School Program Offerings | Field Trips | Wisconsin Historical Society

School Program Offerings | Field Trips

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Get ready to give your young learners the best
field trip memory of the year.

Field Trips
2024 - 2025 School Year

WHS is excited to offer our popular sensory-rich, wonder-filled, on-site field trips at our historic sites and museums.

Each program delivers standard-aligned content wrapped in play, creativity, critical thinking, and storytelling. Programs are designed for different grade levels and details on locations, costs, and availability are listed below.

Programs In Your Classroom
2024 - 2025 School Year

Building on what teachers and students love about in-person visits to our museums and historic sites, these interactive programs will bring creativity, critical thinking, and empowered storytelling into your classroom. Each program is designed to work as a stand-alone program, paired with other in-school programs, or as a complement to an in-person field trip.

Our programs are designed for different grade levels. Details on costs and availability are listed below.

Field TripsPrograms In Your Classroom

Field Trips

WHS is excited to offer our popular sensory-rich, wonder-filled, on-site Field Trips at our historic sites and museums. Each program delivers standard-aligned content, wrapped in play, creativity, critical thinking, and storytelling. Programs are designed for different grade levels and details on locations, costs, and availability are listed below.

All AgesGrades K - 2Grades 3 - 5Grades 6 - 12

For All Ages

Children exploring exhibit on the Madeline Island Museum.

Madeline Island Field Trip

La Pointe, WI

What happens when cultures meet? In this hands-on visit to Madeline Island students will explore daily life before and after the arrival of the French. How did life change for the people living on the island, and how the exchange of European goods change the lives of both the community and the newcomers? This encounter of cultures is key to understanding the long history of Madeline Island and the surrounding Lake Superior region. Students will begin with a welcome in the auditorium, then tour the original museum.

Buses will be met at the La Pointe ferry dock by M.A.E. Tours staff, they will bring the tour to the front door of the museum where they will be directed to the auditorium.

In-Person, 75-minute field trip. Recommended 1:10 chaperone ratio. 50 Students max.

May - June

$2

per student

2 school staff admitted free of charge. $8 for adult chaperones. Some discounts provided by the Island Association.

Wisconsin-Historical Museum. A large group of students and chaperones wearing matching shirts animatedly engage with a speaker off camera. Several girls raise their hands high!

Stonefield Field Trip

Cassville, WI

Explore the ABC’s (the agriculture, butter, and chores, that is!) of history in the beautiful setting of Stonefield, where hands-on learning is as easy as it is fun. Students will try a Babcock tester in the State Agricultural Museum, make butter in The Creamery, learn daily farm chores in the 1901 Farm House, have a lesson in the one-room School House, and explore the 1901 Village.

Programs held outdoors and in museum buildings, rain or shine. Dress for the weather.

In-Person, 2.5-hour tour. Recommended 1:20 chaperone ratio. 200 Students max.

May - October

$5

per student

$11.50 for adult chaperones. All school staff admitted for free.

 

Villa Louis. A group of children hang out of a window of a rustic looking builing, smiling down at the camera

Villa Louis Field Trip

Prairie Du Chien, WI

Put on your historical thinking caps and get ready to explore hundreds of years of history in one very special place. Students will tour a late 19th century Victorian mansion and grounds, have an interactive 18th century fur trade experience, and head outdoors for a history hike scavenger hunt.

Programs held outdoors and in museum buildings, rain or shine. Dress for the weather.

In-Person, 2.5-hour tour. Recommended 1:20 chaperone ratio. 100 Students max.

May - October

$6

per student

All school staff admitted for free. $13.50 for adult chaperones.

Villa Louis. A candle lit dining table display for Christmas and Home for the Holidays experience.

Home for the Holidays

Prairie Du Chien, WI

Experience the magic of a Victorian holiday celebration at Villa Louis. Sit in the parlor to hear holiday music being played on the family Steinway concert grand while holiday treats await you in the historic kitchen.

Program held during specific years and only at select times.

In-Person, 1.5 hour tour. Recommended 1:16 chaperone ratio. 60 max capacity.

December

$12.50

per student

All school staff admitted for free. $17.50 for adult chaperones.

Reed School. A group of kids engage animatedly with an older man instructing them from a one room school house desk.

Reed School Field Trip

Niellsville, WI

Journey through the era of the one-room schoolhouse, where generations of rural Wisconsin children came of age in the 6,000 one-room schools that once dotted the landscape of the state. This immersive experience brings students into the past and creates connections to their lives today.

Programs held outdoors and in museum buildings, rain or shine. Dress for the weather.

In-Person, 2-3 hour program. Recommended 1:10 chaperone ratio. 30 Students max.

