Homeschool Days at the Connecticut Historical Society are programs specifically designed for homeschool families. These events give children the opportunity to enjoy engaging, educational workshops and to connect with other homeschool families.
Short workshops around a variety of topics are taught throughout the day. Families may sign up for as many or as few classes as they like, and workshops appropriate for children ages 5 and up are available at each session. Workshops are hands-on and participatory, and many include a take-home element.
Upcoming Dates
- September 9, 2019
- Registration opens August 12
Cost
- Each workshop is $7 per student for CHS members and $10 per student for non-members.
- For the full day (three workshops), the fee is $15 per student for CHS members and $24 per student for non-members.
- Children 4 and under are free, but must be registered.
- Up to two adults per family are admitted free of charge. Parents must remain in the building at all times.
- Maximum cost per family is $85.
Toddler Time
- Throughout the day, our auditorium space will be available with drop-in, self-led toys, crafts, and coloring sheets for siblings ages 4 and under. Families must register toddlers, and parents must remain with their toddler at all times.
Pre-Registration Required
- Enrollment is limited and families must pre-register. Full, non-refundable payment via credit card or check must be made at the time of registration to reserve your child’s place. Please contact Rebecca Gross at (860) 236-5621 x232 or email education_assistant@chs.org to register.
- Registration closes September 4 for the September 9 Homeschool Day.
February 11, 2019 Program Schedule
Ages 5-7
10:00 – 10:50 AM: Mayor for the Day
How are decisions made in your town? Explore how local government works by “running” for mayor of your own community. Make decisions about how your town runs and what it needs, and assemble your own community.
11:00 – 11:50 AM: Buildings and ‘Burbs
Life long ago was very different than it is now. Discover how buildings in the past were made, and compare communities in the past to those built today. Then create a new neighborhood of your very own.
12:30 – 1:20 PM: Supplies for Soldiers
Did you know that George Washington himself called our great state “The Provisions State”? Come join us to explore how the people of Connecticut earned that special nickname and helped the Continental Army win the American Revolution!
Ages 8-11
10:00 – 10:50 AM: Changes and Choices in Revolutionary Connecticut
Sometimes there are more than two sides to a story. Learn about the major causes of the American Revolution. Explore the events and discover why people in Connecticut were Patriots or Loyalists, and why many remained undecided during the War of Independence.
11:00 – 11:50 AM: Bills and Ballots
Learn how the three branches of Connecticut’s government work by acting out the process of making laws. Become a Connecticut Senator and debate bills that come before the General Assembly, and make a poster for your campaign for Governor.
12:30 – 1:20 PM: Inventing Backyards
What is a backyard for anyway? Learn about the history of backyards and discover how they became a part of millions of American homes. Try your hand at different backyard games. Use your design skills to create your own original backyard.
Ages 12+
10:00 – 10:50 AM: American Dreaming in the Suburbs
Dig into the changing dynamics of post-World War II American life. Using primary sources, we will examine how suburbanization transformed American society, and whom these changes came to benefit or leave behind.
11:00 – 11:50 AM: Traitors and Spies
Uncover the stories of those who were involved in intelligence-gathering during the American Revolution. Explore the roles men and women played in this covert world through artifacts and documents from this time period, especially those related to the Culper Spy Ring.
12:30 – 1:20 PM: Balance of Power
Learn about Connecticut’s three branches of government. Join Congress as a Representative/Senator and debate new bills. Learn about the judicial branch by acting out a trial. Illustrate your very own comic book strip set in the dramatic backdrop of the court room.
