Educational Programs
Hands-on History Programs
The site offers a variety of comprehensive, educational programs for children and adults in the form of scheduled tours for school and youth groups. For groups of children we typically offer two options.
1. Groups can elect to do a guided tour of the Boone House and a hands-on activity, each lasting approximately 45 minutes. We offer several hands-on activities for teachers and adults to choose from: militia muster, quill pen writing, butter making, and textile processing. Each hands-on activity is designed for 20 to 25 students or less. If we have enough volunteers and staff, we will occasionally allow adults to choose two activities for their children if they wish. Following the tour and activity, children and adults are encouraged to explore the remaining buildings in the historic area on their own using the visitor guide. This can take an additional 20-40 minutes depending on the group.
2. The second option for school groups is our Hands-On History Day. Hands-On History Day is one or two days in May where we offer between 10 and 15 hands-on activities and demonstrations. Children are broken into groups of between 10 and 20 children and move through each station, spending about 15 to 20 minutes at each station. The program usually lasts for approximately four to five hours. This program is limited and it is best to schedule in advance to ensure availability. Reservations for Hands-On History Day begin after the first of the year. Teachers and parents interested in a hands-on history program can contact the Homestead for a list of activities and descriptions.
Check out our new Educational Programs Brochure for a more in-depth look at the programs we offer!
The site offers a variety of comprehensive, educational programs for children and adults in the form of scheduled tours for school and youth groups. For groups of children we typically offer two options.
1. Groups can elect to do a guided tour of the Boone House and a hands-on activity, each lasting approximately 45 minutes. We offer several hands-on activities for teachers and adults to choose from: militia muster, quill pen writing, butter making, and textile processing. Each hands-on activity is designed for 20 to 25 students or less. If we have enough volunteers and staff, we will occasionally allow adults to choose two activities for their children if they wish. Following the tour and activity, children and adults are encouraged to explore the remaining buildings in the historic area on their own using the visitor guide. This can take an additional 20-40 minutes depending on the group.
2. The second option for school groups is our Hands-On History Day. Hands-On History Day is one or two days in May where we offer between 10 and 15 hands-on activities and demonstrations. Children are broken into groups of between 10 and 20 children and move through each station, spending about 15 to 20 minutes at each station. The program usually lasts for approximately four to five hours. This program is limited and it is best to schedule in advance to ensure availability. Reservations for Hands-On History Day begin after the first of the year. Teachers and parents interested in a hands-on history program can contact the Homestead for a list of activities and descriptions.
Check out our new Educational Programs Brochure for a more in-depth look at the programs we offer!
| brochure.docx |
Guided Tours
Boone House Tour
The guided house tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and highlights rural life in eighteenth-century Pennsylvania, the history of the Oley Valley, and both English and German traditions that would have been prevalent at the time. Although subsequent owners altered much of the original Boone House in the late eighteenth century, the lifestyle of the Boone family is also discussed in detail. We suggest that you allot at least 2 hours to tour the Boone House with a guide and explore the rest of the historic buildings, visitor center, and exhibits.
Blacksmith Shop, Barn, and Bertolet Cabin Tour
Upon request and advance scheduling, staff and volunteers may be able to offer a guide-led tour of the blacksmith shop, barn, and Bertolet Log Cabin. This tour lasts about 30 minutes and emphasizes the importance of blacksmithing and animals in the eighteenth century. It also investigates the location and structure of barns and discusses various crops raised on an eighteenth century farm. Additionally, the tour takes visitors inside the Bertolet Log Cabin and discusses traditional Pennsylvania German architecture.
Boone House Tour
The guided house tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and highlights rural life in eighteenth-century Pennsylvania, the history of the Oley Valley, and both English and German traditions that would have been prevalent at the time. Although subsequent owners altered much of the original Boone House in the late eighteenth century, the lifestyle of the Boone family is also discussed in detail. We suggest that you allot at least 2 hours to tour the Boone House with a guide and explore the rest of the historic buildings, visitor center, and exhibits.
Blacksmith Shop, Barn, and Bertolet Cabin Tour
Upon request and advance scheduling, staff and volunteers may be able to offer a guide-led tour of the blacksmith shop, barn, and Bertolet Log Cabin. This tour lasts about 30 minutes and emphasizes the importance of blacksmithing and animals in the eighteenth century. It also investigates the location and structure of barns and discusses various crops raised on an eighteenth century farm. Additionally, the tour takes visitors inside the Bertolet Log Cabin and discusses traditional Pennsylvania German architecture.