September - October

Times vary

FREE

for everyone

 

Kids enjoying their time at Circus World

Visit Circus World

Baraboo, WI

Explore Wisconsin’s rich circus heritage at the original winter quarters home of the Ringling Bros. Circus in Baraboo. Your admission to this National Historic Site includes seven massive buildings filled with fascinating exhibits, spotlighting the colorful lives, innovation, and passion that fueled America’s most popular form of entertainment for over 50 years.

In-Person, Time duration to be determined. Recommended 1:6 Chaperone ratio.

Weekdays

May 19 - June 16

$8

per student

1 free teacher/chaperone for every 10 paid students. $19 per adult above the 1:10 ratio. Ticket includes live circus performance!

 

Wade House. A group of kids jammed into an old carriage at Wade House smile at the camera.

Wade House Field Trip

Greenbush, WI

Explore the horse-powered world that existed before planes, cars, and railroads. Through a visit to the Stage Coach Hotel, historic sawmill, and blacksmith shop learners will explore tools, technologies, and travel in the 19th century.

Programs held outdoors and in museum buildings, rain or shine. Dress for the weather.

In-Person, 3-4 hour tour. Includes lunch break. Recommended 1:15 chaperone ratio. 120 Students max.

May - June
September - October

$5

per student

All school staff admitted for free. $5 for adult chaperones. $4 for economically disadvantaged schools.

First Capitol. A group of students raise hands as an instructor works with the class.

Territorial Wisconsin

Belmont, WI

Join us at First Capitol Historic Site and learn the history of territorial Wisconsin! 200 years ago, territorial legislators met at this site to form the state we know today. Learners participate in a deliberation game to explore how Madison became the capitol of Wisconsin.

In-person. 60-minute tour. Recommended 1:20 chaperone ratio. 60 students max.

May - October

$5

per student

All school staff admitted for free. $5 for adult chaperones.

A male presenter, wearing a black face mask, showing a wooden object to a group of children.

History: In the Making

Madison, WI

Investigate primary sources and develop historic arguments at the new History Maker Space! This inquiry-based program invites learners to explore and analyze photographs, artifacts, and more, culminating in a showcase of their ideas in a student-curated exhibit.

In-person, 1 hour program. Can be catered to younger or older students. Max Capacity: 50 people, including students and adults.

Monday - Friday

9 AM - 4 PM

$5

per student

All school staff admitted for free. $5 for adult chaperones. $4 for economically disadvantaged schools.

Wisconsin Academic Standards Correlation
Old World Wisconsin. Kids smile while playing in an old kitchen.

Homeschool Days

Eagle, WI

Homeschools and students in non-traditional settings have the full site to themselves to explore the trails, gardens, and select historic buildings. Facilitators in period clothing will be available to lead educational activities and make connections to our lives today. Activities are geared towards students age 5 to 18, though guests of all ages are invited to come along.

In-Person, 1.5 hour field trip. Recommended 1:10 chaperone ratio.

September 7 & 8

10am-3pm

$10

per student

$16 adults (18 and up), $10 children (5-17), children 5 and under free.

Wisconsin Academic Standards Correlation

 

Wade House Wisconsin. Kids smile while playing in an old kitchen.

Homeschool Days

Greenbush, WI

Homeschools and students in non-traditional settings have the full site to themselves to explore the trails, gardens, and select historic buildings. Facilitators in period clothing will be available to lead educational activities and make connections to our lives today. Activities are geared towards students age 5 to 18, though guests of all ages are invited to come along.

In-Person, 4 hour field trip. Recommended 1:15 chaperone ratio.

May 21 & September 24

9am-4pm

$6

per student

$11 adults (18 and up), $6 children (5-17), children 5 and under free.

Wisconsin Academic Standards Correlation

 

Grades K-2

Old World Wisconsin. A group of children watch a woman working a spinning wheel during a field trip.

First Field Trips

Eagle, WI

Customize your field trip by choosing from a menu of 1-hour program options at Old World Wisconsin! Program options are offered at 10, 11, 12, 1, and 2 pm. Schools may sign up for as many programs as fit in their day. Lunch and shopping breaks may be scheduled as needed.

  • Field Trip Options

     

In-Person. 1-2 field trip options, 1-hour each. Recommended 1:10 chaperone ratio.

Wednesdays

September-November
April-June

$7

per student
per program

All school staff admitted free of charge. 1 free adult chaperone per 10 students, $16 for additional chaperones. $5 per student for economically disadvantaged schools.*

Wisconsin Academic Standards Correlation

Grades 3-5

Old World Wisconsin. A group of children work with wooden device while being overseen by a woman in period clothing instructing them.

