School Programs - Journey Through Time

Costumed Interpreters work on the National Colonial Farm

A trip to the Accokeek Foundation's National Colonial Farm offers students a unique opportunity to step back in time to a farm in Colonial Maryland. By meeting a character from the past (a costumed interpreter) and experiencing what life was like for an ordinary tobacco planting family in 1775, children begin to make important connections between the past and the present, and people's relationship to the land. Our professional museum educators lead students in this walk through history, encouraging children to use both their minds and their senses during their visit to this very special living history museum.

Programs are offered September through June, and are scheduled Monday through Friday, between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Special arrangements can be made for an afternoon tour or a weekend program.

We request a donation of $5.00 per child to participate in the educational programs. A donation of $3.00 per child is requested for Title I schools. Tours fill up quickly, so please reserve your date today by calling 301.283.2113, ext. 28 or by emailing education@accokeek.org.

These programs supplement social studies and environmental education in the classroom and include pre- and post-trip preparation and activities. Please note that changes have been made to the school tours. Please read carefully and contact us if you have questions.

A tobacco plant is harvested

"Colonial Farm Life"
Kindergarten through 2nd Grades
60 students maximum, 1 1/2 hours
What would life have been like in 1775 for the children of a middling tobacco planter? Each child carries the picture of an object that was important on this farm and assists the museum educator when that object is discussed. Children help with the chores and try their hand at Colonial games in this very hands-on tour.

"Time Traveling the Seasons of a Colonial Farm"
3rd and 4th Grades
60 students maximum, 2 hours
Traveling back in time to 1775, students explore the Bolton farm from the perspective of 8-year-old Ben Bolton and 12-year-old Charity Bolton. They learn the important role played by children in producing the cash crop of tobacco. They discover how each season brings its own set of tasks, from planting and caring for crops in the spring and summer, to harvesting and preserving food in the fall, to carding, spinning and knitting wool in the winter.

"Eve of the Revolution"
5th through 8th Grades
60 students maximum, 2 hours
Students take on the role of Colonial reporters doing research for an article on how the rising conflict with England is affecting the lives of an ordinary tobacco planter and his family in 1775. With press passes in hand, the "reporters" ask questions (pre-determined and their own) as they walk from the Potomac River with its view of Mount Vernon through the property of middling tobacco planter Benjamin Bolton. They also interview "Mrs. Bolton" about how her life is being affected by the threat of war.

"Follow the Food"
2nd through 6th Grades
30 students maximum, 1 1/2 hours
Where did our food originate? Watermelon, turnips, chili peppers, corn ? What was here when the colonists arrived and what was brought here from other places? Children will learn how it was not just people who immigrated to the New World, but plants and animals as well. In the Museum Garden, children will learn how plants from the continents of Europe, Africa and the Americas came to the Tidewater Potomac. Walking through the forest, children will learn about native and non-native plants and predict how natural resources could be used. In the barnyard, children will meet cows, sheep, hogs, chickens, turkeys and oxen and learn how they came to Maryland, how they were used by colonists, and their importance today.

Fleece from Hog Island Sheep is gathered by a staff member

Additional Opportunities
With our heritage breed animals, Museum Garden, Ecosystem Farm and National Park trails, the Accokeek Foundation has a wealth of resources that can be used by teachers to create unique experiential learning opportunities for students of all ages. We welcome the opportunity to work with you in designing a special program for your students.

Homeschool Days
We offer two homeschool days, created specifically for homeschoolers. Colonial Homeschool Day is offered in May, while Going Green Homeschool Day is offered in November. For more information on homeschool opportunities, please call 301.283.2113, ext. 28 or email education@accokeek.org.

Here's what educators are saying about us:

Homeschool Parent: "There is a different dynamic to working with homsechool families versus conventionally schooled children due to the level of potential involvement/knowledge and the parent/child ratio, and the staff did an excellent job accomodating that difference!"

Teacher Vicky Butler of Trinity Christian School: "Thank you! This is the highlight of our colonial unit. It brings our history book to life. This year's tour was even more hands-on."

Teacher Jackie Moore of North Chevy Chase Elementary: "The hands on activities were great. The kids got to experience what life was like and really learned from the experiences. You were quite accommodating in helping us do a joint field trip with Hard Bargain Farm. Thank You. Our parents were impressed with the organization and type of experiences for the students. We will be back next year! It was a great day".

Teachers Susan Palmont and Peggy Katz of James McHenry Elementary: "It is always great! We always have a wonderful time. Two years ago it rained - the children loved it, last year the weather was beautiful - the children loved it, this year we had severe wind - the children loved it! What more can we say. You all do a wonderful job".

Teacher Susan Palmont of James McHenry Elementary: "The best part was the visit and hands on activities, although pre-trip activities were very helpful. I have no suggestions, you did an excellent job meeting our needs. All students including those with special needs were very enthusiastic about what they learned upon our return. Our geographic area provides several opportunities for Colonial experiences but yours provides the best interactive opportunities for students to learn about and participate in Colonial Life".

Teacher Vicky Butler of Trinity Christian: "We enjoy comparing a "middle class" Colonial Farm to a wealthy plantation - Gunston Hall. Your farm explains the farm life vividly. We are very blessed to have Accokeek as one of our annual field trips. It is always listed as one of the children's favorites. MaryAlice and Matt were fantastic. They kept the children interested and involved. They made it fun but educational for our children."

Anonymous Teacher from McAuliffe Elementary: "Great trip! We will see you next year"!

Teachers Nancy Woodford and Beth Barrow of St. Stephens and St. Agnes: "We really enjoyed the trip - MaryAlice was wonderful and we loved the animals and the activities".

Teacher Nancy Woodford of St. Stephens and St. Agnes: "Thank you - it was wonderful"!

These innovative programs meet content standards for school curriculum development in both Maryland and Virginia. For information about scheduling one of our school programs, please call 301.283.2113, ext. 28 or email education@accokeek.org. To reserve your trip today, please complete this form.