Betsey’s Biscuits – This is for kindergarten and first grade, throughout the school year. We bring the little ones into the museum and show them how to make biscuits and butter from scratch. What does this teach them? That biscuits, bread and butter used to be made by hand and still can be. These are not foods that we can buy only in a plastic package at the supermarket. Annual attendance is about 700.
Women In History – During the month of March, which is Women In History Month, we try to schedule different speakers at the museum who dress in costume and portray historic women such as the museum’s own Fanny Hall, a pioneer in the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. Other characters have included presidential first lady Abigail Adams; Malinda McGowan, a humble pioneer woman and healer; Jeanne Robert Foster, a native Adirondacker and literary figure; Plattsburgh freed slave Maria Haynes, and abolitionist Sarah Parker Remond.
NYSCA/Odyssey Art/History Program – This is a museum partnership program in May and June with the Plattsburgh City School District, funded by a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts. This is targeted for fourth graders. We contract with nine different artist/consultants to give the students a fairly intensive introduction (six one-hour blocks) on Early American music, art, woodworking, textiles, photography, medicine, food, architecture and recreation. Attendance is about 165.
1812 Education Days – This is a two day program in the first week of June for elementary school students in Clinton and Essex Counties, from Rouses Point to Crown Point. We contract living history specialists to discuss and demonstrate military life, boat construction and use on Lake Champlain, shingle making, spinning and weaving and sewing, trunk making, cooking, and similar arts and crafts. This takes place outside on the museum lawn and in the barn. Attendance is about 700.
Trunks of the Past – This is offered throughout the academic year for schools in Clinton and Essex Counties. These are actual trunks that are loaned out to teachers for their classes. Inside, the trunks contain objects and instructional material relating to early medicine; Early American childhood; archaeological puzzles; and the life and accoutrements of a British officer. This is a very popular program that easily reaches thousands of students.
Merchant At War – This is for students in 7th -12th grades. Designed to fit New York State mandated American History curriculums, this is a presentation by museum educator Christal Russell (either at the museum or in the classroom) on the experiences of merchant Henry Delord during the War of 1812 and the Battle of Plattsburgh.
Themed Holiday Programs – This is held in December for younger elementary school children. The museum is decorated for the holidays at this time and museum educator Christal Russell presents the students with Early American games and holiday traditions, and teaches them to make holiday decorations and treats. Attendance is about 800.
In addition, Christal will do customized tours in the museum, or special presentations at the school, to meet specific curriculum needs.
For more information on these programs, call Christal Russell at (518) 561-1035.