Classic Field Trips

Eagle, WI

Customize your field trip by choosing from a menu of 1-hour program options at Old World Wisconsin! Program options are offered at 10, 11, 12, 1, and 2 pm. Schools may sign up for as many programs as fit in their day. Lunch and shopping breaks may be scheduled as needed.

  • Field Trip Options

     

In-Person. 5-6 field trip options, 1-hour each. Recommended 1:10 chaperone ratio.

Thurs-Friday

September - November
April - June

$7

per student
per program

All school staff admitted free of charge. 1 free adult chaperone per 10 students, $16 for additional chaperones. $5 per student for economically disadvantaged schools.*

Wisconsin Academic Standards Correlation

Grades 6-12

Wisconsin Historical Museum. National History Day 2021. Debate & Diplomacy in history. Successes, failures, consequences.

History of Photography

Wisconsin Dells, WI

From the earliest photographic processes practiced in Wisconsin to modern techniques and equipment, follow the life of H.H. Bennett as you explore state and regional history through science and photography. This guided program leads students through the museum as well as the actual studio used by HH Bennett, including a period darkroom and exploration of chemical and artistic processes used in his famous photographs.

In-Person, Time duration to be determined. Recommended 1:15 Chaperone ratio.

May & June

Various Times

$5

per student

All school staff admitted for free. $5 for adult chaperones. $4 for economically disadvantaged schools. Max capacity: 50 Students. Grade levels 3-12.

 

Old World Wisconsin. Kids huddle around a slate writing like settlers did.

Village Quest

Eagle, WI

In small teams students explore the Crossroads Village completing a set of tasks and solving a Time Travel mystery. They solve puzzles, ask question to gather data, check their sources, and navigate using a compass and map. A Historic Text guides their journey and a Teacher Key helps track who measures up and who solves the mystery.

In-Person, 1.5 hour field trip. Recommended 1:10 chaperone ratio.

Wednesdays

September - November
April - June

$8

per student

All school staff admitted free of charge. 1 free adult chaperone per 10 students, $16 for additional chaperones. $6 per student for economically disadvantaged schools.* Grade levels 6-12.

Wisconsin Academic Standards Correlation

 

 

Testimonials from Teachers!

“Awesome! Love how you kept things moving and covered all of the great topics we study throughout the year!”

“Loved the stories and the connection to students' lives. Great artifacts and things for the kids to touch or listen!”

“Always a great tour! Even parent chaperones said they learned something. Each year students tell me this is a favorite field trip.”

“They loved the stories and role playing to take learning to the next level.”

Programs In Your Classroom

Building on what teachers and students love about in-person visits to our museums and historic sites, these live, interactive programs will bring creativity, critical thinking, and empowered storytelling into your classroom. Each program is designed to work as a stand-alone program, paired with other virtual programs, or as a compliment to an in-person Field Trip.

However you join us, we’re ready for play, wonder, and empowered curiosity for all!

Our programs are designed for different grade levels and details on costs, and availability are listed below.

All Ages

A group of children gathered around a table coloring.

Hands-On History: Archaeology

Immerse your class in the discovery of a historic and pre-historic site through hands-on small group interactive work. Students take the on the roles of artist, recorder, digger, and site leader as they search through the layers of Wisconsin history.

1-hour, in your classroom. Max Capacity: 30 Students.

September - June

$75

$75 per session. Mileage costs may apply.

$50 for economically disadvantaged schools.

Wisconsin Academic Standards Correlation
A group of children gathered around a table coloring.

Hands-On History: Maritime Archaeology

Calling all underwater explorers! Learn all about shipwrecks and scuba diving in Wisconsin waters. Discover the stories of Lake Michigan shipwrecks, why they sank and how they are studied today through puzzles, games, matching activities and more!

1-hour, in your classroom. Max Capacity: 30 Students.

September - June

$75

$75 per session. Mileage costs may apply.

$50 for economically disadvantaged schools.

Wisconsin Academic Standards Correlation
A group of children gathered around a table coloring.

Hands-On History: Jobs

Dig through our lead mining past; learn the lore of the lumberjacks, explore shipwrecks, discover America’s Dairyland and more as we burrow into Badger history through hands-on exploration of images and artifacts from our collections, focused on the jobs that drew people from all over the world to Wisconsin, our home.

1-hour, in your classroom. Max Capacity: 30 Students.

September - June

$75

$75 per session. Mileage costs may apply.

$50 for economically disadvantaged schools.

Wisconsin Academic Standards Correlation
A group of children gathered around a table coloring.

