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SCHOOL PROGRAMS: PLAN A VISIT
Group
Requirements To Schedule A Program
Group size: 20 student minimum
Groups over 25 students will be broken into subgroups,
which will rotate through scheduled sites.
Due to space constraints, a maximum of 100 students
at a time will be allowed at the farm, 50 students at a time will
be allowed at the Museum, and 50 students at a time will be allowed
at Independence Hall.
Groups of less than 20 students are welcome to
visit the facilities on their own, depending on availability, but
will not receive a guided program. Public tour fees will apply.
Points
To Consider When Planning Your Trip
Programs are offered at three sites within the
Park: Star of the Republic Museum, Independence Hall, and Barrington
Living History Farm. Students may participate in one program
at each site, if time permits.
Star of the Republic Museum, Barrington Living
History Farm, and Independence Hall are available for scheduled
programs 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. Time in the Gift
Shop can be included in the schedule, however only students who
are prepared to shop will be admitted with an adult. A limited number
of children will be allowed in the Gift Shop at one time.
No food or drinks are allowed inside the Museum,
Visitor's Center, Independence Hall, or Barrington Farm. Please
help us preserve and protect the integrity of this historic site!
Please note: For visitor and
staff safety, whenever inclement weather (thunder and lightning)
is present, Barrington Farm and Independence Hall will close and
remain closed for 30 minutes after the last episode of thunder or
lightning. Alternate activities will be planned.
Reservations are not taken for group programs
on weekends.
Student
Program Fees
For groups meeting the above requirements, the
student fee for most tours is $1.00 per site (Star of the Republic
Museum, Independence Hall, and Barrington Living History Farm) unless
otherwise indicated below. There is no admission fee to the Visitor
Center/Gift Shop or the Townsite Trail. Minimum group fee
for students: $20.
Chaperones: One adult admitted
FREE with every 10 students. No more than
1 adult per 10 students allowed. Additional adults will be
charged the public fee of $5 for one site or $9 for multiple sites.
Bus drivers free. Please remember that chaperones are expected to
assist with supervision of the students. Any adult who interferes
with the student program may be asked to leave. Please turn off
cell phones!
SCHOOL PROGRAM OPTIONS
#1: Adventures in the Republic
Star of the Republic Museum
1 hour, 20-50 students
PreK-8th Grade
Fee: $1.00 per student
Star of the Republic Museum offers a well-rounded
historical interpretation of Texas History. The age-appropriate
historical adventure includes a tour on the first floor with a scavenger
hunt or a guided explanation of the chronology of early Texas history.
Students learn about the lifestyles of the “First Texans,”
and see artifacts left behind by the Spanish and French explorers
in Texas. In addition, they view the vast exhibits on the settlers
in Texas, the war for independence, annexation, Texas Rangers, and
the Mexican War. If time permits, students may visit the Discovery
Center, where they are able to touch, smell, try on, and play with
different reproduction items from the Republic Period. The adventu re
continues up the ramp to the second floor where they are transported
back in time to the Republic of Texas. They learn about the Tejano,
African American, and Anglo settlers in early Texas. Along the way,
the students may gather around the “Wash Day” exhibit
to discuss the complexity of doing a simple chore such as laundry,
without electricity or modern conveniences. As they approach the
Yellow Stone steamboat, students learn about water transportation
in the 1830’s, hear stories about the Yellow Stone during
the Texas war for independence, and get a chance to steer the Yellow
Stone on a simulated trip down the Brazos River!
#2:
Courage, Convention, and Constitution: The Birth of Texas
Independence Hall
1 hour, 20-50 students
PreK-8th Grade
Fee: $1.00 per student
This program helps school age children discover
the role of Washington in the birth of Texas by use of both a story
and question/answer format. Its goal is to produce within the participant
a conceptual grasp of three themes: 1) the 1836 Convention delegates
worked to organize a government knowing that in so doing they faced
great danger, 2) we can understand what a constitution is by relating
what it does to our own lives, and 3) when we understand the importance
of a constitution we realize why the Texians could not have secured
their independence without the work of the Convention at Washington
in creating the first Texas constitution. The program encourages
the students to use their imaginations to visualize the town of
Washington as it was in 1836 and provides them with an opportunity
to visit the site of the 1836 Convention, today the location of
the “Independence Hall” reconstruction. However, instead
of placing primary emphasis on the building itself, the program
seeks to develop within the participant an appreciation for what
makes the site of the Convention so unique and special to the people
of Texas.
