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Northeast USA Museums and Culture

    Beavertail Lighthouse Museum, Rhode Island

  Beavertail Road - P.O. Box 83 - Jamestown, RI           
Discover Jamestown's most visited landmark with its panoramic views of Narragansett Bay. Located on the southernmost tip of Jamestown, Rhode Island, the Beavertail Lighthouse museum features a collection of information, artifacts, and conversation about the history and site of the third-oldest lighthouse in North America. Come and enjoy New England hospitality as you engage with lighthouse history and with interesting elements of Narragansett Bay’s maritime science, technology, art, and culture.
    Peabody Museum of Natural History, Connecticut
  170 Whitney Avenue - New Haven, CT             
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The mission of the Peabody Museum is to serve Yale University by advancing our understanding of earth’s history through geological, biological, and anthropological research, and by communicating the results of this research to the widest possible audience through publication, exhibition, and educational programs.
Fundamental to this mission is stewardship of the Museum’s rich collections, which provide a remarkable record of the history of the earth, its life, and its cultures. Conservation, augmentation and use of these collections become increasingly urgent as modern threats to the diversity of life and culture continue to intensify.
    Prospect Park Zoo, New York State
  450 Flatbush Avenue - Brooklyn, NY            
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Let your wild side reign free as you explore the many faces of some very unique creatures at this Brooklyn museum of life. Venture deep into the jungle as you see the animals up close. Dare to spend the day with the valor of a lion roaming with his pride. A family spending time together, appreciating nature in all its ferocious glory is what this NYC museum is all about. Take the children to the discovery center where they can try their hand at some basic veterinary skills while conducting check-ups on real live animals. Then, head over to the young naturalist camping area, cook food on a "campfire", and explore using field guides for animals that one might see on a camping trip. Feeling the urge to feed some of the animals’ springtime is the perfect time to head over and feed the sea lions - they just love the attention too. Weekends are an ideal time to visit as you can chat live with the zookeepers and learn how they care for the animals. Maybe even find out what your favorite animal does when you're not there. Overall, this taste of the wild offers a wide variety of things to do, see and learn. Spring/Summer 2012 is a great time to come see this gem.
    New York Hall of Science, New York State
  47-01 111th St. - Flushing, NY              
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As you approach the New York Hall of Science Museum, you will be awed by the visual appeal of the large, rounded entrance featuring an array of windows, enhancing the open feel. Upon entering, you will be drawn into a quizzical world of wonder, exploration and exhibits for every age level. The fun starts with a Pre-School area where children can make music, play with trains or turn a crank to see the process of a pulley system and leads to hearing a story at the Science and Technology Library. Here, parents and children can bond over many great learning experiences. Sharing in hands-on activities brings a sense of closeness as you watch the wonder in your child’s eyes turn to amazement as they learn a myriad of new things in the educationally stimulating environment this Queens’ museum offers. Occupying one of the few remaining structures of the 1964 New York World’s Fair, it stands alone as New York’s only inter-active science and technology center. Other features of the museum include the Science Playground and Rocket Park Mini Golf. Bring the family out for a fun filled day on Long Island of learning, fun and quality time.
    Drug Enforcement Administration Museum, Virginia
  700 Army Navy Drive - Arlington, VA            
The mission of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Museum and Visitors Center is to educate the American public on the history of drugs, drug addiction and drug law enforcement in the United States through engaging and state-of-the-art exhibits, displays, interactive stations and educational outreach programs.
    Ellis Island Immigration Museum, New York State
  Ellis Island - New York, NY             
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From Battery Park, you can take the ferry across to the famous Ellis Island Immigration Museum. You will be astounded by the wealth of information they have. Make sure you check out the American Family Immigration History Center where you can access passenger records. A great sense of pride comes with finding out about your family’s history by accessing this great interactive exhibit. The museum is also currently featuring a special exhibit in the west wing “The Spirit of America” Gibson Les Paul guitar is up on display. Made of artifacts preserved during the centennial restoration of the island, this exhibit is an amazing mixture of art, culture and beauty. Wood grain details from the preserved steps and doors of the main building really catch the eye, while the copper inlay is composed of copper preserved from the Statue of Liberty National Monument. While the creators seem to use the universal language of music to send a message of freedom and convey a great sense of pride for the land we call America. Visit often during the year to experience some of the most intriguing New York museums and culture. You may find you can spend a whole day lost in history at this one of-a-kind museum.
