Kansas State Historical Society, Archives, and Museum, Potawatomi Mission, and Stach School

Description

The Society manages and operates the state's Museum of History, which preserves and presents the history of the state. Exhibits include a Cheyenne tipi; a fully-stocked covered wagon ready for a trip on the Oregon Trail; a 1950s diner made by the Valentine Industries; and a locomotive made in 1880 for the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad. In the same complex, the society maintains the 1847 Potawatomi Mission, once operated as a boarding school for children of the Potawatomi Indians, and the one-room Stach School, interpreted as it was in the 1910s and 1920s.

The society offers research library access and school tours to orient middle- and high-school students to the library; the museum offers exhibits, tours (including standards-based school tours), and occasional recreational and educational events. The mission offers tours, a small exhibit on Kansas missions, and a period classroom for school groups; the Stach School offers school tours and "Rural School Days"—four-hour programs for fourth- and fifth-grade students that introduce them to student life in 1920.

South Windsor Historical Society and Museum [CT]

Description

The South Windsor Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of the South Windsor, CT area and its people. To this end, the society operates a museum of local history within the 1837 Pleasant Valley District 5 Schoolhouse. Historically, major area industries have included agriculture and ship building.

The museum offers exhibits, and is open May through November.

Genesee Country Village and Museum [NY]

Description

Genesee Country Village and Museum's 68 buildings recreate a 19th-century rural village, from the pioneer years, beginning in 1795, to the 1920s. Depending on when they visit, visitors may watch period baseball games and foodways, crafts, and other living history demonstrations, and participate in hands-on activities. The village also houses the John L. Wehle Art Gallery, displaying sporting and wildlife art as well as a changing exhibit on 19th-century life.

The museum offers exhibits, living history demonstrations, period baseball games (on some weekends), classes, summer camps, family pioneer experience weekends, nature trails, and other recreational and educational events.

New York City Fire Museum [NY]

Description

The New York City Fire Museum presents firefighting history from the late 18th century to present day. The largest firefighting collection in the country, museum artifacts include art, uniforms, parade hats, tools, fire engines dating from the 1700s onward, other vehicles, and more than 2,000 fire marks. A permanent exhibit memorializes the firefighters involved in 9-11 disaster relief. The museum is located within a 1904 firehouse.

The museum offers exhibits, guided historical tours for groups, and interactive guided fire safety tours for students. Reservations are required for history group tours, which must include at least 20 individuals, and student tours. The website offers a teacher resource guide and a summary of the New York Fire Department's history.

Coopersville Area Historical Society and Museum [MI]

Description

The Coopersville Area Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of Coopersville, MI. To this end, the society operates a museum of local history. The museum is housed within two structures, one of which is an early 20th-century railway depot. Exhibit topics include sawmills, settler lifestyles, rock music, logging, and business. Period settings include an early 20th-century school room and an 1880s drugstore. The museum contains a memorial to rock and roll singer Del Shannon (1934-1990).

The museum offers exhibits, period rooms, and group tours. Reservations are required for group tours.