Hands-On History: Journeys

They came to Wisconsin (and they keep coming)! From the Native Americans who have always been here to immigrants from all over the world, the story of Wisconsin continues on. Explore the stories of Wisconsin's American Indian nations, Swedes, Germans, Latinx, Black Americans, Hmong, and more through images and artifacts from our collections.

1-hour, in your classroom. Max Capacity: 30 Students.

September - June

$75

$75 per session. Mileage costs may apply.

$50 for economically disadvantaged schools.

Wisconsin Academic Standards Correlation
A group of children gathered around a table coloring.

Hands-On History: First Peoples and the Fur Trade

Explore the history of Wisconsin from the end of the last Ice Age to the height of the Fur Trade Era. From mammoth teeth to mound building to beads of glass, the land we now call Wisconsin is rich with stories from the distant past.

1-hour, in your classroom. Max Capacity: 30 Students.

September - June

 

$75

$75 per session. Mileage costs may apply.

$50 for economically disadvantaged schools.

Wisconsin Academic Standards Correlation

Grades K-2

Madeline Island Museum. Kids look on as a instructor points things out on a projector.

History Framed

In our world, we look at pictures all day long, but are there things we are missing? Students will use a variety of historical, local images to explore the stories of Northern Wisconsin. They will learn about cultural clues that give a broader understanding to the lives and times of the subjects. The students will take their own images and look for clues that researchers might notice years from now.

Available to learners in Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, Iron, and Sawyer Counties. All programs are subject to weather and the need for safe travel conditions.

In-person, at School or community location. 90-minute program. 25 Students per session.

November - April

$75

Madeline Island Museum. Kids work on multiple grouped desks in a classroom, some smile at the camera.

Dig Into Archaeology

Students go on a “dig” to discover how archaeologists perform their jobs. They will learn how to use the tools of an archaeologist to map a site. Students will then move to analyzing their artifacts in order to discover the various people living in Wisconsin for the past 10,000 years.

Available to learners in Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, Iron, and Sawyer Counties. All programs are subject to weather and the need for safe travel conditions.

In-person, at School or community location. 90-minute program. 25 Students per session.

November - April

$75

Old World Wsiconsin. A black and white piglet leans with hooves crossed out a window sill in a barn. Looking very quaint.

Meet A Pig!

Join the team from Old World Wisconsin to meet and feed some of Old World’s hogs, and discover what makes a pig, a pig! This fun, interactive program will have your littles squealing with delight!

Live via Zoom, 30-minute program, designed for one classroom at a time, up to 30 screens

Tuesday - Thursday

9 AM | 11 AM | 1 PM

$50

$30 for economically disadvantaged schools.*

Wisconsin Academic Standards Correlation
Old World Wisconsin. Two cattle, a brown and a black-brown, happily munch on hay while looking at the camera.

Meet the Cattle!

Come to Old World Wisconsin’s Cattle Job Fair, where we learn about each cow and steer’s job duties! Tell those other programs to moooooo-ve over, because THIS Is the program for your littles!

Live via Zoom, 30-minute program, designed for one classroom at a time, up to 30 screens

Tuesday - Thursday

9 AM | 11 AM | 1 PM

$50

$30 for economically disadvantaged schools.*

Wisconsin Academic Standards Correlation

Grades 3-5

A canoe sits on the sand underwater partially covered by sand.

The World of the Dugout Canoe

Discover the world of the indigenous creators of the 1,000 year old dugout canoe and build an understanding of the science and meaning of this amazing find.

Live via Zoom, 45-minute program, designed for one classroom at a time, up to 30 screens

Monday - Wednesday

Schedule between 9 AM - 3 PM

$75

$50 for economically disadvantaged schools

Wisconsin Academic Standards Correlation
Holes dug in a circle on the ground with four larger holes in the middle

Unearthing the Past

Uncover the rich pre-history of Wisconsin! From the end of the last ice age to the Mississippian settlement of Aztalan, students use the science of archaeology to better understand the past and make predictions on how future archaeologists might study our present lives.

Live via Zoom, 45-minute program, designed for one classroom at a time, up to 30 screens

Monday - Wednesday

Schedule between 9 AM - 3 PM

$75

$50 for economically disadvantaged schools

Wisconsin Academic Standards Correlation
A view from a bluff on Tower HIll overlooking the Wisconsin River. A sign on the right reads: Shot Shaft

Land, Lead, and Local Lore

Join us on a “road trip” across Wisconsin to discover the entwined stories of Native treaties and the “lead rush” era of Wisconsin history. Through careful exploration of the narratives of Black lead miners and indigenous land rights, students come to understand and identify the evidence of history in their own lives.

