November 2010

The Airborne & Special Operations Museum will provide a unique educational experience on United States history and basic core values through the preservation interpretation and recognition of U.S. Army airborne and special operations history, equipment, technology, legend, art and weaponry.

The Afro-American Cultural Center (AACC) of Charlotte is a distinguished, 33-year old institution that preserves, promotes, and presents African-American art, history and culture through comprehensive programs and presentations in the visual arts, performing arts, and through innovative educational programs. A new 44,000-square-foot headquarters on Stonewall Street between South Tryon and College Streets is being designed as a four story facility in the historic Brooklyn neighborhood – the center of Charlotte’s black
community dating from the late 1800’s until it was razed for urban renewal in the 1960s.

This facility will be a key component in Phase One of Charlotte’s Cultural Arts Facilities Master Plan. The Center includes a multi-purpose room/theater for lectures, small plays, spoken word, film, intimate musical events or corporate meetings, a roof top terrace for receptions, meetings and community gatherings, classrooms for educational programs, atrium/reception/event space for receptions and large gatherings, and a museum store.

Founded in 1957, the Yamhill County Historical Society is a not-for-profit educational and public service organization engaged to protect, preserve and share the history and heritage of Yamhill County. An exceptional group of quilts and other textiles dating from the 1850s through the twentieth century, and a beautiful assortment of Native American baskets and tools are among the more than 15,000 items found in the Permanent Collection.

The Ruth Stoller Research Library holds photographs, which document the history of the Yamhill Valley, genealogical, archive and resource materials, as well as books by local and regional authors. The Society offers educational opportunities to local and surrounding communities, including outreach projects such as the Covered Wagon Program, which features a full size reproduction of a covered wagon filled with hands-on equipment and operated by educators dressed in period clothing who conduct hands-on learning activities.

The Ackland Art Museum was founded through the bequest of William Hayes Ackland (1855-1940) to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Ackland Trust provided the funds to construct the museum building, and that trust continues to provide for the purchase of works of art. Mr. Ackland, a native of Nashville, TN, graduated from Nashville University and received a law degree from Vanderbilt University.

The Pitot House tells the story of life along Bayou St. John since the earliest days of settlement. The Pitot House has had a variety of owners from prominent lawyers to austere nuns. One of the most prominent was James Pitot, the first American mayor of New Orleans who lived here from 1810-1819. The Louisiana Landmarks Society painstakingly restored the Pitot House, with its stucco-covered, brick-between-post construction and double-pitched hipped roof, to its original 18th century condition in the 1960s. The house has been furnished with Louisiana and American antiques from the early 1800s in keeping with the style and period of James Pitot. Today, the Louisiana Landmarks Society uses the house as its headquarters and opens it for tours. The 10,000 square foot side yard is the perfect spot for almost any occasion - from an elegant seated dinner to a casual seafood boil. Visitors can enjoy the lovely gardens and view of Bayou St. John while they sip cocktails and revel in true southern hospitality.

A "park for all seasons" describes the 376 rolling wooded acres that make up one of the largest parks in all of Washington. Picnics, nature walks, Civil War programs, gardening, environmental education, music, skating, sports, and youth programs are among the varied seasonal activities possible at this spacious area east of the Anacostia River. Among the traces of old roadways, oaks, beech, and maples that cover the hillsides. squirrels and rabbits find homes along with the night foragers - raccoons and opossums. 

Fort Dupont Park is named for the Civil War earthwork fort located within the park. It is one of the forts that are collectively known as the "Fort Circle Parks", or the Civil War Defenses of Washington.

In the 19th century the C&O Canal provided jobs and opportunities for people throughout the Potomac River Valley. Today the canal's remains provide a place to recreate and enjoy nature, but most importantly they tell the story of the canal's important role in many aspects of American history. These include western expansion, transportation, engineering, the Civil War, immigration, industry and commerce.

Preserving America’s colorful Canal era and transportation history, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park is 184.5 miles of adventure. Originally, the C&O Canal was a lifeline for communities and businesses along the Potomac River as coal, lumber, grain and other agricultural products floated down the canal to market. Today millions of visitors hike or bike the C&O Canal each year to enjoy the natural, cultural and recreational opportunities available.

There are six visitor centers throughout Maryland and DC, please see website for additional information.

The reconstructed house is typical of those during Polk’s childhood. The kitchen and house are authentically furnished with period pieces from the early 1800s. The visitor center features exhibits on the life and times of President Polk and a twenty-three minute film "Who is Polk?" tells of his accomplishments.

The Mecklenburg Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution erected a stone monument at the site in 1904. It was the first monument dedicated in North Carolina to the eleventh president. Special events commemorate Polk’s birthday in November and focus on eighteenth-century Christmas customs in December. Special programs and activities are planned for scheduled school groups upon request. Visitors are invited to take guided tours of the main house and kitchen which are provided throughout the day.

A visit to the Fort Smith National Historic Site begins at the Visitor Center, located in the former barracks/courthouse/jail buildings.

On the grounds of the park visitors can see the site of the first fort, the Trail of Tears Overlook on the Arkansas River, the Commissary building, and reconstructed gallows. Paved, handicap accessible paths makes walking to the sites easy, but visitors should plan on spending up to an hour to tour the grounds of the park.

Thomas Jefferson’s vision of the spread of freedom and democracy from “sea to shining sea” inspired Eero Saarinen’s masterpiece of modern design. The 630 foot stainless steel Gateway Arch reflects St. Louis’ role as the gateway to the West.

Visitors to the Gateway Arch can tour the Museum of Westward Expansion, ride the tram to the top, and watch the movies Gateway to the West and Monument to the Dream.

Visitors to the Old Courthouse can tour restored courtrooms and history galleries, as well as learn about the Dred Scott trial and other significant cases that took place in the building.