November 2010

Christ Church was the first Episcopal Church in Alexandria and has played an important role in the life of the city since its completion by John Carlyle in 1773. The church was designed by James Wren in the colonial Georgian style. George Washington and Robert E. Lee were regular worshippers. Other prominent persons have worshipped here, including many U.S. presidents. One of the most notable visits was that of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Sir Winston Churchill, who attended services here on the World Day of Prayer for Peace, January 1, 1942.

The second floor museum regularly hosts traveling and original exhibitions that highlight the art, history and culture of African Americans. The current exhibit is titled, "Visions Toward Tomorrow: The African American Community in Oakland, 1890-1900".

Located in the historic Washington/Mason cable car barn and powerhouse, the museum deck overlooks the huge engines and winding wheels that pull the cables. Downstairs is a viewing area of the large sheaves and cable line entering the building through the channel under the street. On display are various mechanical devices such as grips, track, cable, brake mechanisms, tools, detailed models, and a large collection of historic photographs. The museum houses three antique cable cars from the 1870s. The Sutter Street Railway No. 46 grip car & No. 54 trailer and the only surviving car from the first cable car company, the Clay Street Hill Railroad No. 8 grip car.

This 18th-century home was used by General Braddock as his headquarters during the French and Indian War.

Located in Old Town Alexandria, Carlyle House was completed in 1753 by a wealthy Scottish merchant for his bride, Sarah Fairfax of Belvoir. Their home quickly became a center of social and political life in Alexandria and gained a foothold in history when British General Braddock made the mansion his headquarters in 1755. Braddock summoned five colonial governors to meet at the home to plan the early campaigns of the French and Indian War. The Carlyle House is architecturally unique in Alexandria as the only stone, 18th-century Palladian-style house.

Some things that visitors while see on a journey through Tustin's history at the museum are Tustin's first fire engine, an old business calculator called a "comptometer", models of an old general store and house, and antique sewing machines, typewriters, currency, and other equipment.

The Tehachapi museum provides insights into local Native American and pioneer history.

The museum houses the "Tehachapi Women of History" exhibit with rotating display of the museum’s dress, hat, jewelry and fabric collection, as well as photographs and information about the women who have played a part in Tehachapi history. The museum also features an American Indian exhibit which includes geology and early man, a display of recreated models of Ice Age Animals, and a Railroad Display. The museum also provides the starting point for a walking tour of the historic buildings of the Tehachapi area. (from website)

The museum presents the area's history in three sections: the Chumash Indian period, the Spanish period, and the Pioneer period, with enriching displays and exhibits to each historical time.

The museum comprises 15 structures: the Main Adobe, a Fountain, a Chapel, a Bell Structure, and a Winery, all built in the 19th century. Structures built in the early 20th century include a Barn, Gas Station and Bunkhouse, The Small Adobe, and a Schoolhouse. All of these structures help visitors to get a sense of what life was like for earlier inhabitants of the area. Rancho Camulos is also known as the "Home of Ramona." Helen Hunt Jackson's 1884 best-selling novel Ramona inspired four motion pictures and a pageant performed annually in Hemet, California.

Upon entering the Cowboy Museum, one quickly notices the memorabilia that illustrates the lifestyle of the American Cowboy. The unique skills of the leather crafter are seen on the finely tooled leather saddles that surround the two galleries of the Museum. The action photographs that fill the spacious walls along with several personal collections tell the story of early western beginnings. The many tools of the rancher such as branding irons, boots, spurs and chaps are displayed for a “hands on” experience.

Visitors can see various exhibits about local history in the home of Novato's first Postmaster, Henry F. Jones. The building, possibly the oldest dwelling in Novato, may have been one of several houses constructed by Ramon Pacheco circa 1850. (from website)