Did you know that the Pilgrims taught their children reading and writing at home? Did you know that the Wampanoag used the natural world as an outdoor classroom where they could teach life skills? The Museum is an ideal place to let your children explore the past by being curious, interacting with Museum staff, and trying new things.  

To receive special offers, and regular updates on Plimoth Plantation’s educational programs, sign up for our Education Mailing List.

2011 Homeschool Days

Friday, April 15 and Friday, September 16

Every day is a great day for homeschooling families to visit Plimoth Plantation, but we set aside two days a year that we fill with activities designed just for those who are homeschooling. Visit on these days and your homeschooling family will receive reduced-priced Combination admission tickets, including Mayflower II, valid for two days. Adults pay just $21 for a combination ticket (normally $29.50) and children ages 6 through 17 pay $13.00 (normally $19.00). Children 5 and under are admitted free.
Enjoy our Museum’s living history sites and special hands-on activities and classes all day long.  In addition, homeschool families receive a free packet of information, a 20% discount on educational materials in Plimoth Plantation's Museum Shops, and a discounted museum membership offer. 
No need to register for Homeschool Day. Just show up!

September 16 Homeschool Day
Schedule of Activities

Family Presentation
John Robinson:  Pastor of the Pilgrims
10:00 am to 10:45 am
3:00 pm to 3:45 pm
Who was John Robinson, and how did his teachings influence the Pilgrims? Using Pastor Robinson’s writings, we’ll look at the ways in which the bible and faith affected the daily lives of adults and children in Plymouth Colony. This presentation is appropriate for all ages.
Free with admission


Classes
Archaeology 101 for Kids
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
In this hour–long class, children will learn some of the basic techniques of archaeology. Using an indoor dig box they’ll learn about excavation techniques and discover how to identify and reconstruct the objects that they recover. For children aged 7 and up.
Class fee $8, $6 for Museum members. Tickets may be purchased at the Homeschool Table on the day of the program.

Make Your Own 17^th century Toys
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Play was important to both Wampanoag and colonial children. In this workshop, kids will make their own Native-style toss and catch toy and a colonial board game to take home (children choose a simple game called Three Men’s Morris, or a more complicated version called Nine Men’s Morris). For all ages.
Materials fee $8, $6 for Museum members. Tickets may be purchased at the Homeschool Table on the day of the program.

Demonstration
Fire Starting with Ancient Technologies
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Fire was a necessity of life for in the 1600s. See how fire was made using tools such as the Wampanoag firebox and colonial flint and steel strikers.
Free with admission

Hands On History
Hands-on History at the Wampanoag Homesite
9:30 am to 4:30 pm
As you visit the Wampanoag Homesite, be sure to ask if you can lend a hand carrying and stacking firewood,  grinding corn, and doing other work to help get ready for winter. Make sure you check out the Wampanoag toys and join a game of Wampanoag football or hubbub!
Free with admission

Hands on History in the Pilgrim Village
9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Are you willing to lend a hand? All day long the Pilgrims will be looking for help with chores like stuffing a straw bed, cleaning the armor, laying out the laundry to dry (morning only),  grinding corn, and making bread loaves  (1:30pm to 3:00 pm). Perhaps after you’ve done your chores, you’ll be invited to play games like 9 pins and walking on stilts!
Free with admission

Hands on History at Mayflower II
Make a 17th-century Chart (map), from 10:00 to 11:00 am and 3:00 to 4:00 pm.
Free with admission
Learn to play the bones. Bones are a rhythm instrument made from, you guessed it, bones! Three sessions: 1:00 to 1:20 pm, 1:20 to 1:40 pm, and 1:40 to 2:00 pm.
Free with admission

Programs for Homeschoolers

Field Trips

Opportunities for learning and discovery abound at Plimoth Plantation’s living history sites. Come on your own, or as a group. Groups of 15 or more who reserve in advance receive a group discount. Visit our Field Trip Page to learn more.  

Hands-On Workshops

Bring a group of friends and arrange for a special Wampanoag or Pilgrim hands-on activity. Find out about our Hands-on Workshops here.

Overnights at Plimoth Plantation

What better way to experience the past than to sleep at the Museum? Get a group together and get ready for an evening of authentic foods, activities, and a chance to sleep on the floor! Our Wampanoag and Colonial themed overnights are a great way to have an in-depth experience of the Museum.

If you’re looking for more adventure, bring your family groups for a Historic Family Overnight where you’ll dress, eat and sleep in Colonial houses, just as the Pilgrims did! .

We Can Visit You!

Can’t make it to us? We’ll bring the past to you. Invite a Colonial role player or a Native museum teacher to your meeting. Learn more at We Can Visit You. 

For more information, call 508-746-1622 ext. 8359 or email programservices@plimoth.org.

Resources

Just for Kids
Interactive Thanksgiving Activity: You are the Historian
Plimoth and Patuxet Ancestors
Collections and Archaeology at Plimoth Plantation