For additional learning opportunities or for extra credit projects, students are strongly encouraged to visit local historical sites that relate to American history up to and including the Civil War. This list does include sites outside the immediate area, which you might want to consider if your family is traveling. Remember, this list is just a starting point -- please feel free to visit other relevant sites.
Native Americans
In addition, Native American festivals and pow wows are held locally, and they would also be appropriate for these projects.
Colonial America
Historic Hudson Valley (Philipsburg Manor, Van Cortlandt Manor, Sunnyside)
Old Sturbridge Village (in Massachusetts)
Plimoth Plantation, including Mayflower II and Wampanoag Homesite (Boston area)
Jamestown Settlement (in Virginia)
Colonial Williamsburg (in Virginia)
French and Indian War
Fort William Henry (Lake George area)
Revolutionary War
A comprehensive list of many sites in the Hudson Valley
A comprehensive list of many sites in New York City
Philadelphia's Historic District (includes Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, as well as museums)
Museum of the American Revolution (Philadelphia)
Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum (Boston)
Freedom Trail sites and museums (Boston)
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown (Virginia)
Westward Movement
The D&H Canal Historical Society and Museum (High Falls, NY)
Erie Canal Museum (Syracuse)
Reform Movements
Seneca Falls (Women's Rights National Historical Park, Harriet Tubman House, Elizabeth Cady Stanton House)
Underground Railroad (a network of historical sites across New York State -- this page links to a map with all the sites marked by location)
National Museum of African-American History and Culture (Washington, DC)
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site (Washington, DC)
Industrial Revolution
Lowell National Historical Park (Massachusetts)
Civil War
Lincoln Depot Museum (Peekskill)
Gettysburg National Military Park (Pennsylvania)
Antietam National Battlefield (Maryland)