Conrad Weiser Homestead

28 Weiser Rd.
Womelsdorf, PA 19567-9718
(610) 589-2934
Web site: www.conradweiserhomestead.org

Contact Russell Swody, site administrator, for information on school tours and other educational programs.

Cornwall Iron Furnace

2103 Rexmont Road at Boyd Street
P.O. Box 251
Cornwall, PA 17016
(717) 272-9711
Web site: www.cornwallironfurnace.org

Contact Stephen Somers, site administrator, for information on school tours and other educational programs.

For all ages
Gallery Tours
Guided and self-guided gallery tours examine an orientation exhibit that provides a clear understanding of the once-active iron plantation. Housed in the third bay of the old charcoal barn, the exhibit tells the story of two families and their iron plantation workers. The exhibit is comprised of period artifacts, text panels, and colorful graphics. Text is written at the comprehension level of middle school-aged children.

Furnace Tour
The guided furnace tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and highlights ironmaking in the 18th and 19th centuries. The 1742 furnace was remodeled in the 19th century and the equipment installed is what visitors will see on the tour.

Grades 3-5
Working on the Iron Plantation
The iron plantation was headed by the Ironmaster; he employed a workforce engaged in a variety of occupations. Each student will be given an opportunity to learn about the different occupations. The fee is included in the price of the student tour; we require a minimum of twenty students for this addition to the regular tour. Please request this special feature in advance.

Grades 3-6
Iron in the Classroom
Alice Oskam, retired school teacher, has created a classroom presentation for elementary school age students, to be presented in their classroom. Mrs. Oskam uses a collection of iron products to illustrate her lesson on early ironmaking in America . During her visit, each student will be given a short quiz with a reward of a free tour of the furnace when accompanied by a paying adult. We encourage teachers to combine the classroom visit with a field trip to the furnace. For information and availability, please contact Alice Oskam at (717) 866-5242.

Daniel Boone Homestead

400 Daniel Boone Rd.
Birdsboro, PA 19508
(610) 582-4900
Web site: www.danielboonehomestead.org

Please visit the Educational Resources page on the Daniel Boone Homestead site for more information about educational program opportunities. 

Drake Well Museum

202 Museum Lane
R.D. #3, Box 7
Titusville, PA 16354-8902
(814) 827-2797
Web site: www.usachoice.net/drakewell

Contact Daniel Weaver, education coordinator, for information on school tours and other educational programs.

Eckley Miners’ Village

R.D. #2, Box 236
Weatherly, PA 18255
(570) 636-2070
Web site: www.eckleyminers.org

Contact William Strassner, museum educator, for information on school tours and other educational programs.

Ephrata Cloister

632 West Main St.
Ephrata, PA 17522
(717) 733-6600
Web site: www.ephratacloister.org

Contact: Michael Showalter, museum educator, for more information.

Grade 3 and above
General Tours
Escorted tours of the two major buildings on the historic site: the Sisters’ House and Meetinghouse. Seven additional buildings are self-guided.
 
The Ephrata Academy
Students spend a morning in the 19th-century one-room school house experiencing lessons from the past including reading, arithmetic, and penmanship.

Dietrich’s Family: Life at the Ephrata Cloister in the 1700s
The Fahnestock family came to Ephrata in the 1740s seeking the religious freedom offered by Pennsylvania. This program uses reproduction artifacts and primary sources to provide interactive lessons on immigration, medicine, domestic work, letter writing, and the lives of Ephrata’s early members.

Community Days
Fifteen activity stations are located throughout the historic site, including papermaking, textile processing, and printing. Teachers are encouraged to divide their class into small groups, each with a chaperone, and groups can travel at their own pace between the stations. This program is ideal for home school students. The program is offered only three days per school year, once in the fall and twice in the spring.

Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara

150 East Front St.
Erie, Pennsylvania 16507
(814)452-2744
Web site: http://www.eriemaritimemuseum.org/maritime_museum/Programs_Tours/index.htm

Contact the Education Department at extension 214 or use the above link for information on school tours and other educational programs, including the award-winning "Home Portable Erie."

