School and Youth Programs
School Programs
Join us at the Chadds Ford Historical Society for an 18th century day of exploration and fun! We offer several curriculum-based school field trip programs for K-6th grade students.
Tours
Each tour includes introductions at the Barn Visitor Center, Video of The Chadds Ford Historical Society, Exhibit and Museum Shop.
Build a package – Choose tours, activities and presentations to fit your visit, times are listed below to give a rough guide. Give us a call at 610-388-7376 or email at events@chaddsfordhistory.org for customized details and pricing.
Tour the mid-18th century home of namesake John Chads. Experience life of the 18th century with its original architecture, hearth kitchen, beehive oven, root cellar and more. Learn about John and wife Elizabeth’s early years as wealthy Quakers owning a ferry, ford and mill located on the Brandywine Creek, tavern located on “Ye Great Road to Nottingham,” how he became a prominent figure in the community, and the early engagement of the Battle of Brandywine which took place on his land. (Tour is about 30 minutes)
Tour the mid-18th century spring house once used to store foods such as milk, butter, and meats. Still an active spring after over 300 years, students will have the opportunity to see the water below that provided this cooling system to preserve food. Students will also tour the upper portion which served as a 19th century schoolhouse. View copies of student William Seal’s workbooks who later became the school’s teacher. (Tour is about 15 minutes)
Tour the early 18th century home and tavern of William Barns, a blacksmith by trade who built and ran the tavern from 1722-1726. Learn about daily life of a tavern keeper, his wife Elizabeth and their 5 children, travel, lodging, hearth cooking, clothing, Barns arrest and the family struggles that ensued, the history of the home as it later became a Quaker residence of the Brinton family, and their encounter with Crown Forces as they plundered the home on September 11,1777, traveling northward to Chadds Ford for the Battle of Brandywine. (Tour is about 30 minutes)
Hands-on Activities and Presentations
– Historical craft projects are created by each student to take home
– One or more activity or presentation may be chosen within the daily program
– About 30 minutes is allotted for each activity and presentation.
- Marble Making – Each student will sew their own drawstring felt pouch and handcraft marbles from natural clay. This hands-on activity also includes a short presentation on the history of marbles and a handout of the rules to play the game at home.
- Design Your Own Colonial Currency – Participants will learn about the important history of currency in early America as well as design their very own Colonial Currency/paper money using rubber stamps.
- Tin Punching – In the 18th century, as tinplate from England became available in the American Colonies, tin punching became a widespread craft for functional and decorative items. In addition to getting a brief history on tin punching and its uses, students will create their own punched tin ornament for them to take home.
- Candle Making – In this hands-on activity, participants will learn about the importance of candles in the 18th century and create their own candles using the traditional dip method. This activity is a favorite among summer campers and students.
- Pin Cushion Making – Pin cushions were worn by girls and ladies of the colonial period as were other sewing implements, they were usually attached to the apron strings by a ribbon or tape. Students get to test their sewing skills by creating their own heart-shaped, felt pin cushions.
- Feather Quill/Quill Pen Calligraphy – In this activity, participants will receive a short presentation on the history of writing, and experiment with both 18th century feather quills and 19th century quill pens.
Presentations
- Battle of Brandywine – History of September 11, 1777, events that lead to that day and its aftermath
- Archaeology Fundamentals – Lenape /Prehistory of the area/General archaeology