School Programs
The Historical Society of Princeton offers a variety of school programs designed to expand and augment your school’s Social Studies curriculum. Whether it is in your classroom or in Bainbridge House’s exhibition galleries, the Historical Society’s community collections will enrich your student’s “history experience.”
Field Trips to Bainbridge House
Field Trips to The Updike Farmstead
Outreach Programs
Professional Development
Field Trips to Bainbridge House
Einstein at Home
Through January 13, 2013
Grades K-12
Length: 1 hour (museum) or 2 hours (museum plus walking tour)
Cost: $4/student or $8/student
NJCCC standards: 5.1; 5.2; 5.4
Who was Albert Einstein? A large selection of Einstein’s furniture and personal belongings provides a glimpse into the public and private life of Princeton’s most famous resident. By examining his possessions, portraits and photographs, students will discover how Einstein was more than a great scientist, but also an immigrant, musician and humanitarian.
The walking tour includes stops at EMC Square, the locations of Einstein’s favorite eateries and culminates in a stop in front of his former home at 112 Mercer Street.
Picturing Princeton
Grades K-12
Length: 1 hour (walking tour) or 1.5 hours (museum plus walking tour)
Cost: $4 or $6 per student
NJCCC standards: 6.1; 6.2
Students become history detectives by exploring three centuries of Princeton history through this lively tour which highlights the town’s diverse architectural styles. By visiting sites such as Nassau Hall, Beatty House and the University Chapel, students are introduced to topics including the Revolutionary War, immigration and the Industrial Revolution. The 90-minute program includes a museum tour and portrait activity.
Stories from the Street
Beginning January 29, 2013
Grades K-12
Length: 1 hour (museum tour) or 2 hours (museum plus walking tour)
Cost: $4 or $8 per student
NJCCC standards: 6.1-6.3
What’s in a name? Tour the new exhibition Stories from the Street: Princeton Borough Places and People to learn about the people behind the road names in Princeton, including John Witherspoon, Richard Stockton, Hugh Mercer and Paul Robeson. The history of Princeton Borough and the impact of its consolidation with Princeton Township in 2013 will be discussed. Students will participate in a mapping activity, and pre-and post visit activities and resources will be available for teachers.
Field Trips to The Updike Farmstead
Farm Fresh
Grades: 3-8
Length: 1 hour
Cost: $4/student
NJCCC standards: 2.1; 6.1; 6.2
In 1954, New Jersey officially became known as the Garden State, but farming has been a way of life in the state for more than 400 years. Students will learn about the Lenni-Lenape, or “Original People,” as well as the farming practices of the early colonists. Groups will have the opportunity for hands-on activities while touring the “Three Sisters” and colonial sections of the Farm’s Unity Garden.
The Influence of WWI Posters
Grades 8-12
Length: 1 hour
Cost: $4 per student
NJCCC standards: 1.2; 6.1-6.3
Bold, colorful advertising posters were used during World War I by the U.S. government as a means of promoting America’s involvement to its citizens, but also as a means of procuring men and women, money and resources to sustain the military campaign. Wartime posters also urged thrift, and were instrumental in obtaining funds from the public through war bonds. In addition to examining a variety of posters from HSP’s collection, students will have the opportunity to analyze primary documents from the period and design their own patriotic posters.
EXTEND YOUR STAY
Program add-on: FARM FUN!
Cost: $4/student
Extend your stay at the Updike Farmstead! Students can explore nature through a scavenger hunt, play historic games and create a craft to take home. Classes are also encouraged to bring a snack or bagged lunch and picnic on the grounds.
Outreach Programs
Let us bring history to you! HSP offers outreach programs to support your classroom curriculum. Powerpoint presentations are conducted in a discussion format, with a lively interaction between HSP’s Curator of Education and your students.
Princeton: Then and Now
Grades: K-12
Length: 1 hour
Cost: $80 per program
NJCCC standards: 6.1; 6.2
The town of Princeton was settled more than 300 years ago. What has changed over the years, and what has stayed the same? Tour the town from the comfort of your classroom and compare images of transportation, shopping, education and historic sites. At the conclusion of the presentation, students will design postcards of their town 100 years in the future.
The Life of Albert Einstein
Grades: 4-12
Length: 1 hour
Cost: $80 per program
NJCCC standards: 5.1; 5.2; 6.1; 6.2
Through this interactive presentation, students will examine the life of the man whose name has become synonymous with “genius.” Learn how a childhood fascination with a compass played a role in the development of the Nobel prize-winning scientist, how he accepted a job in Princeton to escape Nazi Germany and how he used his celebrity to advocate for civil rights and advance world peace.
Civil Rights in New Jersey
Grades 4-12
Length: 1 hour
Cost: $80 per program
NJCCC standards: 6.1; 6.2
New Jersey has been at the cornerstone of the Civil Rights movement, experiencing the success of school integration programs (the “Princeton Plan”) and integrated housing developments, such as West Windsor’s Glen Acres. Stops on the Underground Railroad existed throughout the state, and Martin Luther King, Jr. visited several cities. However, New Jersey also witnessed slavery, segregated restaurants and theatres, housing displacement and race riots. Historic photographs provide the framework for a class discussion about the struggle and accomplishments of key figures in the Civil Rights Movement.
Professional Development
The Lenape Indians: New Jersey’s First People
Thursday, October 18, 2012
4:30 - 7:00 p.m.
$45 per teacher
Workshop Presenter: John Kraft, archaeologist/educator; Creator and Director of Lenape Lifeways Educational Program, Inc.
NJCCC standards: 1.2; 6.1
This engaging program will help educators reconstruct the cultural history of the Native Americans who once populated New Jersey and the surrounding area. The workshop will include examination of the customs and traditions, religious beliefs, legends and art, economy and system of government as practiced by the Lenape and as influenced by their natural surroundings. In addition, Lenape farming practices will be discussed in the Farmstead’s Unity Garden as teachers learn ideas for incorporating garden education into their Social Studies curriculum. Teachers will also have an opportunity to handle authentic and recreated objects such as masks, clothing, musical instruments and tools.
How to Book a Program:
For more information or to make a reservation, please call Eve Mandel, Curator of Education, at 609-921-6748, x102, or email eve@princetonhistory.org. AAll field trips must have at least one chaperone for every 8 children. Large groups will be split during programs as necessary.