Fort Pitt Museum

101 Commonwealth Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 281-9258
Web site: www.fortpittmuseum.com

Contact Douglas MacGregor, museum educator, for information on school tours and other educational programs.

Fort Pitt Museum offers many educational programs for all ages. The most popular program is outlined here:

War for Empire
This program begins with an orientation of the park and history through our large model of historic Fort Pitt . From there, students visit a recreated fur trader’s cabin and learn about the importance of the fur trade, aspects of Native American and colonial life and the effects these cultures had on each other. Following the fur trade, students will then get a glimpse of fort life through a recreated soldiers’ barracks and gun powder magazine. After getting to know the different peoples of the French and Indian War, the students will then be taken on a guided program through the new exhibits of the Fort Pitt Museum , which chronicle the events of the War for Empire. The exhibits feature a video detailing the background of the conflict, original artifacts and images of the 1700s, and an interactive computer kiosk that tells the story of Pittsburgh ’s five frontier forts.

Graeme Park

859 County Line Rd.
Horsham, PA 19044
(215) 343-0965
Web site: www.ushistory.org/graeme

Graeme Park's school tour has been designed to meet the History standards set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for 4th and 5th grade students. In addition to a tour through the Keith House at Graeme Park, students will experience the 18th century through several hands-on activities including bartering, 18th century medicine, clothing, and use of maps and timelines. Tour details and a list of the standards that the tour will fulfill are available in our Graeme Park brochure (PDF, 5MB).

School tours can be adapted for other primary grades, junior high and high school students. Please email us at gpschooltours@gmail.com for more information.

Hope Lodge

553 S. Bethlehem Pike
Fort Washington, PA 19034
(215) 646-1595
Web site: www.ushistory.org/hope

Contact Ed Schorpp at 215-646-1595 x3103 for information on school tours and other educational programs.

Grades 2-8

• Colonial Era Life
  Age appropriate interactive tour.
• Cooking on the Open Hearth
  Age appropriate tour that includes hearth cooking demonstration.
• Children in the Colonial Era
  Age appropriate tour that includes hands-on learning experience.
• Colonial Builders and Architecture
  A joint program at Hope Lodge and The Highlands Mansion and Gardens, this is a hands-on program that includes floor plans, drawing, and measuring rooms to explore scale.

 Joseph Priestley House

472 Priestley Avenue
Northumberland, PA 17857
(570) 473-9474
Web site: http://www.josephpriestleyhouse.org

Interactive children’s pages: http://www.josephpriestleyhouse.org/kids.html

Contact Andrea Bashore, site administrator, for information on school tours and other educational programs.

Grades 2-5

• Pastimes of Past Times
  A fun sampler of 18th century games and pastimes.
• Summer History Camp
  Hands-on History sessions for Junior Historians.

Registration required; fee.

All ages

• Heritage Day at Priestley House:
  Bring your family to meet Dr. Priestley in his laboratory and his family at home. Costumed interpreters, chemistry demonstrations. 

Landis Valley Museum

2451 Kissel Hill Rd.
Lancaster, PA 17601
(717) 569-0401, x212
Web site: www.landisvalleymuseum.org

Contact Timothy Essig, museum educator, for information on school tours and other educational programs.

Preschool and Kindergarten

• Little Lambs Workshop
  This activity is geared to pre-school and Kindergarten-aged students. Children will go on a guided exploration of the farms and animals of Landis Valley , gather wool, and finish with a special woolly-lamb art project.

Grades K-9

• From Wool to Weaving
  Students will hear the story of wool processing, 1800's style, from the sheep to fabric. They will then have an opportunity to try carding fresh wool, spinning wool into yarn, and weaving on a loom.

Grades 1-6

• A Farm Child's Sampler
  This workshop allows students to explore the chores and activities that would have filled their lives in the early 1800's. Students can try their hand at things such as flint and steel, quilting, roping a bed, and period toys and games.

