in 1776 and never rebuilt. During the Civil War, Fort Anderson was constructed atop the old village site, and served as part of the Cape Fear River defenses below Wilmington before the fall of the Confederacy. Colonial foundations dot the present-day tour trail, which crosses the earthworks of the Confederate fort.

The site offers a short film, exhibits, tours, and occasional recreational and educational events (including living history events).

Flag House and Star-spangled Banner Museum [MD]

Description

At the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, visitors take part in an interactive experience in which they become part in the story of the sewing of the flag that inspired the National Anthem. They step into living history as they meet Mary Pickersgill, the spirited woman who made the flag. They learn firsthand from Mary, her family, and friends what life was like in the 19th century and take part in activities that let them experience it for themselves.

The house offers exhibits, tours, demonstrations, educational programs, and occasional recreational and educational events (including living history events).

Musgrove Mill State Historic Site

Description

Musgrove Mill was the site of a bloody battle waged in 1780 during the revolutionary war. American forces had ridden to the site to wage battle against what they thought was an equal number of loyalists. There they found that the loyalist forces had been bolstered by 300 British regulars from a local British outpost. After a fierce battle, the American forces prevailed in what almost turned into a rout.

The site offers general information about the park, its activities, and its programs.

Constitution Island Association [NY]

Description

Constitution Island is part of West Point, the United States Military Academy, a National Registered Landmark. The Island is most famous for the Great Chain that was placed across the Hudson during the Revolutionary War and the Warner family who lived on the Island during the 19th century. The Warner House and ruins of the Revolutionary War fortifications are the primary points of interest.

The site offers tours and occasional recreational and educational events (including living history events).