Plymouth Historical Society

Program: Education Programs

Program Description:

At the Plymouth Historical Museum or in the Classroom

“Toys and Games of Long Ago”

Students learn how toys of the past were made and how they were used.  By playing with and drawing the toys they learn how to identify them by date, type, material and skill.  This is followed by a tour of the Turn-Of-The-Century Main Street exhibit.  If time permits, students can play a game, hear a story or make a toy.

“Native Americans of Michigan”

Through presentations, interactive activities and hands-on exhibits students will learn about the Native American “first families” of the area.  They will then tour the Victorian Exhibit and 1900s Main Street exhibits to observe the family life of a century ago.  With a worksheet they will compare and contrast the lives of the 1800 Native Americans and the 1900 residents of the Plymouth area.  If time permits, Native American legends will be included.

“A Field Study of Communities”

Students will learn about the development of communities through the use of maps, exploring games and a discussion of how “needs and wants” and “goods and services’” figure into the development of a community.  Students will tour the 1900 Main Street exhibit and with the help of a worksheet will compare it to the City of Plymouth today.  If weather permits, a self-conducted tour of the downtown area of Plymouth can be added.  Map is included.

“School Marms’ Trunk/Great Grandmother’s Trunk”

The Museum comes to your school as the “School Marm” or as “Great-Grandmother” to share with students the clothing, games and memories of the past.  This will also prepare the students for their visit to Geer School.

“A Time Line of Community History”

Utilizing the new permanent Timeline exhibit, which shows local history from Native Americans circa 1800s to the mid-20th century, students will be able to learn how a community develops and is affected by changes in transportation, communication and technology.  Plymouth Study Prints which show six decades of change in the 1800s will be used as an introduction.   

“The Erie Canal and Its Effect on the Settling of Michigan”

Students will hear a presentation on the history of the Erie Canal and how it affected settlement in Michigan and an explanation of 25 artifacts that could possible be brought on the journey.  Students will then work together as “families” to choose 12 artifacts to take with them on their journey.  The Riverboat Captain will then share his life on a canal boat and with the help of the students will demonstrate how the locks on the canal worked.  The Timeline is included with this program to show how these “Erie Canal settlers” changed the landscape and history of Michigan.

“The Underground Railroad and Abraham Lincoln”

After an introductory lecture about the Underground Railroad using the Museum’s quilt collection, the students will act out different scenarios related to runaway slaves and Harriet Tubman.  Students will then search for hidden meanings in the designs of the quilts on display.  This program includes a tour of the Lincoln Exhibit.

“The Civil War and Abraham Lincoln”

During the Civil War lecture and demonstration the students will have the opportunity to dress as soldiers or nurses.  Afterwards, they will be able to look at the costumes and artifacts.  Students will then visit the largest collection of Lincoln memorabilia in the State of Michigan.  If scheduling permits, a costumed re-enactor will present Lincoln or a Civil War Soldier.

The Plymouth Historical Museum offers: 

• Curriculum-based education programs
• Easy access
• Bus parking
• Programs to coordinate with Plymouth Library visit
• Convenient walking tours
• Fun and safe atmosphere for learning!
• Most programs are mobile and can be brought to schools
• All programs can be adjusted to grade level

For customized programs & questions, call for prices

$4 per student
$1 extra for combined programs, i.e. Underground Railroad & Civil War

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