November 2010

The Society's museums include 12 historic properties, nine of which are located at the Historic Complex at the intersection of Second & Shipcarpenter Streets. These museums range from the simplicity of the Early Plank House, to the Federal grandeur of the Burton-Ingram House. They range in age from one of the oldest structures in the United States - the Ryves Holt House, c. 1665 - to the Midway School #178, c. 1898. Visitors can see fine Philadelphia furnishings at the Burton-Ingram House, hear tales of maritime adventure at the Lewes Life-Saving Station Boathouse, view priceless treasures of Lewes's seafaring past at the Cannonball House, and experience rural life in 18th century Sussex County at the Rabbit's Ferry House.

One of America’s finest Greek Revival houses, Gaineswood is a masterpiece. Exceptional interior spaces have domed ceilings, elaborate plasterwork, and a facing pair of gilt mirrors that endlessly reflect each other. Designed by owner and amateur architect General Nathan Bryan Whitfield, Gaineswood was constructed during 1843-1861. Some of the elaborate work was executed by African American slaves. The house museum contains many original Whitfield family furnishings and objects. The grounds feature a gazebo, a slave house, and a small building that was most likely a detached kitchen.

As news of the gold strike spread many prospectors and businessmen rushed to Bannack hoping to strike it rich. In 1864, Bannack was named as the first Territorial Capital of Montana. Remaining in Bannack for only a short time, the Capital moved on to Virginia City. In 1863 gold had been discovered near Virginia City and at that time many prospectors left Bannack in hopes of finding the mother lode in Virginia City. However, some people stayed in Bannack and explored the use of further mining techniques. From the late 1860's to the 1930's, Bannack continued as a mining town with a fluctuating population. By the 1950's gold workings had dwindled and most folks had moved on. At that point the State of Montana declared Bannack a State Park. Today, over sixty structures remain standing, most of which can be explored. People from all over visit this renowned ghost town to discover their heritage.

This was the site of the only Revolutionary War battle fought in Delaware.

On September 3, 1777, the Battle of Cooch's Bridge was fought here, and it would end up as the only battle from that war to be fought within Delaware's boundaries. According to tradition, the new 13-star flag, the Stars and Stripes, was first unfurled during action here. This site has no facilities or contacts; visitors explore the area on their own.

Stand on the stern of Balclutha, face west to feel the fresh wind blowing in from the Pacific Ocean. Located in the Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park offers the sights, sounds, smells and stories of Pacific Coast maritime history. The park holds collections of books, oral histories, sea chanteys, photographs, letters, diaries, logbooks, maps, tools, toys, folk art and paintings.

Their service is highlighted through exhibits and artifacts that are documented by the museum's excellent collection of vehicles and small arms. The current exhibit, Tactics and Logistics of Warfare, examines the organization of the armed services in the 20th century and the Pennsylvania connection to each.

The Boiling Spring Academy is a restored 1830 one room school house located in Primm Historic Park on Moores Lane.

On this site, prehistoric Native Americans lived and left their mounds as relics of the Mississippian Period. Many years later pioneer settlers carved their civilization out of this wilderness. They were followed by flourishing plantations where antebellum planters educated their children in the Boiling Spring Academy which also served as a church.

Nestled at the confluence of the Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers 15 miles north of Montgomery and just south of Wetumpka, Alabama, Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson State Historic Site has been a part of over 6000 years of history. The 165-acre park, operated by the Alabama Historical Commission, is open year-round for the public's enjoyment where one can step back in time, wandering through the French and American forts or walking to the Mississippian Mound site. Visitors may choose to visit the William Bartram Nature Trail, named for the famed 18th century botanist. The trail winds through the southern edge of the park to the Tallapoosa River. Browse the bookstore and museum in the Graves House, with archaeological collections featuring French colonial, early American and prehistoric Indian items.

Much of the power produced at this plant operated the streetcars. It marks the beginning of the end of the reciprocating steam engine's domination in the growing field of electrical energy generation for lighting and power.

The plant's three Curtis turbines, manufactured by the General Electric Company between 1906 and 1917, represent the first two generations of this American innovation. The design of the Curtis turbines established the steam turbine as a practical and compact prime mover, capable of producing large amounts of power. The Curtis steam generator was smaller, had three times the power, and operated more cheaply and smoothly than current-day generators.

Visitors to this site, established in 1976 as a recreation of 18th and 19th century rural life in the Midwest, can see the Crossroads Village and historic farms, the one room school house and historic breeds of animals, or observe artisan handicrafts and food preperation methods, all from that era.