School Program Offerings (Field Trips)
Get ready to give your young learners the best
field trip memory of the year.
Field Trips
2022 - 2023 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
2022 - 2023 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 and details on costs and availability are listed below.
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.
For All Ages
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 through June
$2
per student
2 school staff admitted free of charge. $8 for adult chaperones. Some discounts provided by the Island Association.
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. 80 Students max.
May - October
$5
per student
$11.50 for adult chaperones. All school staff admitted for free.
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 1:16 chaperone ratio. 80 Students max.
May - October
$6
per student
All school staff admitted for free. $13.50 for adult chaperones.
Reed School Field Trip
Niellsville, WI
You don’t have to walk uphill, both ways, to explore the history of Wisconsin schoolhouses at Reed School. Take a seat at your desk and 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.
Programs held outdoors and in museum buildings, rain or shine. Dress for the weather.
In-Person, 3-hour program. Recommended 1:10 chaperone ratio. 30 Students max.
September - October
Times vary
FREE
for everyone
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!
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.
Fridays
SEP - NOV & APR - JUN
$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.
Wisconsin Academic Standards Correlation
Wade House Field Trip
Greenbush, WI
Explore the horse-powered world that existed before planes, cars, and railroads. Your guide will take you to the 27-room Stage Coach Hotel. Then you’ll head to the historic sawmill and blacksmith shop to see firsthand how tools are made and used. Finally, put your knowledge to the test as you build a model in the Carriage Museum.
Programs held outdoors and in museum buildings, rain or shine. Dress for the weather.
In-Person, 4-hour tour. Includes lunch break. Recommended 1:15 chaperone ratio. 200 Students max.
May - June
September - October
$5
per student
All school staff admitted for free. $5 for adult chaperones. $4 for economically disadvantaged schools.
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. Explore who called this land home and what the state was like at this time. Then investigate historic two buildings where the foundation of our great state was laid. These buildings tell the tales of collusion, bribery, and good old fashioned political intrigue that took place as the state of Wisconsin took shape.
In-person. 90-minute tour. Recommended 1:20 chaperone ration. 80 students max.
May - October
$5
per student
All school staff admitted for free. $5 for adult chaperones.
Grades 3-5
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.
Wed-Thurs
SEP - NOV & APR - JUN
$8
per student
per program
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.
History: In the Making
Madison, WI
In this hands-on, interactive program, students will explore historical topics including Indigenous history, lead mining, logging, dairy, the fur trade, immigration stories, and more though primary source inquiry and critical thinking activities. They will then have the opportunity to help us build the new Wisconsin History Center by creating their own artifact!
In-person, 1 hour tour. Can be catered to younger or older students. Ask about our free add-ons to enhance your field trip!
Wednesday - Friday
9 AM - 3 PM
September - December
$5
per student
All school staff admitted for free. $5 for adult chaperones. $4 for economically disadvantaged schools.
Wisconsin Academic Standards CorrelationGrades 6-12
History of Photography
Madison, 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
$9
per student
All school staff admitted for free. $9 for adult chaperones. $7 for economically disadvantaged schools.
National History Day Tour
Madison, WI
Designed for students working on National History Day or other research-based projects, we will use the museum as a case study in crafting a thesis, doing research, constructing a historical argument, and analyzing sources.
In-Person, 1 hour tour. Ask about our free add-ons to enhance your field trip!
Wednesday - Friday
9 AM - 3 PM
September - December
$6
per student
All school staff admitted for free. $6 for adult chaperones. $4 for economically disadvantaged schools.
Wisconsin Academic Standards Correlation
Changing History
Madison, WI
Our tour for secondary-level students analyzes the evolving nature of history. Including critical analysis and dynamic storytelling, students will learn about history from different perspectives and think about whose stories are told and whose are missing.
In-Person, 1 hour tour. Ask about our free add-ons to enhance your field trip!
Wednesday - Friday
9 AM - 3 PM
September - December
$6
per student
All school staff admitted for free. $6 for adult chaperones. $4 for economically disadvantaged schools.
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.
Grades K-2
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.
This program is currently offered 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
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.
This program is currently offered in Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, Iron, and Sawyer Counties. All programs are subject to weather and the need for safe travel conditions.
Live via Zoom, 30-minute program, designed for one classroom at a time, up to 30 screens
November - April
$75
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
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
Hands-On-History
Hands-On History brings research-based, best practice, museum education into the classroom. Our onsite 1-hour sessions are designed to engage the minds and excite the imaginations of young history explorers. Aligned with the Wisconsin Standards for Social Studies and designed for grade bands K-2 and 3-5, these sessions will enhance your classroom study of Wisconsin's past. With five different experiences to choose from, Hands-On History will enrich your studies of Wisconsin history.
Hands-On History is available statewide.
1-hour, in your classroom
September - June
Price Varies
Grades 3-5
Unearthing the Past
Piecing together artifacts, students will learn about the Ice Age, the ancient town of Aztalan, and the science of archaeology. We will use these new skills to imagine how future archaeologists might study our lives today.
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
Lead, Land, and Local Lore
While examining the history of Native treaties and lead mining, participants will identify evidence of history in their everyday lives. Expect students to leave this program excited to explore their own community’s 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
Beyond the Vote
Using the women’s suffrage movement as inspiration, students will have a facilitated conversation about the issues that matter to them and how they can make a difference.
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
Lumber Party
Ain’t no party like a Lumber Party, ‘cus a Lumber Party will explore the lumber industry as students practice the skills historians use to analyze sources including photos, music, and videos.
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
Everyday Art and the Fur Trade
With special attention on the Fur Trade Era, students will learn how art influences everyday objects. We will feature cultural objects including Ojibwa quillwork, wool blankets, and even the students’ own belongings. Students will examine objects from the 18th century to today to learn the stories behind the designs.
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
Wisconsin's Secret Identity
Students will discover the origins of the state flag, the dairy industry, and other representations of Wisconsin. Participants will create their own understanding of what Wisconsin means to them.
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
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
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
STEM on the Farm
Wisconsin farms, past and present, rely on a wide variety of scientific advancements in engineering, technology, and mechanics to be successful. Discover 19th century STEM through lever exercises, observing a historical machine in action, and using coding to train oxen.
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 CorrelationGrades 6-12
Check Your Sources
Is it the real story or a history hoax? We put students in the role of historians to analyze historical arguments as they practice spotting weak historical claims and learn how to use those skills 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
Digging Deeper
Does the story of the Badger State tell the whole story? Whose perspective is being told? Let’s dig deeper and 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 CorrelationNational 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 - Wednesday
Schedule between 9 AM - 3 PM
FREE
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.”