#3:
Walking in the Footsteps of History
Independence Hall
1 hour, 20-50 students
4th-8th grade
Fee: $1.00 per student
What did the town of Washington look like in the
1840s & 1850s? What happened to it since then? This expanded tour
will answer these questions---adding another dimension to a visit
to Washington-on-the-Brazos. Interpretive programming provides detailed
information about the town from its origins, to the height of its
importance as the capital of the Republic of Texas, to its demise
in the late 1850s. Students will gain a better understanding of
how geographic features influenced the settlement & development
of early Texas towns and how the failure to adapt to changes affected
their future. Native flora and fauna, rainfall, climate, & growing
seasons will be addressed during this exciting and informative program
for 4th grade students & older. Walking along Ferry Street, students
will follow the footsteps of Sam Houston, David Crockett, William
B. Travis and other people who made their mark on Texas History.
The program concludes with students visiting Independence Hall,
site of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence. A
map of early Washington will be provided for each student. Approximate
walking distance is 1/2 mile.
#4: A Call to Arms!
Independence Hall
1 hour, 20-50 students
4th-8th grade
Fee: $1.00 per student
This program explores the Texian citizen soldier
through primary documents and role play. The students assume the
role of citizens of the town of Washington that joined the Texas
army in 1836. The interpreter reads original letters and speeches
and explains the consequences of joining or not joining the Texas
army. Life in the army is discussed in detail and authentic props
are used to bring the story to life for the students. Students will
learn how this decision affected family members, the well being
of crops and livestock as well as the future of Texas in general.
After this presentation and discussion period students will enlist
in the army, elect noncommissioned officers and are organized into
a “unit” and drilled by an interpreter dressed in period
clothing, using a reproduction drill manual. A teacher packet is
provided with copies of all documents used in the program.
#5: The Message
Independence Hall
1 hour, 20-50 students
7th-8th grade
Fee: $1.00 per student
This program explores the impact William Barrett
Travis’ famous letter of February 24th had, not only on the
Convention but on all of Texas. Through the use of primary documents
and role play, students will gain a better understanding of Travis’
letter. Students are encouraged to debate and consider their reactions
in response to the letter and to compare them with those of the
Delegates. Interpreters in period clothing will also examine letters
from Travis to friends and family as well as explore the significance
of the Alamo and its effects on the Convention and the town of Washington.
A teacher packet is provided with copies of all documents used in
the program.
#6:
Crops, Chores, & Chickens: Life on an 1850’s Farm
Barrington Living History Farm
1 hour 30 minutes, 20-100 students
PreK-3rd Grade
Fee: $1.00 per student
Experience life on a mid-nineteenth century cotton
farm! Cooking in the open hearth, woodworking, churning butter,
feeding the hogs and chickens, driving the oxen, picking cotton,
and doing laundry…. Barrington Farm provides a unique opportunity
for young children to get their hands on the past. Students tour
the original 1844 home of Dr. Anson Jones, last president of the
Republic of Texas, including the farm’s kitchen, barn, and
slave quarters. As they explore, costumed interpreters tell the
story of life at Barrington and encourage visitors to participate
in daily chores. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the opportunity
to get to know the farm’s heritage livestock breeds of chickens,
hogs, and cattle and the role they play in Barrington’s community.
Hands-on-activities vary with the season on this working farm.
#7:
A Day in the Life: Exploring the World of the Barrington Residents
Barrington Living History Farm
2 hours, 20-100 students
4th-8th Grades
Fee: $1.00 per student
Texas History comes to life for older students
at Barrington Living History Farm. The stories of the Republic of
Texas and early statehood are given a human face through tours of
the original 1844 home of Dr. Anson Jones, last president of the
Republic of Texas. Students will experience the world of the Jones
family and their slaves by exploring the working reproduction kitchen,
smokehouse, barn and slave quarters with the Farm’s knowledgeable
costumed interpreters. Hands-on activities vary with the season
and the age of the students. Before they know it students will be
transported into a world free of electricity and running water-
a world where “cotton was king” and school was a luxury.
By looking at Barrington Farm we are afforded a more intimate peek
into the political, social, and economic communities of Texas in
the mid-nineteenth century.
#8:
Townsite Trail Time
Washington Townsite
30 minutes, any number of students
Any grade level
Fee: no charge
What did the town of Washington look like in the
1840’s? What happened to it since then? This self-guided tour
option adds another dimension to a visit to Washington-on-the-Brazos.
Printed trail guides provide detailed information about the town
in its prime, and help students visualize what it looked like when
it was the capital of Texas. Students will gain a better understanding
of how geographic features influenced the development of early Texas
towns, and how the failure to adapt to changes affected their future.
#9:
Thanksgiving Native American Program (November only)
Star of the Republic Museum
45 minutes
Pre-K through 2nd Grade
Fee: $1.00 per student
Amid the cooler temperatures and fall leaves,
Star of the Republic Museum offers an expanded, interactive Native
American Program in recognition of the Thanksgiving Holiday. The
program is offered during the month of November for a minimum of
20 students. The program focuses on Native American lifestyles in
early Texas. Learn how the Native Americans used furs, bones, and
plants to create items for everyday use. Students will have an opportunity
to try on, touch and play with different replica items common among
the Native Americans of Texas.
