Field Trip Program
The Field Trip Program is offered in the fall (September, October, and November) and the spring (March, April, and May).
For more information and scheduling, please contact:
William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center
Melissa Basta
Field Trip Coordinator
3636 Georgia Hwy 11
Monroe, Georgia 30656
Phone: 770-267-5844
Email: [email protected]
or Email: [email protected]
For more information and scheduling, please contact:
William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center
Melissa Basta
Field Trip Coordinator
3636 Georgia Hwy 11
Monroe, Georgia 30656
Phone: 770-267-5844
Email: [email protected]
or Email: [email protected]
A Day in the 19th Century Field Trip
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The William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center offers a renowned field trip program, A Day in the 19th Century, for elementary and middle school students. This heritage education program can also be customized for older students and adults.
The William Harris Homestead farm, circa 1825, began after Walton County was formed in 1818 from the sale of land from the Creek Indian Nation to the state of Georgia. The log house and outbuildings were built by Mr. William Carr, who sold the 500 acres to the Harris family in 1836. The Harris family still farm the original acres from the nineteenth century to the present. And so, the William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center is uniquely situated to describe the different transition periods of the 1800’s, using the history of the Harris family as a lens through which to “tell the tale.” |
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A Day in the 19th Century field trip program begins at 10:00 am and takes about two hours to complete. The program is divided into four units with the students divided likewise. Each unit is approximately 30 minutes. The students will rotate through each unit and end the day with a picnic lunch on the grounds, if desired.
The first unit takes place in the historic log house. During this unit our Field Trip Educator discusses log house construction and gives an overview of the nineteenth century transition periods: from early settlement; before, during and after the Civil War; and Reconstruction. Because so many Georgians during the 1800’s were farmers, and cotton was the main cash crop, the Educator will focus on cotton production and the making of cotton cloth, demonstrating turning cotton fiber into cloth—carding, spinning, dyeing, weaving, and sewing. Lastly, because growing vegetables and providing meat were so time-consuming, food production and preparation are discussed and demonstrated at the hearth in the dining area of the log house.
The second unit, Living Out of Doors, begins at the cellar door of the log house. The Field Trip Educator invites the students inside to the cellar to see one of the most interesting areas of the house, discussing its role in food preservation. Next, the students are shown the “house garden,” where herbs, spices, and medicines were grown. The next stops are the smokehouse, for discussion of meat preservation; the Candle-pot; and the Harris family cemetery.
The third unit of the field trip features a Civil War interpreter, who describes the daily life of a soldier, Union and Confederate alike, during the 1860’s. He describes the clothing, the contents of a rucksack, foodstuffs available to the soldiers, and general living conditions during the four years of the Civil War. At the end of the field trip, our soldier interpreter will usually demonstrate loading and firing a musket-rifle, ending the day with a “bang!”
The Artifact Museum begins the fourth unit, where the Field Trip Educator points out evidence of Native Americans living on this property from prehistoric times until the 1800’s and paints a picture of the Muscogee Creeks, who camped and lived in this area prior to 1818. The students then visit the homestead smithy to learn about the importance of blacksmithing in the 1800’s. A walk through the woods to the Harris spring, brings to mind the importance of pure water accessibility to a nineteenth century farm. This unit is capped off with a hayride down to the Apalachee River.
The students are outside for most of the day, so the field trip program is weather permitting. Students, teachers, and chaperones enjoy this immersive learning experience and gain much insight to life in the 1800’s in Georgia. The material taught in A Day in the 19th Century aligns with the current standards for Social Studies and Georgia History taught in public and private elementary schools and middle schools throughout Georgia.
The William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center can accommodate a maximum of 120 people per day during field trips. The cost is $12.00 per student and per chaperone, and teachers are free.
The first unit takes place in the historic log house. During this unit our Field Trip Educator discusses log house construction and gives an overview of the nineteenth century transition periods: from early settlement; before, during and after the Civil War; and Reconstruction. Because so many Georgians during the 1800’s were farmers, and cotton was the main cash crop, the Educator will focus on cotton production and the making of cotton cloth, demonstrating turning cotton fiber into cloth—carding, spinning, dyeing, weaving, and sewing. Lastly, because growing vegetables and providing meat were so time-consuming, food production and preparation are discussed and demonstrated at the hearth in the dining area of the log house.
The second unit, Living Out of Doors, begins at the cellar door of the log house. The Field Trip Educator invites the students inside to the cellar to see one of the most interesting areas of the house, discussing its role in food preservation. Next, the students are shown the “house garden,” where herbs, spices, and medicines were grown. The next stops are the smokehouse, for discussion of meat preservation; the Candle-pot; and the Harris family cemetery.
The third unit of the field trip features a Civil War interpreter, who describes the daily life of a soldier, Union and Confederate alike, during the 1860’s. He describes the clothing, the contents of a rucksack, foodstuffs available to the soldiers, and general living conditions during the four years of the Civil War. At the end of the field trip, our soldier interpreter will usually demonstrate loading and firing a musket-rifle, ending the day with a “bang!”
The Artifact Museum begins the fourth unit, where the Field Trip Educator points out evidence of Native Americans living on this property from prehistoric times until the 1800’s and paints a picture of the Muscogee Creeks, who camped and lived in this area prior to 1818. The students then visit the homestead smithy to learn about the importance of blacksmithing in the 1800’s. A walk through the woods to the Harris spring, brings to mind the importance of pure water accessibility to a nineteenth century farm. This unit is capped off with a hayride down to the Apalachee River.
