E. D. White Historic Site [LA]

Description

This National Historic Landmark was the residence of two of Louisiana's foremost political figures, Edward Douglas White, who was governor from 1835 to 1839, and his son, Edward Douglass White, who was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1894 and served as chief justice from 1910 to 1921.

Today, an exhibit tells the story of the Bayou Lafourche area, with sections on the Chitimacha Indians, Acadian settlers, sugarcane plantations, slavery, and the White family.

Madame John's Legacy [LA]

Description

Madame John's is an excellent example of Louisiana Creole residential design at the end of the 18th century. Because of its fine architectural character, it has been designated as an official National Historic Landmark. The architectural complex at Madame John's actually consists of three buildings: The main house, the kitchen with cook's quarters, and the two-story garconniere.

Today, the main house has been restored and is open to the public.

1850 House [LA]

Description

The Upper and Lower Pontalba Buildings, which make up the 1850 House, were built by the Baroness Micaela Almonester de Pontalba, the daughter of Don Andres Almonester y Roxas, the Spanish colonial landowner associated with the neighboring Cabildo, Cathedral, and Presbytere. Inspired by the imposing Parisian architecture the Baroness favored, the rowhouses were intended to serve as both elegant residences and fine retail establishments.

To illustrate the landmark's historical significance, the State Museum has recreated what one of the residences would have looked like during the Antebellum era when the Baroness Pontalba first opened her doors. Furnished with domestic goods, decorative arts, and art of the period, the 1850 House depicts middle-class family life during the most prosperous period in New Orleans's history. Limited docent- and curator-led tours are available, as is self-directed viewing.

Hill-Stead Museum [CT]

Description

Renowned French Impressionist paintings—four by Claude Monet, three by Edgar Dega—and notable works by Édouard Manet, Mary Cassatt, and James McNeill Whistler are highlights of the Museum's in situ exhibition. The 152-acre property features an Arts and Crafts carriage barn and theater, stone garages, woodland trails, a pond and dairy complex, and a Sunken Garden designed by Beatrix Farrand c. 1920.

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

Harriet Beecher Stowe Center [CT]

Description

The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center preserves and interprets Stowe's Hartford home and the Center's historic collections, promotes vibrant discussion of her life and work, and inspires commitment to social justice and positive change. A visit to the Center includes the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, a Victorian Gothic Revival home (1871) which includes Victorian-style gardens; the Katharine Seymour Day House (1884), a mansion adjacent to the Stowe House; and the Stowe Visitor Center (1873), with changing exhibitions.

The center offers exhibits, tours, reference library access, and occasional recreational and educational 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.

Kern County Museum

Description

The Museum features 56 historic exhibits, many in relocated structures; an award-winning hands-on oil exhibition, Black Gold: The Oil Experience; and the Lori Brock Children's Discovery Center for youth eight and under. In addition, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions and special events.

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

Stratford Hall

Description

Stratford Hall, home of the Lee family and birthplace of Robert E. Lee, was built by Thomas Lee in the late 1730s. Today, it is furnished with an outstanding collection of predominantly 18th-century American and English decorative arts.

The site offers exhibits, tours, educational program, workshops, research library access, and occasional recreational and educational events (including living history events).

Winterthur [DE]

Description

Winterthur, an American country estate, is the former home of Henry Francis du Pont (1880–1969), an avid antiques collector and horticulturist. In the early 20th century, H. F. du Pont and his father, Henry Algernon du Pont, designed Winterthur in the spirit of 18th- and 19th-century European country houses. Visitors to Winterthur will rediscover America's heritage through its collections of antiques and Americana and venture out over the fields and farmland to learn about the workings of a great American country estate. They can also wander through the 60-acre naturalistic Winterthur Garden, while children will wonder at the Winterthur's famous fairy-tale children's garden, Enchanted Woods, and enjoy hands-on learning in the Touch-It Room.

The site offers research library access, tours, exhibits, classes and workshops, educational programs, and recreational and educational events.