Historic Bath [NC]

Description

European settlement near the Pamlico River in the 1690s led to the founding of Bath, North Carolina's first town, in 1705. By 1708, Bath had 50 people and 12 houses. It soon became North Carolina's first port. Political rivalries, Indian wars, and piracy marked its early years, but in 1746 Bath was considered for the colony's capital. However, when county government moved away in the late 1700s, Bath lost most of its importance and trade. Its original town limits encompass a historic district today. Restoration efforts in Bath have saved the St. Thomas Church, the Palmer-Marsh House, Van Der Veer House (circa 1790), and the Bonner House (circa 1830).

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

Historic Columbus Foundation [GA]

Description

The Historic Columbus Foundation primarily functions as an advocate for historical preservation and heritage tourism in Columbus, GA. However, the foundation also operates the Heritage Corner, which consists of an early 19th-century log cabin, the 1828 Federal Walker-Peters-Langdon House, 1840s Woodruff Farm House, the Greek Revival Victorian Pemberton House, and the Italian-villa style Janice Persons Biggers House. The Pemberton House served as the residence of Dr. John Stith Pemberton, creator of the original Coca-Cola recipe, between 1855 and 1860. All of the above properties are furnished to the style of their respective period. The lower floors of the Rankin House, the foundation's headquarters, also serve as a historic house museum, focusing on the years between 1850 and 1870. The society's final public site is the Heritage Park, which is an outdoor recreation area with interpretive panels.

The foundation offers period rooms, tours, curriculum-based guided student tours and programs, a park, and wayside interpretive panels. Reservations are required for all student tours and programs.

Hanford-Silliman House [CT]

Description

The circa 1764 Hanford-Silliman House served as New Canaan's tavern and inn or "ordinary" at a time when towns were required by law to have such an establishment available for travelers. The interior is furnished to period.

The site offers period rooms and guided tours.

Kennebunkport Historical Society, Kennebunkport History Center, and the Nott House [ME]

Description

The Kennebunkport Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of Kennebunkport, Maine. To this end, the society operates the Nott House and the Kennebunkport History Center. The Nott House is a Greek Revival historic home museum which primarily interprets Victorian life in the busy maritime center of Kennebunkport, Maine. However, the carpet, wallpaper, furniture, and other artifacts are all original to the home; and, as such, the site displays styles ranging from those of the late 18th century to circa 1950. The grounds hold the restored gardens. The Kennebunkport History Center consists of the Pasco Exhibit Center, which presents local history exhibits; Town House School, holding the society research center; Clark's Shipwright Office, covering Kennebunkport's maritime history; Old Jail Cells; and Benson Blacksmith Shop.

The Nott House offers period rooms, guided tours, and gardens. The Kennebunkport History Center offers exhibits, library access, research assistance, demonstrations, and activities. The society offers one-hour guided architectural walking tours and self-guided walking tours. Payment of an hourly fee is required to use the library. Reservations are appreciated for group visits to the Nott House and the Kennebunkport History Center. The jail cells and shipwright office are only open by appointment.

Washington County Historical Association and Museum [NE]

Description

The Washington County Historical Association is dedicated to preserving the historical heritage of Washington County, NE, from prehistoric times up to the present day. The association owns and operates a local history museum along with the Frahm House and Fontanelle Township Hall.

The society offers exhibits and galleries in the museum, guided tours of its three historic properties, and special events. The website offers visitor information, research resources, and a listing of upcoming events.

Adams County Historical Society and McGowan House [WI]

Description

The Adams Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of Adams County, WI, and its people. The society's major property is the 1889 McGowan House, which serves as the society headquarters, archive, and a historic house museum. The residence is furnished in Victorian style, and depicts the daily life of Doctor Washington Emmet McGowan and his family.

The society offers period rooms, archive access, and research assistance.

Mount Airy Mansion [MD]

Description

The Mount Airy Mansion dates back to colonial times when it was the home of the Calvert family. The home was originally built by Charles Calvert, Third Lord of Baltimore, as a hunting lodge. Today, the home stands as a historic house museum, and gives visitors a glimpse into the lives of the colonial elite.

The mansion offers guided tours and special events. The website offers a brief history of the mansion, a photo gallery of the mansion, visitor information, and a listing of upcoming events.

Sotterley Foundation and Plantation [MD]

Description

The Sotterley Plantation, built in 1703, is one of the oldest examples of colonial architecture in Maryland's Tidewater region. The plantation was built by James Bowles, a wealthy British tobacco merchant and later owned by the Plater family, which included Maryland's sixth governor, George Plater III. The plantation was favored by George Washington and may have served as a model for his home, Mount Vernon. The site also includes a slave cabin, gardens, and several 18th-century outbuildings.

School groups may take the standard plantation tour (mansion and gardens), a specialized tour with a more personal feel, or a self-guided tour. Groups may opt to dine on the portico after their tour. The site also offers a variety of educational programs for students of all ages, focusing on Maryland history, agriculture and daily life, and the environment.

President James Buchanan's Wheatland [PA]

Description

In 1856 diplomat and statesman James Buchanan was elected the 15th President of the United States at the age of 65. Today, visitors to President James Buchanan's Wheatland can learn more about Pennsylvania's only United States President and explore the story of his presidency; the fractious political issues of the times; and his private life in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and at his Wheatland estate.

The site offers tours, exhibits, educational programs, and recreational and educational events.