Grades 2-8

• One-Room Schoolhouse
  Send your class to school 1890's style. Our authentic one-room Maple Grove schoolhouse was relocated from a local site. A schoolmarm in period costume will give your students lessons from the late 1800's in subjects such as arithmetic, spelling, and reading
• Dyenamic Colors
  Learn about 18th and 19th century Pennsylvania Dutch use of dyes for clothing. Students will prepare a dye bath from plant material and then try their hands at dying a piece of cotton cloth.

Grades 4-12

• Tossed Treasures: Digging up the Past
  This workshop allows students to explore the work of archaeologists. Students will study archaeology terms, find and classify objects, and then draw conclusions about their finds. Not only will students learn about the objects they uncover, but they will also learn how discarded objects can leave clues about the people who left them.
• Pennsylvania German Folk Art
  Students are given the opportunity to learn about and explore one of two folk art traditions. Teachers may choose Fraktur or Reverse Glass Painting activities.

All ages

• Homeschool Day at Landis Valley
  This all-day event is held once in the spring and is geared toward homeschooled students and their families. Explore Pennsylvania German life through Landis Valley 's residents, gardens, farms, and village. Take part in several hands-on activities.
• Hands-on-History Days
  This event provides the perfect opportunity to experience our traditional workshops in abbreviated form. Wool to Weaving, Farm Child’s Sampler, Dyenamic Colors, and the One-Room Schoolhouse will be featured on these days. A hands-on craft will also be available, giving you the chance to take a piece of Landis Valley home with you. The all-day event is offered at various times throughout the year.
• Homeschool Day at Landis Valley
  This all-day event is held once in the spring and once the fall and is geared toward homeschooled students and their families. Explore Pennsylvania German life through Landis Valley 's residents, gardens, farms, and village. Take part in several hands-on activities.

Old Economy Village

14th and Church Streets
Ambridge, Pennsylvania 15003
(724) 266-4500
Web site:www.oldeconomyvillage.org/

Contact Roberta Sunstein, museum educator, for information on educational programs.

• Kindergarten and Grade 1
  An Old Fashioned Christmas (starts first Monday after Thanksgiving)
  
• Grades 1-3
  Nineteenth Century Homelife
  
• Grades 4-6
  Community Life in the Nineteenth Century
  
• Grades 7-12
  The Harmonist Success Story

Pennsbury Manor

400 Pennsbury Memorial Lane
Morrisville, PA 19067
(215) 946-0400
Web site: www.pennsburymanor.org

Contact Diane Nadler, education program coordinator, for information on school tours and other educational programs, including distance learning.

Pennsbury Manor is the only historic site that relates specifically to William Penn and his impact on American history. All of our educational programs meet national and state history standards.

For all ages

• School Tours
  Students have a guided tour of the Manor House and outbuildings, and participate in a 30-minute hands-on-history activity. School tours are given rain or shine at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. throughout the year. We can accommodate up to four classes at each time. The tour with hands-on-history is 1½ hours. Reservations are required. The cost is $6.00 per student, with one free adult admitted with every ten students. Additional adults are $6.00. PA Academic Standards (8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 5.1, 1.6)

Ages 4-6

• Our preschool programs are designed to meet the developmental needs of young children age four to six . Children experience the past through fun activities in an historic setting. Individual programs can be tailored to meet the needs of your group. These programs are available throughout the year, rain or shine. Registration and pre-payment are required. The cost is $6.00 per child, with one free adult admitted with every five children. Additional adults are $6.00.
  
• Special Event Days for Schools
  On these special days, visitors move at their own pace as they tour the Manor House and outbuildings, learn about everyday life in the 17th century, and participate in activities not available during the regular school tour. Each special event day has also something special to just that day! Please check www.pennsburymanor.org  for the dates of these programs. Registration and pre-payment are required. The cost is $8.00 per student, with one free adult admitted with every five students. Additional adults are $8.00. PA Academic Standards (8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 5.1, 1.6)

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum

5660 US Route 6 West
P.O. Box 239
Galeton, PA 16922
(814) 435-2652
Web site: www.lumbermuseum.org/

Contact Dolores Buchsen, historic site administrator, for information on school tours and other educational programs, including workshops.