    Historic Cold Spring Village, New Jersey
  720 Rt. 9 South - Cape May, NJ           
Historic Cold Spring Village is an Early American open-air living history museum. The Village brings to life the day-to-day activities of villagers living in South Jersey during the “age of homespun.” (1790-1840). Visitors can make a personal connection between the past and present through the interactive, educational, and hands-on family activities. Take a stroll along our 22 acres of shaded lanes, enjoy the gardens and observe the farm where heritage crops are grown; visit twenty-six restored antique buildings housing historically-clothed interpreters, who educate and entertain visitors about the lifestyles, issues, trades and crafts of yesteryear. Children enjoy playing at the activity area where they take part in a variety of projects such as trying on costumes, participating in hands-on crafts and playing games.
    Stephen Decatur House Museum, Washington DC
  1610 H Street, NW - Washington, DC           
Designed by architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe in 1818 for America's greatest 19th century naval hero, Decatur House was occupied by many of our nation's most important political leaders. As witness to the exciting events of the 19th and early 20th century, Decatur House has a unique and fascinating story to tell.
    The New Jersey Naval Museum, New Jersey
  78 River Street - Hackensack, NJ           
The New Jersey Naval Museum is located at 78 River Street, Hackensack, New Jersey. The entrance to the parking lot is next to the Heritage Restaurant. The museum is operated by The Submarine Memorial Association, a not-for-profit corporation.
    Children's Museum, New Hampshire
  280 Marcy Street - Portsmouth, NH             
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Founded in 1983 in Portsmouth, the Children's Museum of New Hampshire relocated to Dover in 2008. It offers a blend of art, science and cultural experiences for families. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to offering access to all children and families by minimizing barriers that prevent fair and meaningful educational and cultural opportunities. Since its inception, the Museum has served over 2 million people from New Hampshire and beyond. The Children's Museum is New Hampshire's most visited educational and cultural institution. In our three years in Dover, the Museum has reached over 280,000 students and families from 110 New Hampshire towns and cities, communities throughout New England, and visitors from all over the world. 50% of our visitors came in free or with reduced admission, and 24% are from underserved audiences.
    Slater Mill Museum, Rhode Island
  67 Roosevelt Avenue - Pawtucket, RI            
Located on the Blackstone River in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Slater Mill is a museum complex dedicated to bringing one of the most exciting and significant periods of American history to life. Visitors to the site experience a time when an America of small farmers and craftsmen were poised to turn the country into the industrial leader of the world.
    Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania
  1300 Locust Street - Philadelphia, PA            
Founded in 1824 in Philadelphia, The Historical Society of Pennsylvania is one of the oldest historical societies in the United States and holds many national treasures. The Society's building, listed on the City of Philadelphia's Register of Historical Places, houses some 600,000 printed items and over 19 million manuscript and graphic items. The Society is one of the largest family history libraries in the nation, has preeminent printed collections on Pennsylvania and regional history, and offers superb manuscript collections renowned for their strength in 17th-, 18th-, and 19th-century history. With the addition of the holdings of The Balch Institute for Ethnic Studies in 2002, the Society has become a chief center for the documentation and study of the ethnic communities and immigrant experiences shared by people whose American history began more recently-between the late nineteenth century and our own times. Together these holdings, old and new, make the Society one of the nation's most important special collections libraries-a center of historical documentation and study, education, and engagement.
    Lambert Castle Museum, New Jersey
  3 Valley Road - Paterson, NJ           
The Lambert Castle Museum is open most afternoons. The Castle grounds, the Garret Mountain Reservation and Rifle Camp Park are open Everyday from dawn to dusk!
