School Programs

“The guides were wonderful. They were able to work with the Special Education students and maintain the interest of the entire young class. I even learned a few things! Thank you.” - 2nd grade teacher, Bowling Green Primary School, Caroline Co., VA

History Is Just a Stone's Throw Away

Give your students the opportunity to understand the early ideas and events that shaped the American spirit by walking in the footsteps of some of history’s most significant individuals.

One of the strengths of these programs is the use of primary-source research material. The lessons incorporate letters, estate inventories, wills, and diaries, as well as artifacts found in the archaeology digs. Strategies to create “crosswalks” from today’s world to yesterday are also employed.

The George Washington Foundation’s goal is to partner with schools to enhance educational experiences for students. Whether you visit Historic Kenmore and/or Ferry Farm, we offer hands-on, interactive, multidisciplinary activities for students.

In-School Programs are also available.

SCHOOL PROGRAMS REQUIRE ADVANCE RESERVATION
Please see below

Historic Kenmore Programs

Kenmore Plantation is composed of the museum gallery, refurbished kitchen, gardens, and the mansion. The programs are designed to assist classroom teachers to develop their students' historical literacy. Interactive, hands-on activities allow students to understand history in a fun, learning environment.

A Bird’s-eye View of the 18th Century - NEW!

“We all loved the kitchen; the fact that the kids could be actively involved with the learning. The kids loved ‘touching’ the items in the kitchen.” – 1st grade teacher, Rocky Run Elementary, Stafford County, VA Students take a trip back in time to peek at the lives of the Lewis family at Kenmore Plantation in 1775. Did the people in the 18th century live like us? What are the similarities? What are the differences? How did they prepare meals? How did they dress? What games did the children play? Students discover the answers to these questions as they explore Kenmore house, kitchen dependency, gallery, and grounds. Hands-on/minds-on activities give students the opportunity to learn about colonial buildings, clothing, music, cooking, manners, occupations, and children.
Grades K-3
History and Social Sciences SOLs: K.1, K.2, K.6, 1.1, 1.2, 2.3, 2.11
Fine Arts SOLs: 1.12, 2.22

Revolutionary Perspectives: Difficult Choices/ Life Changing Decisions - NEW!

Colonial Fredericksburg The time is 1775, just after the Lewis family has moved into beautiful Kenmore Plantation. War against Great Britain is underway. George Washington, Betty Lewis’s brother, has taken command of the revolutionary army. Why did the colonies go to war with Great Britain? What could the citizens of Fredericksburg do to help the cause? What difficult choices and life-changing decisions were made by the residents of Kenmore during and after the Revolutionary War? What role did Fielding and Betty Lewis, their children and slaves play in the fight for freedom? What did it mean to be a patriot or a loyalist? How were money, barter, and credit used during the Revolutionary War? Students learn the answers to these questions.
Grades 4-5
History and Social Science SOLs: VS.1a,b,c,d,e,f,g. VS.4a, VS.4.a,d. VS.5a, b, USI.1a,b,d,h,i, USI 5c, USI 5d, USI 6a, USI 6b,c,d,g
Fine Arts SOLs: 4.1b, d

George Washington's Ferry Farm Programs

“SOLs were thoroughly covered. The students left with a good understanding of the differences in family life, school, and communities.” – 1st grade teacher, Smith Station Elementary, Spotsylvania County, VA Ferry Farm, George Washington's boyhood home, lies along the Rappahannock River. These 113+ acres of trees and meadows are home to birds, insects, and mammals. The Discovery Garden contains many herbs, vegetables, and fruits that were grown in the 18th century.

George Washington: Boy Before Legend

This multi-disciplinary program encompasses the life of George Washington, starting from childhood. Students learn about the important role that math and science played in his future jobs — first, as a surveyor and later, as a farmer. This program also teaches the historical significance of George Washington as a soldier, commander-in-chief, and president. Students will have the opportunity to explore George Washington’s character traits through creative drama using the 110 Rules of Civility. The students will understand George Washington as the child, the man, the myth, and the legend.
Grades K-3
Math SOLs: K.5, K10, K14, K15, 1.3, 1.12, 1.15, 1.19, 2.12, 2.19, 2.23, 3.14a, 3.17, 3.22
Science SOLs: K.6a, K8a, 1.4a, 1.7, 2.4, 2.6, 3.1a, 3.1k, 3.7a
History/Social Studies SOLs: K.1, K.7, K.8, K.9, 1.2, 1.3, 1.10, 1.11, 2.10, 2.11
Language Arts SOLs: K.1c, K.3, 1.1c, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.3a, 2.3c, 3.1

George Washington: Leading the Charge in Founding a Nation - NEW!

