School & Youth Programs
History comes alive for young visitors to the Colonel Paul Wentworth House!
Our programs combine hands-on learning experiences with stories of the people who lived here to teach students how our local history ties into the greater history of our region and our nation. We are pleased to offer a variety of programs which are suitable for school field trips, scout groups, etc.
Our workshops generally run 45 – 55 minutes. A maximum of three workshops can run concurrently. Most are appropriate for children aged 8 – 14 but can be modified to meet the needs and interests of your group.
Workshops
Building the Wentworth House
An introduction to timber frame construction. By working together to assemble a scale model of the Wentworth House, students learn how homes, barns, churches and other buildings were constructed in the 18th century.
Dearest Mother
No email, no texting, no cell phones. How did early Americans communicate with each other over long distances? Try out letter writing, early American-style, with quill pens and sealing wax.
Let’s Eat! Colonial Style
An introduction to 18th century foodways, including the tools and techniques of hearth cooking, butter-churning, the use of herbs and spices, and dining customs.
Amusements
What did colonial children do for fun? Make a simple toy, and play some indoor and outdoor games from early America.
What Shall I Wear?
Using reproduction 18th century clothing, find out what early New Englanders wore and what their clothing tells us about their lives.
Fighting for Freedom
Meet a soldier of the American Revolution who will demonstrate his clothing, weapons, and equipment, and will describe life in the army.
Textile Arts
An introduction to spinning, weaving, and/or fabric printing.
Mill Village Walking Tour
Take a walking tour of Salmon Falls Village, a planned industrial community of the 19th century. Best suited to older students; allow 60 – 75 minutes.
Fees
$100 minimum charge for a half-day program (three workshops) for up to 12 students with two teachers/chaperones; $150 for 20 students with three chaperones. Additional chaperones - $5 each. Please note that due to space constraints we reserve the right to limit the number of adult chaperones.
Booking your visit
Please contact us via email at paulwentworthhouse@gmail.com at least one month in advance of your desired visit date, with details about the anticipated number of students and your preferred workshops. To confirm your reservation, a completed school visit form must be submitted along with a 50% deposit no later than 2 weeks before your visit. The remaining 50% will be due at the time of your visit.
Homeschool Groups
We would welcome the opportunity to design a program for your homeschool group. Most of our programs are generally suitable for children ages 6 and up; contact us to discuss your group’s age range and interests, and let us custom tailor a history day just for you!
Please note that due to the nature of the workshops and the space limitations in the house, we are not able to accommodate very small children, and strollers or back carriers are not permitted in the house.