Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park [MD]

Description

The 184.5–mile Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park preserves the history of this canal, which shipped coal, lumber, grain, and other agricultural products along the Potomac River. The canal's story intertwines with those of western expansion, transportation, engineering, the Civil War, immigration, industry, and commerce. Rangers provide a mid–19th–century living history experience, and the park also offers an option of staying overnight in one of several historic lockhouses–each with interpretive media and furnishings which simulate the living conditions of the lock keeper's family during the 1830s, Civil War, the early 1900s, or the 1950s.

The park offers two replica canal boats, drawn by mule; docents in period dress; ranger–led hikes, walks, lift lock demonstrations, power point presentations, and mule programs; canal boat tours; Junior Ranger activities; and a period room overnight experience. The website offers lesson plans, photo galleries, and a coloring page.

Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial [PA]

Description

The Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial consists of the home of the Polish head engineer of the United States' Continental Army, Thaddeus Kosciuszko (1746-1817). The majority of the house is dedicated to exhibits concerning Kosciuzko's life and career. However, one room has been furnished in period style. Visitors to the home during Kosciuzko's life included Benjamin Rush, Thomas Jefferson, and Chief Little Turtle; and in his will, Kosciuszko asked that his property in the United States be sold to purchase the freedom and education of slaves.

The memorial offers an eight-minute introductory audio-visual program, exhibits, a period room traveling trunks, and Junior Ranger activities.

California's Greatest Thirst: A Glance at the Contentious History of California's Water

Description

This lecture follows the history of California's development and use of its water resources; and describes major construction projects, from 1908 to 1960.

To listen to this lecture, scroll down to "California's Greatest Thirst: A Glance at the Contentious History of California's Water," and select "Listen to Broadcast."

Justin Smith Morrill Homestead [VT]

Description

The Justin Smith Morrill Homestead preserves the Greek Revival cottage of John Smith Morrill (1810-1898). During his life, Morrill worked as a blacksmith, merchant's clerk, Representative, and U.S. Senator. Unable to finish school himself, Morrill became the chief sponsor of the 1862 Land Grant Act. The act provided for a college in each state which would teach skills not previously available in the higher education system—practical science, agriculture, and engineering. These colleges also offered more traditional studies. Morrill's hobbies included architecture and landscape design.

The homestead offers period rooms, tours, gardens, and access to Morrill's library. Please call ahead to verify admission hours. Appointments are required for library access. The website offers suggested reading and a video virtual garden tour.

Lynn Heritage State Park [MA]

Description

Lynn Heritage State Park celebrates the history of Lynn, Massachusetts. Following the arrival of John Adam Dagyr in 1750, the settlement began its ascension to the position of being the nation's main shoe supplier. Lynn is also known for Lydia Pinkham (1819-1883), creator of an early commercial tonic for relieving menstrual cramps, and Elihu Thomson (1853-1937), who founded General Electric with Thomas Edison in 1892.

The park offers exhibits, self-guided tours, and both interpretive and outreach programs.

Friends of the Schell Bridge [MA]

Description

The Schell Memorial Bridge is a 515--foot long steel cantilever truss bridge donated in 1902 to the town of Northfield by one of its leading citizens, Francis R. Schell. The bridge spans the Connecticut River, uniting the east and west sides of Northfield. Unfortunately, lack of maintenance and funds led to the closure of the bridge in 1985. Friends of the Schell Bridge is dedicated towards the reopening of this historic bridge, even if it could only be reopened in a limited capacity, such as limiting the bridge to foot traffic and emergency vehicles only.

The site provides information about the preservation effort and the history of the bridge. In addition, the site has an archives of all newsletter put out by the organization, links to news about the bridge, and links to help preservation advocates get involved.

Taking the Long View: Panoramic Photographs, 1851-1991

Image
Annotation

Nearly 4,000 panoramic photographs of cityscapes, landscapes, and group portraits, deposited as copyright submissions by more than 400 companies, are displayed on this site. Panoramic photographs were used to advertise real estate and to document groups, events, and gatherings. Images depict all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 20 foreign countries and territories. Subjects include cityscapes, landscapes, group portraits, agricultural life, disasters, education, engineering, fairs and expositions, industrial scenes, military activities, performing arts, sports, and transportation. Although the images cover the period from 1851 to 1991, the collection centers on the early 20th century. The site includes a bibliography, an illustrated 1,000-word background essay on the history of panoramic photography, and an essay outlining the technicality of shooting a panoramic photograph. Four essays focus on specific photographers: George R. Lawrence (1869–1938); George N. Barnard (1819–1902); Frederick W. Brehm (1871–1950); and Miles F. Weaver (1879–1932).