If your school is unable to make the drive out to Washington-on-the-Brazos,
the museum also offers an adapted outreach version of the Native
American Program for a minimum of 30 students with a fee of $3 per
student. This program is only available for schools within a 50-mile
radius of the museum.
#10:
Leeches by Thousands (October only)
Star of the Republic Museum
45 minutes
4th-7th Grade
Fee: $1.00 per student
The Museum offers a special Medicine Program,
“Leeches by Thousands,” during the month of October.
This program allows students to learn about ailments and medical
practices of the Republic Period of Texas. The Museum’s collection
of medical artifacts reflects a world without anesthetics or modern
technology. This program will complement the study of how scientific
discoveries and technological innovations in the field of medicine
have benefited individuals and society in the United States, as
specified in the social studies TEKS 4.3.B, 5.24.C, 6.20.A, and
7.20.A. Available for groups of 20 or more.
#11:
Home School Days (2nd & 4th Wednesdays in September
& October)
Star of the Republic Museum & Barrington Living
History Farm
10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Fee: $8/child, $6/Adult
No minimum group size required
Lunch not provided; picnics welcome!
The Star of the Republic Museum and Barrington
Living History Farm are pleased to present a program specifically
for home school families:
On the second and fourth Wednesdays in September and October, the
staff at the museum and the farm will present "Childhood in
Early Texas," an interactive, hands-on program for the entire
family, targeting students ages 5-12. Discover what life was like
for a child in the mid-19th century during a visit to this historic
site. In the museum, learn about childhood chores, clothes, and
schools, and then make some old-fashioned toys to take home! Take
a break with a picnic lunch in the peaceful pecan grove along the
Brazos River. At Barrington Farm, experience life as it would have
been on an 1850s farm, including a visit to the cotton field to
pick a boll or two along the way. Reservations and pre-payment required.
Checks may be made out to "Star of the Republic Museum."
CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY:
Payment in full is due at time of reservation. Cancellations 2 weeks
or more prior to the program will be fully refunded. Cancellations
not made 2 weeks in advance will not receive a refund. However,
substitutions or exchanges with other families may be made with
prior notification. No partial refunds will be made.
RESERVATIONS
Making
Reservations
To schedule a program, you must call at least
2 weeks in advance.
The size of your group and your choice of program
may affect availability.
Consider travel time to Washington-on-the-Brazos.
It is important for you to be on time for your scheduled program!
Scheduled time may include allowances for travel
from site to site.
Picnic area is available for lunch (free of charge)
or pavilions may be reserved at a reduced rate for schools (to reserve,
call 936-878-2214, ext. 222).
Certain time slots fill very quickly, so you
are encouraged to make reservations as early as possible.
Please note that an inquiry into date availability
does NOT constitute a reservation.
Call 936-878-2461, ext.236 or email
to book a program or ask questions.
Have The Following Information Ready When Calling
To Book Your Program
Teacher/contact person name, name and mailing
address for school, phone and fax number and e-mail address (if
available)
Best time to reach teacher during the day
Number of students and grade level
Desired programs
Requested dates and time-- be prepared with 2-3
alternate dates and times, in case your first choice is not available.
NOTE: Tour booking for the 2009-2010 school year
opens August 4, 2009. Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served
basis, to the best of our ability. Please understand that many schools
call or e-mail during this period to secure desired dates. Leaving
a voice-mail message does not guarantee date availability. Teachers
are encouraged to e-mail requests in order to avoid phone-tag delays.
Once
Your School Tour Is Booked
You will receive a pre-confirmation letter informing
you that your school group has been placed on the calendar.
3-4 weeks before your visit, you will receive
a packet of information to facilitate your visit—including
maps, brochures, schedule, and points to remember. The packet will
also contain a CONFIRMATION CONTRACT to sign and return, confirming
your tour date. Failure to return it may jeopardize your
reservation. Please share the information in the packet
with ALL teachers who will be participating in the field trip!
If you do not specify which program you would
like at Independence Hall when tour is booked, you will receive
an e-mail prior to your visit to confirm your choice. Failure to
reply promptly will result in the choice being made by the staff.
Every effort will be made to honor your request.
NOTE: times when you receive materials may vary
based on how far in advance tours are reserved.
Pay upon arrival with cash or check for exact
amount. (No refunds for checks on day of visit). Credit cards also
accepted (Visa, MasterCard or Discover).
Post-Tour
Evaluation
Thank you for visiting Washington-on-the-Brazos!
We hope your experience was enjoyable. Please complete this brief
and simple survey to provide some feedback about your tour. Your
input will allow us to improve our services in the future. Click
Here to take survey . Thank you!
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