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Scout & Youth Programs

The Connecticut Historical Society offers a wide selection of programs for scout and youth groups.  Scout and youth programs are typically scheduled weekday afternoons and Saturdays.  Below is a selection of our more popular scout programs, but please visit our Museum Tours and Outreach pages for a complete listing of programs.  All of our programs can be adapted to fit your scout or youth group’s needs. 

For more information or to create and schedule a program, please contact Erin Kania, Coordinator of Youth & Family Programs,  at erin_kania@chs.org or (860) 236-5621 x222.

Girl Scouts

The Legend of the Charter Oak

Scouts bring the people and events from the legend of the Charter Oak to life using a variety of dramatic techniques, period costumes, and specially-designed props and then view artifacts that are made from the original Charter Oak.  Your group will discover the significance of Connecticut’s colonial charter and its connection to the legendary white oak tree.  The program will wrap up with a map skill activity in which scouts examine and compare a map of Hartford in the 1600s and a map of Hartford today and then create their own map.

Fulfills requirements for: Brownies’ “Let’s Pretend” and “Listening to the Past” Try-Its and Juniors’ “Local Lore” and “Folk Arts” Badges*

Program Length: 2 hours
Recommended for scouts in ages 8-11
Cost: $8 per scout; troop leader is free; $3 for additional chaperones and siblings over 5

Daily Life in Colonial Connecticut

Scouts compare their own lives to everyday life in 1700s Connecticut by exploring differences in houses, clothing, work, and community structures.  In the hands-on workshop, scouts work in groups to closely examine reproduction household artifacts and learn about colonial crafts and trades.  Scouts use their imaginations to pretend that they are living in the 1700s and write a letter to a friend or family member using a quill pen and ink.  At the end of the program, everyone will have the chance to play with colonial toys and games.

Fulfills requirements for: Brownies’ “Listening to the Past” Try-It and Juniors’ “Folk Arts” Badge*

Program Length: 2 hours
Recommended for scouts ages 7-12
Cost: $8 per scout; troop leader is free; $3 for additional chaperones and siblings over 5

Boy Scouts

Work and Play

Scouts explore the museum, trying out a variety of hands-on activities (hauling a water bucket, building a brick wall, sitting in a canoe, and more), and compare the work done by men, women, and children in the past.  After their “work” is done, scouts play with historic toys and games.

Fulfills requirements for: Tiger Scouts’ “History Go-See-It”*

Program Length: 1 ½ hours
Recommended for scouts ages 5-7
Cost: $8 per scout; troop leader is free; $3 for additional chaperones and siblings over 5

Native Americans and Natural Resources

Scouts are introduced to the lives of Native Americans in early Connecticut and their use of natural resources.  Focus is placed on multi-sensory learning, a varied pace of activities, and handling reproduction objects.  Students hear a Native American story and make a bear claw necklace to take home.

Fulfills requirements for:  Tiger Scouts’ “History Go-See-It”, Wolf Scouts’ “American Indian Lore Elective”, and Bear Scouts’ “American Indian Lore Elective”*

Program Length: 1 ½ hours
Recommended for scouts ages 6-10
Cost: $8 per scout; troop leader is free; $3 for additional chaperones and siblings over 5

* Please note: patches, badges, and beads are not provided by the Connecticut Historical Society.

Programs are also available for Cadette Scouts working towards the fulfillment of the "Heritage Hunt", "Museum Discovery", or "Women through Time" Interest Patches.  The content, length, and cost of these programs vary.  Please contact the Erin Kania, Coordinator of Youth and Family Programs, at erin_kania@chs.org or (860) 236-5621 x222 for more information.


Find out about upcoming special programs for scouts, youth groups, and families listed in our calendar of events.