As the 19th century ended and the 20th began, Pennsylvania's lumber era was at its peak. Each year on the 4th of July the numerous woodhicks and lumber camp workers would gather together in celebration after another year's hard work. Song, dance, good food, and lively contests would highlight these festive get-togethers.

There is much to be learned at the museum’s annual Bark Peelers’ Convention, held each year around July 4. You will see sawmill demonstrations, woodhick skills, blacksmithing, log skidding, axe throwing, bark peeling, the veneer mill, chopping, basketmaking, crosscut sawing, camp cooking, and shingle making.

Pennsylvania Military Museum

South Atherton Street (Business Route 322)
P.O. Box 160A
Boalsburg, PA 16827
(814) 466-6263
Web site: http://pamilmuseum.org/
For a printable description (.pdf) of school tour opportunities, click here.

Contact Joseph Horvath, museum educator, for information on school tours and outreach programs.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

Pa. Route 741
Box 15
Strasburg, PA 17579
(717) 687-8628
Web site: www.rrmuseumpa.org/education/edmainpg.htm

Contact Patrick Morrison, museum educator, at extension 3025, for more information.

Guided Walking Tours
Fee: $4.00 per student
Capacity: (15-20 students per guide)
Length of programs: 60-90 minutes

Preschool-Grade 1/Ages 3-6

• Workin' on the Railroad "A"
  Through hands-on interaction and role-play, students will begin to explore continuity and change over time, as well as conflict and cooperation among social groups. Students visit the station, build a section of track, shovel coal into a locomotive's firebox, and board a passenger coach.

Grades 2-4/Ages 7-10

• Workin' on the Railroad "B"
  Through hands-on interaction and role-play, students will explore continuity and change over time, as well as conflict and cooperation among social groups. Students sort mail in the Railway Post Office, serve as Pullman porters, brake and couple freight cars, and send and receive telegraph messages and train orders. 

Grades 5-8/Ages 10-14

• Trailways, Railways and Roadways
  Students use vintage maps, photos, and primary sources to imagine the trials and tribulations of travel between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh during the 1790s, the 1830s, the 1870s and the 1930s. Vintage vehicles and film from the museum's historic collection provide the context for this informative program.

Grades 5-8/Ages 10-14

• Wrecks and Remedies
  Students gain an understanding and appreciation of the dangers—both past and present—of riding and working on the railroad, the injuries sustained, the remedies available, and the steps taken to reduce the risks. Program includes access to vintage locomotives and railcars, exposure to basic first aid training, and other hands-on experiences with historic artifacts and railroad safety equipment.

Grades 9-12/Ages 15-18

• The Railroaders Tour
  Students are given an in-depth look at what it was like to work on the railroad. Labor-management relations, technological innovation, safety practices, and gender and race issues are just some of the themes addressed. Tours for students with vision and hearing impairments are also available.

