1812 Homestead Demonstration
The keystone of our living history program and one of our most popular classes, the 1812 Homestead Demonstration teaches essential pioneer skills on a working farm and museum. A typical trip includes a blacksmithing demonstration, an interactive woodworking class, hearth side baking at the Inn, candle making, and a lesson in our authentic one-room school house, old Essex County no. 4, with the infamous School Master MacCready.
Social Studies Standards 1, 2; English Language Arts Standard 1

Underground Railroad
A role-playing activity that takes place at the 1812 Homestead. Students play the part of run-away slaves, while teachers and chaperones serve as their conductors. The Pok-O staff fills in as abolitionists, bounty hunters, court marshals, and more. The “slaves” must rotate through a series of stations where they answer questions about the history of slavery in America while avoiding capture by the bounty hunters. The evening ends with an in-depth debrief about their experience and slavery today.
Social Studies Standards 1, 2, 3

Nature Crafts
An environmentally minded art class. Favorite projects include creating Native American dream catchers as well as working in groups to make board games from objects found in our woods, or using sun print paper to capture prints of natural objects such as a leaf. One of our few indoor activities, Nature Crafts makes an excellent extreme weather option.
Social Studies Standards 1; English Language Arts Standard 1; Arts Standard 1, 2

Animal Feeding
Join our instructors as they do their morning chores and you’ll have the opportunity to learn about and help feed and care for our pigs, chickens, sheep, horses, cows, and goats. Please note that not all animals may be present.

Time Quest
Takes place at the 1812 Homestead. This interactive American history class will transport students back in time to the Revolutionary War. Your students will interact with different characters, who have drastically different points of view about the “current” conflict. In addition to teaching facts about the 18th century, Time Quest is designed to demonstrate history’s subjectivity.
Social Studies Standards 1, 2