Riverside Public Library
Since colonial times, the Northeast has had a strong fishing and seafaring tradition. While there are centers of population that make it the most densely populated part of the country, there is also much rural to see and experience. From Mt. Washington in NH to the Chesapeake Bay, the cultural and geographical richness of the Northeast is a wonder to see.
Gazing across the horizon from the peaks of Shenandoah National Park, it’s hard to believe you are just 75 miles from the bustle of our nation’s capital. Take Skyline Drive along the crest of the mountains through the woods and past spectacular vistas. Hike in the shade of oak trees along the Appalachian Trail, discover the stories from Shenandoah’s past, or just relax in the wonder of wilderness.
Korean War Veterans Memorial – Washington, DC
“Freedom is not free.” Here, one finds the expression of American gratitude to those who restored freedom to South Korea. Nineteen stainless steel sculptures stand silently under the watchful eye of a sea of faces upon a granite wall-reminders of the human cost of defending freedom. These elements all bear witness to the patriotism, devotion to duty, and courage of Korean War veterans.
Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network – Chesapeake Bay Watershed, DC,MD,NY,PA,VA,WV
First thoughts of the Chesapeake Bay often bring up images of crabs and oysters. But, as the largest estuary in North America, the Chesapeake Bay has touched and influenced much of the American story – early settlement, commerce, the military, transportation, recreation and more. The Bay and its surrounding 64,000 square mile watershed hold a treasure trove of historic areas, natural wonders, and recreational sites.
Gloria Dei Church – Philadelphia, PA
Before William Penn, the Swedes were here, building log homes and a brick church, GLORIA DEI. Imagine the transformation – town becomes city – 13 colonies become a nation – Swedish Lutheran church becomes Episcopalian. Re-discover Patriots and ordinary citizens buried in the cemetery. Enter Pennsylvania’s oldest church and feel 300 years of history welcoming you.
New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve – Southeastern New Jersey, NJ
This is truly a special place. It’s classified as a United States Biosphere Reserve and, in 1978, was established by Congress as the country’s first National Reserve. It includes portions of seven southern New Jersey counties, and encompasses over one-million acres of farms, forests and wetlands. It contains 56 communities, from hamlets to suburbs, with over 700,000 permanent residents.
– Bar Harbor, ME
People have been drawn to the rugged coast of Maine throughout history. Awed by its beauty and diversity, early 20th-century visionaries donated the land that became Acadia National Park. The park is home to many plants and animals, and the tallest mountain on the U.S. Atlantic coast. Today visitors come to Acadia to hike granite peaks, bike historic carriage roads, or relax and enjoy the scenery.
Roger Williams National Memorial – Providence, RI
Roger Williams National Memorial commemorates the life of the founder of Rhode Island and a champion of the ideal of religious freedom. Williams, banished from Massachusetts for his beliefs, founded Providence in 1636. This colony served as a refuge where all could come to worship as their conscience dictated without interference from the state.
Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor – Upstate, NY
Explore America’s most famous and influential man-made waterway. Stretching 524 miles across the full expanse of upstate New York, the Erie, Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga-Seneca Canals are among our nation’s great successes of engineering, vision, hard work, and sacrifice.The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor encompasses New York’s canal system and the communities that grew along its shores. It’s a place with stories to tell, great works of architecture to see, history to be learned, and hundreds of miles of scenic and recreational waterway and trails to explore.
Women’s Rights National Historical Park – Seneca Falls, NY
In 1848, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and four other women invited the public to the First Women’s Rights Convention to discuss expanding the role of women in America. At the end of the two days, 100 people made a public commitment to work together to improve women’s quality of life. While women have achieved greater equality with the vote, property rights, and education, the revolution continues today.
Saint Croix Island International Historic Site – Calais, ME
The winter of 1604-1605 on Saint Croix Island was a cruel one for Pierre Dugua’s French expedition. Iced in by freezing temperatures and cut off from fresh water and game, 35 of 79 men died. As spring arrived and native people traded game for bread, the health of those remaining improved. Although the expedition moved on by summer, the European presence in northern North America had begun.