Grades 9-12/Ages 15-18

• The Evolution of Locomotion
  Students receive an up-close tour through the development of the engines that pull the trains, from the humble beginnings of steam locomotion in the early 19th century all the way through the magnetically levitated trains of the future. Steam, electric, and diesel locomotives in the museum's historic collection star in this informative program, which includes tours of railroad equipment, some of which are not normally open to the public.
• Traveling Programs - Road Show!
  Fee: $50 per show; $25 each additional show
  Capacity: Maximum of 20-25 participants
  Length of programs: 60-90 minutes (can be adjusted)
• Workin' on the Railroad
  This program uses a portable LEGO train layout and railroad artifacts to jumpstart the discussion of various railroad-related concepts, including locomotion, safety, timekeeping, etc. With this approach, students see the trains as they were, serving a variety of industries and operating as a "system" alongside other forms of transportation. Other visual aids and handouts accompany the discussion and model railroad simulation.
• Live Steam Demonstration
  This program uses a working model and test track to demonstrate the physics of steam locomotion. As the prime mover of the Industrial Revolution, steam and all its applications will be explored, along with the evolution of locomotion from steam to maglev.
• K'NEX Rail Lab
  Our versatile Rail Lab program puts the action in the hands of students, using K'NEX building kits and other learning aids to explore various themes relating to the science, technology, and architecture of railroading. Topics include bridges, levers and pulleys, wheels, axles, and inclined planes and gears. Students work in small groups to achieve specific tasks relating to the specific topic.
• Railroad Slideshows
  Do you need a guest speaker for a dinner, meeting or special event? Perfect for large-group gatherings, our popular slide lectures are designed for the enjoyment of those attending business meetings, banquets, and other social gatherings. Topics include: Railroads of Lancaster County; The Pennsylvania Railroad; A Half-Century of Railroad Preservation; Pennsylvania's Passenger Trains; A History of the Strasburg Rail Road ; History of Pennsylvania Railroading.

 Somerset Historical Center

10649 Somerset Pike
Somerset, PA 15501
(814) 445-6077
Web site: www.somersethistoricalcenter.org

Contact Mark Ware, museum educator, for information on school tours and other educational programs.

Grades 4-5

• Into The Glades: The Pioneering Experience
  Students examine the ways early settlers in western Pennsylvania provided themselves with food, clothing, shelter, and a means of earning a living. An interactive hands-on style program with take-home handcrafted items. A special “Home School Day” version is scheduled for home school students.

Workshop Series for Adults

• Pysanky Easter Egg Workshop
  Learn the history of Ukrainian Easter egg decorating using traditional tools and techniques to apply beeswax and dye to create beautiful decorated eggs. Beginner’s classes offered in the morning, advanced sessions in the afternoon. Held each March.
• School of Coopering
  A three-day course in the trade of coopering (barrel making), using traditional tools and techniques. Students complete a Somerset County-style coopered “keeler” or maple sap bucket. Held each April.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania

300 North Street
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1026
(717) 772-6997 for reservations
Web site: www.statemuseumpa.org/teachers.html

Please contact Ruth Arnold, museum educator, at (717) 783-9912 for more information on educational programs.

• Self-guided tours are offered to the public with no admission charge.
• Planetarium
  New state of the art digital shows include high-resolution computer graphics, improved visual effects and sound. Public shows offered on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $3.50 for adults, $3.00 for children 12 and under and Senior Citizens. Pennsylvania Heritage Society ® members receive a discounted admission of $2.50. Reserved shows weekdays for groups of 15 or more. Call for show times and titles or visit our website.
• Curiosity Connection®
  Curiosity Connection is The State Museum's new kid-inspired world of wonder, where children age 7 and under and their parents can discover, learn, and play together. Open Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. , Sunday 12 noon to 3:30 p.m. Admission for adults and children one and over is $5.00. Pennsylvania Heritage Society members receive discounted admission of $4.00. Call for group rates or visit our website.

Washington Crossing Historic Park

1112 River Road
P.O. Box 103
Washington Crossing, PA 18977
(215) 493-4076
Web site: http://www.ushistory.org/washingtoncrossing/

Contact the park for information on school tours and other educational programs.

Group tours are available every day but Monday for any age and can be focused toward your particular curriculum. From telling the main story of Washington crossing the Delaware River in 1776 to general Colonial life, architecture, or the birth of the town of Taylorsville in 1830, educators share the many stories of the park with students.

Pre-school-grade 3

• Sheep-shearing/A Return to a Colonial Spring during our event on a Friday in April.

Grades 3-6

• Colonial day activity in which costumed interpreters share the story of the crossing, the Revolution, and local inhabitants through interactive stations on various topics. Offered March through November, Wednesday through Friday. This is recommended for classes with 60 or more students.