In addition to the eight distance learning programs, others are offered by the following historic sites and museums. Contact each to determine availability and requirements.
Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara
Education Department
150 East Front Street
Erie, PA 16507
(814) 452-2744 x214
Pennsbury Manor
400 Pennsbury Memorial Road
Morrisville, PA 19067
(215) 946-0400
Diane Nadler, School Program Coordinator
As the 17th century home of William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania, Pennsbury Manor has an important connection to the history of Pennsylvania; however, all of the programs relate to the broader experience of life in the American colonies. A complimentary videoconference to sample distance learning programs—and for teachers to learn more about how distance learning works in the classroom—is available upon request. ISDN and IP connection available. Call for further information or to request a program
All ages
A Tour of Pennsbury Manor
Take a virtual tour of Pennsbury Manor and learn about William Penn, the founding of Pennsylvania, and everyday life in the 17th century. Students also participate in a fun activity involving authentic remedies from the 17th century, discovering just what Hannah Penn would have done to treat their illness or injury. This program can be adapted to any grade and has a flexible timeframe of 30-60 minutes depending upon teacher preference.
$60.00 charge. Teacher preparation materials provided.
PA Academic Standards (8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 5.1, 1.6)
NSS-USH Standards (K-4.1, K-4.2, K-4.3, 5-12.2)
Grades 4-12
The Voyage of the Submission
In this award-winning program, students assume the identity of an actual passenger or crewmember on the Submission, which set sail for Pennsylvania in 1682. As part of this experience, they learn what happened before, during, and after the voyage, and about early immigration to the American colonies. The ship’s log, private journals, letters, and public records are among the primary source documents used to research and develop the program. This program is for grades 4-12 and has a flexible timeframe of 45-60 minutes, depending upon teacher preference.
$60.00 charge. Teacher preparation materials provided.
PA Academic Standards (8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 1.6
NSS-USH Standards (K-4.1, K-4.2, K-4.3, 5-12.2)
Slavery in Pennsylvania: The Request
It’s time to do the laundry in the summer of 1701 at Pennsbury Manor, and Jack, an African American slave owned by William Penn, has just learned that his wife, Parthenia, is to be sold. Roleplaying and scripted dialog are used to tell the true story of Jack and Parthenia. This program explores the institution of slavery as it existed in 17th century Pennsylvania and puts a human face on the lives of enslaved people and others working together at Pennsbury Manor. This program is recommended for grades 4-12 and has a flexible timeframe of 45-60 minutes, depending upon teacher preference.
$60.00 Teacher preparation materials provided.
PA Academic Standards (8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 1.6)
NSS-USH Standards (K-4.1, K-4.2, K-4.3, 5-12.2)
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Pa. Route 741
P.O. Box 15
Strasburg, PA 17579
(717) 687-8628 x3025
Patrick Morrison, Museum Educator
Fee: $35 per connection
Connection Type: IP or ISDN
Length of programs: Flexible (30 minutes, typically)
Our distance-learning programs are conducted with state-of-the-art video-conferencing equipment and IP technology. We use a combination of scale models, digital and still photographs and other visual aids to address specific topics related to railroading, transportation, art, and safety.
Available Programs:
Safety, Trains, and You (safety around railroads)
Railroadopoly! (game of railroad empire building)
Live Steam Demonstration (steam power)
175 Years of Railroad Motive Power (evolution of locomotion)
175 Years of Riding the Rails (passenger travel)
Freight Cars on My Mind (rail freight service)
Art for Rail's Sake (railroads in popular art and advertisements)
Trailways, Railways, and Roadways (maps and travel across Pennsylvania)