In this multi-disciplinary program, students will learn about George Washington’s pivotal role as both a political and military leader. Students will use measurement and graphing skills to map out George Washington’s life; creative drama skills to act out various people influential to the Revolutionary War, and critical thinking and interpretation skills to analyze Emanuel Leutze’s famous painting, “Washington Crossing the Delaware.” Grades 4-5
History and Social Science SOLs: VS.1, VS.2, VS.5b, VS.5a, VS.6a, US.5d, USI.6, USI.6a, USL.2d, USL.6c
Math SOLs: 4.5, 4.11, 5.11, 5.18 Science SOLs 4.1, 4.8, 5.1
English SOLs: 5.2
Fine Arts (Visual Arts): 4.3, 4.17, 4.18, 4.25, 5.1, 5.7, 5.8, 5.26

Habitat Hunt

The habitats of Ferry Farm’s natural world are explored in this program. Students learn about the migration, hibernation, and camouflage of various birds and animals as well as the local eco-system. Children hike in the woods, look for plants and animals along the river, and participate in activities that explain the interdependence of man, plants, and animals.
Grades 1-4 (This outdoor program is available only in September, October, April, May, & June.)
Science SOLs: K.6, 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 2.5, 2.7, 3.1, 3.4, 3.8, 3.10, 4.1, 4.5d, 4.5f, 4.8
Math SOLs: 1.19, 2.23

American Indians at Ferry Farm

The history of American Indians in Virginia spans thousands of years, from the time of hunters and gatherers, to their interaction with European settlers. Students learn about the daily life of these early American Indians through artifacts, primary documents, and fun, hands-on activities.
Grades K-2, 3-5
History and Social Science SOLs: K.1, K.4, 2.2, 2.4, VS.1, VS.2, VS.3, USI.1, USI.3, USI.4

All About Trash

“The program gave the students the opportunity to be an archaeologist, use the tools of an archaeologist, think and reason like an archaeologist, and understand the process of archaeology.” – 3rd grade teacher, Ferry Farm Elementary, Stafford County, VA Archaeologists at Ferry Farm have uncovered many clues to the life of George Washington. In this introductory archaeology program, students take on the role of archaeologists to learn about the importance and purpose of digging up artifacts from the past in trash pits. Students dig through the “trash” and use the clues and artifacts they find to identify whose trash it may have been and what it indicates about that person. Students are also introduced to the concept of “stratification” (or layers) as a way to determine what artifacts are the oldest. This hands-on program encourages students to think critically and draw conclusions about the information.
Grades K-2
Math SOLS: K.3, K.12, K.15, !.15, 2.25
Science SOLs: K.1a, K.1c, K.1g, 1.1d, 1.1f, 1.1h, 2.1a,2.1b
Visual Arts Sols: K.8, 2.5
History/ Social Studies SOLs: K.3, K.8

Dig and Discover

In this program, students participate in the archaeological process through hands-on learning. They will visit stations that emphasize gridding, digging and sifting, washing and labeling, and mending. Students will be challenged to think critically about the artifacts they uncover and to draw conclusions about the lives of the people who used them.
Grades 3-5
Science SOLs: 3.1, 4.1, 5.1.
History and Social Science SOLs: 3.5e, 3.6, VS.1, VS.2f, USI.1b, USI.3a

Custom Tours

We can customize a school program to fit your educational needs.

Guidelines for Scheduling a School Program

Cost:

$3.50 per child (up to 50 students); teachers/chaperones free.
$5.50 per child (more than 50 students - outside only) or for extended program, Dig and Discover; teachers/chaperones free.
$4.00 per child for In-School programs (we will work with your class schedules to bring these programs to your school.)
$2.00 per child for History Theater. Teachers free.

Number of Students:

Up to one entire grade level can be accommodated for programs held outside at Ferry Farm.
Programs held inside at Ferry Farm and at Kenmore are limited to a maximum of 50 students (minimum 15).

Scheduling:

Contact Vickie Hayes at 540/370-0732 ext. 24 or hayes@gwffoundation.org

Checks must be made payable to The George Washington Foundation.

Plan ahead - reserve early!

Please be prepared to provide the following information:

Number of students in your group
Information about students with special needs
Grade level of your students
The program you would like for your students
Name and telephone number(s) of contact person
Name and address of school

Lunch or Snacks

There are no food services available at either Washington's Ferry Farm or Historic Kenmore. For lunches or snacks brought by the students, Ferry Farm offers plenty of shaded, grassy areas for picnics, and chairs inside in the event of inclement weather. Please let us know at the time you make the reservation if you plan to have lunch at Ferry Farm.

Confirmation of Your Visit

You will receive a written confirmation of your reservation. Please review it immediately to be sure your plans are recorded accurately. Also, please bring the confirmation letter with you at the time of your visit.