Live via Zoom, 45-minute program, designed for one classroom at a time, up to 30 screens

Monday - Wednesday

Schedule between 9 AM - 3 PM

$75

$50 for economically disadvantaged schools

Wisconsin Academic Standards Correlation
A large group of men, probably logging workers, are shown playing cards in a sleeping shanty.

Lumber Party

Ain’t no party like a Lumber Party! Explore the history of Wisconsin’s timber industry by using the same skills historians use to analyze photos, music, and videos from Wisconsin’s log rolling past.

Live via Zoom, 45-minute program, designed for one classroom at a time, up to 30 screens

Monday - Wednesday

Schedule between 9 AM - 3 PM

$75

$50 for economically disadvantaged schools

Wisconsin Academic Standards Correlation
a toy canoe bound with string and embroidered with different colored string

Everyday Art and the Fur Trade

Discover how fashion and art influence people’s lives past and present! With a special focus on 18th century fur trade artifacts, learners examine the stories behind the objects of the past and discover the relevance of art and fashion in the choices they make every day.

Live via Zoom, 45-minute program, designed for one classroom at a time, up to 30 screens

Monday - Wednesday

Schedule between 9 AM - 3 PM

$75

$50 for economically disadvantaged schools

Wisconsin Academic Standards Correlation
Old World Wisconsin. A desk in a one room school house showcasing a book, a slate, and an ink pot.

School In One Room

In rural areas in Wisconsin, students of all ages (and speaking different languages!) attended school in a simple room with few resources. Experience how these students adapted and learned by exploring two historical school lessons, and then try slow looking as we explore an artifact together.

Live via Zoom, 45-minute program, designed for one classroom at a time, up to 30 screens

Tuesday - Thursday

9 AM | 11 AM | 1 PM

$75

$50 for economically disadvantaged schools.*

Wisconsin Academic Standards Correlation
Old World Wisconsin. A Screenshot of many students holding up their paper drawings of their family's immigrant story.

Immigrant Stories

Why do people leave everything they know with only a few possessions to start a new life in Wisconsin? Historical and contemporary immigration stories can help us unpack this question. Together we will explore immigration through an immigrant’s trunk, folk art, and our own stories.

Live via Zoom, 45-minute program, designed for one classroom at a time, up to 30 screens

Tuesday - Thursday

9 AM | 11 AM | 1 PM

$75

$50 for economically disadvantaged schools.*

Wisconsin Academic Standards Correlation

Grades 6-12

a manumission document listing the names of five enslaved people

Digging Deeper

Journey further into the depths of how Wisconsin became the Badger State! Discover new ideas and different perspectives by “digging deeper” to explore the complex history of Wisconsin during the era of lead mining and Native treaties.

Live via Zoom, 45-minute program, designed for one classroom at a time, up to 30 screens

Monday - Wednesday

Schedule between 9 AM - 3 PM

$75

$50 for economically disadvantaged schools

Wisconsin Academic Standards Correlation
History Maker Space. National History Day 2024. Turning Points in History, 50 year anniversary of NHD.

National History Day Workshop

National History Day staff will join your classroom virtually to discuss topic selection, thesis crafting, the annual theme, and research methods. Our goal is to get you ready for inquiry, exploration, and finding your voice as the future of history!

Live via Zoom, 45-minute program, designed for one classroom at a time, up to 30 screens

Monday - Friday

Schedule between 9 AM - 3 PM

FREE

Wisconsin Academic Standards Correlation
 

Testimonials from Teachers!

“OMG!! This is WONDERFUL!! I can't begin to thank you. Having taught for 30 years, I know the importance of the work you do and programming you offer. We are in PERSON teaching and I am striving to keep my lessons engaging and meaningful. You are providing exactly what I need! I am so sorry, but it is impossible to decide on just ONE! You guys are AMAZING!!”

- Carol Patterson, 4th grade teacher

“The kids learned a lot and we even got some parent notes today about their child sharing the information on attending this virtual field trip and the things they learned. We had our principal come in once we were up and going. She was absolutely stunned by the opportunity and how unique it was. Short of being there in person, this opportunity was AMAZING!!!”

- Jessica Rettler, Tri-County School

“Kept the presentation fun and moving forward. Gave students an opportunity to share if they wanted to.”

- Rory Meyer, Deerfield Elementary School

“Not only was Chelsea extremely friendly and engaging, but she also was very accommodating of our schedule. The interaction with the students through the presentation and the chat was perfect.”

- Eric Mann, Valleyview Elementary School

*The Old World Foundation is generously covering the costs of school programs at Old World Wisconsin for economically disadvantaged schools. Please note this in your program request submission and someone will reach out to discuss details.