    Smith's Castle, Rhode Island
  55 Richard Smith Drive - Wickford, RI           
Dating back several centuries, Smith's Castle remains today a Rhode Island and American treasure.
    The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Connecticut
  600 Main St. - Hartford, CT             
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"We’re more than just the first public art institution in the United States. We were the first museum in America to begin collecting contemporary American art – resulting in our world renowned Hudson River School collection. We staged the first retrospective of Pablo Picasso in America; we were the first museum to both exhibit and purchase works by Surrealist artists – today almost every exhibition about Surrealism includes works borrowed from our collection. We were the first art museum to also have a theater – and we were the first to show Gertrude Stein’s Four Saints & 3 Acts – which we also produced."
    Reginald F. Lewis Museum, Maryland
  830 E. Pratt Street - Baltimore, MD            
Mission: To be the premier experience and best resource for information and inspiration about the lives of African American Marylanders. The museum seeks to realize its mission by collecting, preserving, interpreting, documenting and exhibiting the rich contributions of African American Marylanders from the state’s earliest history to the present and the future.
    Pope John Paul II Cultural Center, Washington DC
  3900 Harewood Road, NE - Washington, DC           
Activities for Children
Children 0-5: Build with blocks; create art rubbings of saints, angels and nature; ring the bells; play dress up; and watch Bible stories under a tent.
Children 5-8: ring the bells; discover melody selections from Catholic hymnals; and create an electronic stained-glass window. Children 8 & up: participate in a scavenger hunt, available at the Admissions Desk.
    Academy of Natural Sciences, Pennsylvania
  1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway - Philadelphia, PA            
For 200 years, the Academy has connected people to nature. As Philadelphia's natural history museum, we educate visitors of all ages. Our scientists study evolution, biodiversity and ecology, providing information critical to understanding the natural world. These efforts are supported by a collection of 17 million biological specimens and a celebrated natural-history library.
Our programs depend on the generous support of our family of members and donors. We invite you to help us continue making the connection.
    Franklin Institute Science Museum, Pennsylvania
  222 North 20th Street - Philadelphia, PA             
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"Resources for Science Learning" are activities and ideas for inspiring scientific curiosity at home, in school, or wherever you are. Find out about the Center for Innovation in Science Learning and its program offerings for learners and for educators.
    African Art Museum of Maryland, Maryland
  5430 Vantage Point Road - P.O. Box 1105 - Columbia, MD           
African Art Museum of Maryland encourages an understanding of African art and culture. The Museum accomplishes this educational objective through numerous activities including exhibits, lectures, workshops, tours to Africa and the development and execution of a vigorous in-museum and outreach program for the public and private primary and secondary schools. The museum's audiences consist of the community at large to include youth, seniors, the disabled and the underserved segments of the population. African art exhibited by the African Art Museum of Maryland includes masks, sculptured figures, textiles, basketry, jewelry, household items, and musical instruments. The Museum is located in Historic Oakland, a restored nineteenth century manor in Columbia, Md. Oakland is owned by the Columbia Association and is operated as a community and social center. Support for AAMM is derived from individual and corporate donations, memberships, various foundations, and grants from government agencies.
    The Textile Museum, Washington DC
  2320 S Street NW - Washington, DC            
The Textile Museum expands public knowledge and appreciation – locally, nationally and internationally – of the artistic merits and cultural importance of the world’s textiles.
    Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village, Delaware
  866 North DuPont Highway - Dover, DE           
For the child who believes milk comes from the grocery store instead of a cow, for the woman who remembers using a cornsheller on her grandmother's farm, the family who takes twentieth century technological advances and the farmer for granted, the Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village offers a memorable and educational experience. By preserving the quickly fading agricultural heritage of Delaware and the Delmarva Peninsula, the Museum stands as an important legacy for future generations.
    National Firearms Museum, Virginia
  11250 Waples Mill Road - Fairfax, VA            
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The mission of the National Firearms Museum is to develop and manage educational programs that promote appreciation, understanding, and participation in gun collecting, and the preservation of the heritage of firearms through collection, conservation, exhibition and research as part of a nationally recognized museum in America.