The students are outside for most of the day, so the field trip program is weather permitting. Students, teachers, and chaperones enjoy this immersive learning experience and gain much insight to life in the 1800’s in Georgia. The material taught in A Day in the 19th Century aligns with the current standards for Social Studies and Georgia History taught in public and private elementary schools and middle schools throughout Georgia.
The William Harris Homestead Museum & Education Center can accommodate a maximum of 120 people per day during field trips. The cost is $12.00 per student and per chaperone, and teachers are free.
Field Trip and Tour Options
A DAY IN THE 19th CENTURY
$12/person, 50 person minimum, or $600 if fewer than 50 attendees
4 units focusing on the 19th century log house, the cellar and living out of doors, the Civil War, and the Creek Indians and spring. Includes the a la carte selections below.
Begins at 10 am, ends at 12:30 pm.
A MORNING IN THE 19th CENTURY
$300, 30 person maximum
A detailed tour featuring a walk-through of the log house, discussions and demonstrations of cloth production, open-hearth cooking, the cellar and living out of doors, the family cemetery, the Creek Indians, and the creek and spring area. A la carte additions available.
GROUP TOUR
$8/Adults, $6/Child
A largely self-guided tour, this allows the participants to explore the grounds at their own pace. A docent is available to discuss the history of the Harris family and basic 19th century life on a farm in rural Georgia. A la carte additions available.
A LA CARTE
Robby Mitchell, Civil War Educator $75
Doc Watson, Blacksmith Educator $75
Hayride $60
Field Trip FAQs
Q: What is the cost of the field trip?
A: $12 per student and chaperone
Q: Is there a minimum/maximum number of participants?
A: The minimum number of paying participants is 50. We can accommodate a maximum of 125 people per day. Many of our larger schools schedule their classes over 2-3 days.
Q: What should I wear?
A: This is a farm, so closed-toe shoes are best! Dress comfortably, and be sure to layer if the mornings are chilly.
Q: How long does the field trip last?
A: The field trip program typically lasts about 2.5 hours. We begin at 10 am and usually finish around 12:30 pm. Visitors are invited to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds after the program.
Q: Are chaperones allowed?
A: Yes, we encourage parents to come and share the Homestead with their children. Admission is $12 per chaperone.
Q: Will we need to reschedule if it’s raining?
A: The majority of the field trip takes place outside, so in the case of a steady rain, or thunderstorms, we will need to reschedule.
Q: Are small children allowed?
A: Due to liability and safety issues, only infants and children over the age of 5 are allowed to participate in the field trip. Infants must be secured in a carrier or seat.
Q: Is there a cancellation policy?
A: We ask that you let us know as soon as possible if you must cancel.
Q: Do you schedule Homeschool groups?
A: Yes! We typically try to schedule several groups together. If possible, we ask that the groups coordinate and allow the students to combine in similar age categories in order to provide the most relevant content to each.
Q: Do you have a gift shop?
A: We do have various items for sale…assorted jams, jellies, dressings, pickles, etc!
Q: Is there parking available?
A: Yes, there is plenty of parking. Please leave the turn-around area free for the buses
Q: What methods of payment are accepted?
A: We accept cash, check, Zelle, and major credit cards.
Q: When is payment due?
A: Payment is due on or before the date of the field trip. If needed, we can provide an invoice. Please provide final attendance numbers 2-3 days prior to your scheduled date.
A: $12 per student and chaperone
Q: Is there a minimum/maximum number of participants?
A: The minimum number of paying participants is 50. We can accommodate a maximum of 125 people per day. Many of our larger schools schedule their classes over 2-3 days.
Q: What should I wear?
A: This is a farm, so closed-toe shoes are best! Dress comfortably, and be sure to layer if the mornings are chilly.
Q: How long does the field trip last?
A: The field trip program typically lasts about 2.5 hours. We begin at 10 am and usually finish around 12:30 pm. Visitors are invited to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds after the program.
Q: Are chaperones allowed?
A: Yes, we encourage parents to come and share the Homestead with their children. Admission is $12 per chaperone.
Q: Will we need to reschedule if it’s raining?
A: The majority of the field trip takes place outside, so in the case of a steady rain, or thunderstorms, we will need to reschedule.
Q: Are small children allowed?
A: Due to liability and safety issues, only infants and children over the age of 5 are allowed to participate in the field trip. Infants must be secured in a carrier or seat.
Q: Is there a cancellation policy?
A: We ask that you let us know as soon as possible if you must cancel.
Q: Do you schedule Homeschool groups?
A: Yes! We typically try to schedule several groups together. If possible, we ask that the groups coordinate and allow the students to combine in similar age categories in order to provide the most relevant content to each.
Q: Do you have a gift shop?
A: We do have various items for sale…assorted jams, jellies, dressings, pickles, etc!
Q: Is there parking available?
A: Yes, there is plenty of parking. Please leave the turn-around area free for the buses
Q: What methods of payment are accepted?
A: We accept cash, check, Zelle, and major credit cards.
Q: When is payment due?
A: Payment is due on or before the date of the field trip. If needed, we can provide an invoice. Please provide final attendance numbers 2-3 days prior to your scheduled date.
The William Harris Homestead Foundation is a charitable 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to provide heritage, agricultural and environmental scholarship.