There are five affiliated sites in the North Atlantic region: Kate Mullany NHS, Lower East Side Tenement NHS, Roosevelt Campobello IP, Thomas Cole NHS and Touro Synagogue NHS. Campobello (above) is actually in New Brunswick Canada, just across the Maine border. Touro is in Newport Rhode Island. And the others are in the Empire State.

All five are among my favorite sites in the country.

• The congregation at Touro predates our country, and they have the promise of religious equality made by George Washington in writing.
  • Take the tour, sit in the pews, and listen to the stories of freedom to believe.
• In the early 1800s, Cole painted romantic landscapes and historical scenes, inspiring a school of painters.
  • Tour his house and studio, see the exhibits and listen to the stories behind his work.
• From the late 1800s to early 1900s, the garment district immigrants toiled in sweaty tenement buildings and built futures in their new country.
  • Go to a neighborhood deli, tour the tiny rooms, and listen to the stories of strikes and hope.
• FDR’s summer home in Canada immaculately preserves over 100 years of precious memories.
  • Tour the estate, have a cookie at Eleanor’s tea, and listen to the stories of recovery and advocacy.
• The newly open Mullany house tells the little known story of the woman who started the first official female union in the country.
  • Make a reservation for a tour, see the history of American labor on the walls, and listen to the stories of the workers who built our country.