Are you a teacher or educator in the community looking for a way to present local history to your class? Book a program at the St. Charles History Museum!
We want all children to experience the St. Charles History Museum as a fun and welcoming place where they can learn in a way that is meaningful to them. We emphasize the critical thinking skills students use as lifelong learners and so our programs are designed to be engaging, participatory, and interdisciplinary. This means that your tour will not be a history lecture.
NEW Program
The Makings of St. Charles
3rd Grade
This new three part series program builds on teaching the history of St. Charles though primary documents, an in classroom presentation, and a cemetery walk.
Become a History Detective
Students have the opportunity to investigate a local resident and discover their contributions to St. Charles by researching primary documents (newspaper articles, letters, and photographs) all from the Museums archives. Teachers can use this resource for in class lessons that help students learn more about St. Charles' rich history.
This activity accommodates a class of 30 students. To rent this portion of the program for your classroom it is $25 for one month. Rental is based on availability.
The Makings of St. Charles Presentation (1.5 hr)
How did Illinois become settled? How did pioneers make their way to St. Charles? Who were the founders of St. Charles? Our staff in conjunction with the St. Charles Public Library will come into the class and look back at how St. Charles became settled by looking at historic maps and photographs in an engaging presentation. In addition to our presentation, the Library will provide vital resources to students in how to do research.
Program Fee: $5 Per Student
Grave Reminders Cemetery Walk ( 1 hr) North Cemetery
Many of St. Charles' most prominent residents are buried at North Cemetery and students will have the opportunity to learn more about the residents that helped shape their community through this guided tour. After their guided tour, students will have the opportunity to explore the cemetery looking for different symbols and information about different local residents by using a map to locate each site.
This activity is weather dependent rain dates are encouraged.
Program Fee: $5 Per Student
These programs are customizable: pick just one, two or all three activities. If you book all three programs Become a History Detective is FREE.
HISTORY HUNT
2nd-3rd Grade (45 mins - 1 hr)
In this program, students participate in a scavenger hunt in the museum's permanent exhibit hall where they will "hunt" for different artifacts that relate to St. Charles History. After we will take a closer look at these artifacts and what they tell us about life in St. Charles and the surrounding area in the past.
Program Fee: $3 per student, chaperones and teachers are welcome at no additional cost.
BOOK YOUR PROGRAM
Please contact us to schedule your program at least 2 months before the desired date. Program slots are available on a first come first serve basis and fill up fast!
The St. Charles History Museum is an accessible facility for every school and every student. Please indicate any special needs your students may have so that we can accommodate them.
