The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America is responsible for at founding and administration of at least three museums. The Webb-Deane-Stevens in Wethersfield, CT, Travelers Rest in Nashville, and an Inn/Tavern (can't remember the name) in Georgetown, Colo. The museum in CT has strong links to the Colonial Revivial Movement - e.g. education on America's Colonial Past. I think you will find that many museums were founded in that period, largely by women's groups (e.g. Mount Vernon Ladies' Society). Kathrine Walker, Beach Museum of Art