Educational Programs
Let us help you bring history alive with interactive, inquiry-based programs created to complement your classroom lessons or your group's interests. We offer educational and interactive museum programs for students, children, and youth, such as school classes, Scouts, Guides, and other groups. Programs typically consist of one or two history-inspired educational activities as well as a tour of our heritage buildings. All programs correspond to the most recent Ontario curriculum, and we focus on making local connections to broader concepts of history. See the program options below to learn more!
Programs are readily available during the months of May, June, September, and October. Limited program options are available during November to March. Contact us to learn more and to organize a program to suit your needs.
Can't come to us? We can bring the museum to you with an alternative outreach program year-round!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What programs do you offer?
Our programs are modular, and you can build it how you like. Select from our tour and activity options to build the perfect program for your interests or curriculum connections. (See program options below).
Q: How long is a program?
Our programs typically run a half-day (3 hours) with a lunch/snack break. The suggested program time is 10:00am to 1:00pm. This is flexible based on your needs.
Q: How many participants can be in a program?
Let us know your numbers and we will make sure to accommodate with enough staff and materials to run the program.
Q: How much does a program cost?
The final cost of the program depends on the number of participants. We charge $5 per child.
Q: I can’t get to the museum; how can I still participate in an educational program?
Contact us and we can work on accommodating a visit from museum staff to run a modified version of one of our programs in-person at your institution.
Q: What does a program look like?
Our programs typically begin with a specialized tour of some of our historic buildings, followed by a hands-on educational activity. The half-day will end with a snack/lunch break and the opportunity to explore our grounds and gardens.
Q: I don’t see a tour I like?
None of our tours fit your needs? Send us an e-mail and we are happy to work on developing a tour to accommodate you.
Educational Program Options
Our educational programs consist of a tour portion and an activity or workshop-based portion. Construct your desired program for your group’s needs and interests by choosing a type of tour and one or two activities from the lists below.
For a more detailed explanation of the program options, please contact info@sharonmuseumandgardens.ca for the full Programming Guide.
All tours include seeing a minimum of two of our Historic Buildings as well as the Sharon Temple. Tours run approximately 45 minutes to an hour.
Tours
Settler Buildings
Heritage Crafting
Historical Food & Gardening Traditions
Rebellion & Reform
Participants will compare and contrast early and later examples of settler houses and explore how these houses shaped their inhabitants' everyday lives.
Participants will learn to appreciate the impressive ways that early European settlers crafted the everyday items we take for granted today.
Participants will investigate historical culinary and gardening practices and why settlers relied so much on farming to survive.
Participants will explore the story of the Children of Peace, their role in the Rebellion of 1837, and the fight for responsible Government in Canada.
Sharon Temple, Log Cabin, Doan House
Sharon Temple, Log Cabin, Doan House
Sharon Temple, Cookhouse, Doan House, Heritage & Herb Gardens
Sharon Temple, David Willson’s Study, Log Cabin
Depending on the length of the program desired, one or two activities may be selected. Age ranges are suggestions only.
Activity
Natural Dyes
Paper Quilting
Butter Making
Loom Weaving
Rebellion Boxes
Stamp & Print Making
Lantern Creations
Mini Curators
Description
Participants will dye a re-usable rag with dyes made from natural materials like flowers and beets.
Participants will explore historical quilting patterns from the 1800s and craft a quilt pattern of their own.
Participants will make butter by hand and explore everyday food traditions of early settlers.
On small cardboard looms, participants will be guided to create their own mini tapestry to take home with them.
Participants will cut out and decorate their own paper Rebellion Boxes with their own message of freedom inspired by real Rebellion Boxes.
Inspired by the master builder of the Sharon Temple, participants will construct their own stamps and design an architectural-style composition using print-making techniques.
Participants will explore how early settlers lit up their homes using lanterns and candles, and craft their own small luminaries using paper and tissue.
Participants will explore a selection of historical artifacts and curate a mini-exhibition with labels and storytelling.
Suggested Age Ranges
5+
5+
7+
7+
8+
6+
7+
8+