Fairfield Museum Educators are happy to take our show on the road and to come to your classroom. We can bring objects or reproductions from the collection, lead a living history program, do a witchcraft trial or learn about slavery in Connecticut.
Educators can travel to schools within Fairfield County.
Cost
1.5 hour tour ($8 per student)
Ogden Family House 2 part program ($10 per student)
To register, click here
If you have any questions, please email Program Coordinator Walt Matis at wmatis@fairfieldhs.org or call (203) 259-1598.
Elementary, Middle, and High School
Study of Indigenous Peoples in Fairfield County
In order to truly understand the history of Fairfield County, we must first examine the Native American tribes who first lived here and who continue to make their home in this place. The Paugusset called what is now Southwestern Connecticut home centuries prior to European colonization. Students will learn about Native American origin stories and will consider culture, spirituality, and foodways as they learn how these peoples lived and existed with the land. Students will examine photographs, maps, and artifacts to learn more about Native American culture. They will also learn about the tradition of corn husk dolls and will make their own. Additionally, we will also discuss how Native American peoples continue to live and thrive in the region today, as an example of resilience and endurance.
Revolutionary War
Living History: Meet the Militia
An educator in period uniform reveals the challenges of a soldier’s life during the American Revolution. Learn about the essential items a soldier had to carry, what a wool uniform might feel like, and how a musket was fired. From the powder horn and musket to the haversack and flint, hear engaging stories of how soldiers faced hardships in battle and survived.
This program can happen either at the museum or in your classroom.
Primary Source Workshop: Museum Collections
What is a museum? How do museums tell stories? This tour invites students to explore the collection and special exhibits. They will consider what artwork, furniture, textiles, photographs, letters and other primary source objects can tell us about the people who lived in the past. What lessons can we use to inform our lives today?
This program can happen either at the museum or in your classroom.
Primary Source Workshop: Examining Slavery in Connecticut
Slavery is often discussed solely in relation to Southern plantations. The reality is far different. During this tour, students will examine what was slavery like in Connecticut. Students find out about the lives of enslaved people in the region using historical clues, including a petition for freedom by two enslaved individuals in 1779, slave sale receipts, and other primary source documents. Learn about and discuss the issues involving 18th century slavery and discover how America’s founding documents contradicted the realities of slavery.
Primary Source Workshop: 17th Century Witchcraft Trials in Connecticut
In 17th century New England, religious beliefs and folk tradition instilled deep fears of magic, evil, and supernatural powers. How else could people explain unnatural events, misfortune and the sudden convulsions and fits of local townspeople? This workshop explores the causes and consequences of witchcraft beliefs, beginning with a brief introduction of its European history. Students will use primary sources and a contemporary graphic novel to analyze real witchcraft trials that happened in Fairfield from 1651 through 1692. What types of evidence were used to prove “witchcraft?” How did these trials affect the opinions of neighbors, those accused, the accusers, and the judges? Students will form their own opinions make about 17th century New England history as they consider what kinds of “witch hunts” might still happen today.
Colonial Life at the Ogden House
This can be a one or two part program. A one part program consists of a visit to the 1750 Ogden House. In a two part program, an educator will also visit your classroom for a pre-visit, to introduce students to colonial life and the Ogden family.
Students will learn about life in colonial times through the history and architecture of the 1750 Ogden House. They will learn about life on a colonial farm, including what it means to be a cooper, blacksmith, tinsmith, merchant, and carpenter. We will discuss how colonists made clothing, prepared food, and kept a garden. It was hard work to live in 1750!
This historic building is not ADA compliant, but we are happy to make accommodations if we can. Please let our staff know ahead of time about any access concerns.
