We’re excited to offer two free short children’s programs this summer, that let kids learn about colonial history with fun hands-on activities.

Registration is required, and open soon.  Programs will run from approximately 10:30 to noon and 12:30 to 2 pm.

Led by educational staff from Historic New England, each program is about 1 1/2 hours and children may sign up for one or both.

The morning program Colonial Trades lets children barter has a pre-program activity which can be sent in advance or before the program starts that morning.  It will work best for slightly older children (Grades 3-6).  The afternoon program, Colonial Sampler, shows what life was like for children in the 1700s.  It works best for slightly younger children (Grades 1-5).  Lunch is not provided.

Colonial Trades – What did people do for work in colonial times?

Students learn what life was like during the years leading up to the Revolution. A pre-visit activity based on Colonel Samuel Pierce’s account book allows students to take on the roles of real Dorchester residents, including farmers, shoemakers, weavers, and blacksmiths.

Students learn about the goods and services each of their characters provided to the community and play a bartering game that mimics the economic system of colonial Massachusetts. Hands-on spinning and weaving activities allow students to further explore the production of goods using colonial resources and technology.

Colonial Sampler – What was it like to be a child in colonial times?

Learn what life in colonial times was like for children in New England. A series of hands-on activities teach about the work, education and play of the Pierce children in eighteenth-century Dorchester. Students will see reproduction clothing that boys and girls wore in the past. Each student will make an herbal sachet, write with quill pens and play historic toys and games.

We are able to provide these programs free of charge due to the generosity of the National Coalition for Education & Cultural Programs and the Stoneham Business and Community Educational Foundation (SBCEF).