    National Museum of Dentistry, Maryland
  31 South Greene Street - Baltimore, MD           
Find your smile at the National Museum of Dentistry! Smile-inspiring exhibitions and innovative programs make a national impact to educate the public about the importance of good oral health to a healthy life.
    John Brown Wax Museum, West Virginia
  168 High St. - Harpers Ferry, WV            
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Sunday, October 16, 1859, Brown, accompanied by about 20 men, all fully armed, crossed the Potomac into Virginia (now West Virginia) at Harper's Ferry. They overpowered the watchmen at the following locations: the Baltimore & Ohio railroad bridge, the United States armory and arsenal, and the rifle factory above the town on the Shenandoah. They placed guards at those points and at the street corners of the town. Brown established himself in the thick-walled brick building at the armory gate, one room of which was the quarters of the watchman and the other contained a fire-engine. He then sent six men, to seize the principal citizens in the neighborhood and incite those of African decent to rise and join in the insurrection.
    Virginia Museum of Transportation, Virginia
  303 Norfolk Avenue - Roanoke, VA           
Come experience the only remaining examples of the N&W's legendary success at the Virginia Museum of Transportation: the N&W Class A 1218 and the Class J 611. In our Rail Yard, explore historic steam and diesel engines, cabooses, and other rail equipment as modern trains rumble past. Inside the Museum, enjoy model trains, hands-on exhibits, and stroll among our antique automobiles, and truck and bus exhibits.
    WV Museum of American Glass, West Virginia
  230 Main Avenue - Weston, WV            
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Imagine a museum dedicated to the region and nation's rich glass heritage. A place where examples of thousands of products can be viewed and compared and where the stories of people and processes come to life! The MAGWV provides this and much, much more.
    The Marine Museum, Massachusetts
  70 Water Street - Fall River, MA           
Here you will see one of the world's largest TITANIC exhibit. A 28 foot detailed model is the centerpiece in the collection of artifacts and memorabilia. The famous R. M. S. Titanic, so carefully designed to be called "unsinkable", on her maiden voyage took 1500 people with her to a watery grave on April 14, 1912. The museum's collection includes photographs taken by the Wood's Hole Oceanographic Institution, a recorded account of the tragedy by a Titanic survivor, and a video tape of the vessel's discovery. The Marine Museum's newest exhibit, The Andrea Dora, is now open. This exhibit includes photographs, videos, artifacts and a model of the Italian liner which sank off the coast of Nantucket in the summer of 1956.
    Seashore Trolley Museum, Maine
  195 Log Cabin Road - Kennebunkport, ME            
Founded in 1939 with one open trolley car, No. 31 from the Biddeford & Saco Railroad Company. Over the years thousands of members have followed the founding fathers by helping the Museum grow to be the premier electric railway museum in the world. Today, our collection contains over 250 transit vehicles, most of them trolleys, from all over the United States, Canada, and many other countries. We are the oldest, and largest electric railway museum in the world.
The mission of the Museum is to present a living history of public transportation relevant to North American life through community-related educational programs. The Museum shall collect, restore, preserve, exhibit and demonstrate the operation of significant transit vehicles with emphasis upon traditional streetcar and interurban service, including rapid transit, trackless trolley and bus service with select world wide comparative representation. The Museum shall provide a repository for artifacts and information of an educational and historic nature relating to the origin and development of the transit industry and its contribution to modern society.
    USS Constitution Museum, Massachusetts
  P.O. Box 1812 - Boston, MA            
The USS Constitution Museum serves as the memory and educational voice of USS Constitution, by collecting, preserving, and interpreting the stories of "Old Ironsides" and the people associated with her. We seek to create a positive, memorable experience for both children and adults by inspiring within them a love for the freedom that Constitution symbolizes. We will share Constitution's contributions with a global audience, and we will strive to be the best museum possible based on scholarship and innovative ways of sharing Constitution's stories.