Calling all homeschool families!
Join us at GCV&M on Friday, November 15, for our Preparing for Winter Homeschool Family Field Trip Day! As you explore the 19th-century Historic Village, learn how Western NYers in the 1800s would have been preparing for the cold months ahead. See homes being prepared for snow and cold, clothing being mended, and kitchens being stocked for the winter months.
This special day is discounted for homeschool families! School field trips will be on campus from approximately 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Homeschool-focused programming will begin around 1 p.m., but families are welcome to come in the morning to enjoy a longer day!
Homeschoolers will have the opportunity to experience:
• Sausage Making in Jones Farmhouse
• Winter clothing mending in MacKay House
• Thanksgiving Dinner traditions of the 19th-century in the Livingston-Backus House Kitchen
• Indigenous winter-time storytelling in Brooks Grove Church
• Fence removal at the Early Settlement Farm
• Candle-dipping in Keiffer House
• Making soap in the MacKay House Kitchen
• Rendering lard at Hetchler farm
• Historical treats for sale in the D.B. Munger & Co. Confectionery
Add-on an exciting experience!
Add-on workshops must be purchased in addition to a homeschool day ticket
All workshops have limited availability, and tickets must be purchased online in advance. For the 19th-century etiquette workshop, caregivers are welcome to join! For the Cooking and Trades workshops, families can drop off their homeschooler for the workshop and enjoy exploring the Village!
On this special day, homeschool families are invited to supplement their visit by adding on a unique, hands-on experience! For just $10, choose one a workshop offering:
Please note: You will need to purchase a Preparing for Winter Homeschool Family Field trip ticket in addition to a workshop ticket.
Weaving Workshop – $10 (1:30 – 2:30 p.m.)
Join an educator in Davis Opera House as we talk through the importance of weaving. Practice basic weaving techniques on a carboard loom that you can take home to finish. This workshop add-on is perfect for kids ages 8+. Caregivers can join in the fun, but must also purchase a $10 ticket. Click here to buy tickets.
Hearth Cooking Workshop – $10 (1:30 – 2:30 p.m.)
Join one of our educators as they walk you through a 19th century “receipt.” Prepare and enjoy this seasonal treat! This workshop add-on is perfect for kids ages 10+. This is a drop-off experience, so caregivers can enjoy the Museum grounds during the duration of the workshop! There will be time for photos of the final product at the end! Please note: We cannot accommodate dietary limits. Click here to buy tickets.
Oxcart Man Workshop – $5 (1:30 – 2:30 p.m.)
Join us for an interactive storybook reading with craft activities afterwards in our Thomson Barn Activity Center. Learn what items families would have made and sold before the winter to prepare. Try carding wool, practice embroidering stitches, and enjoy traditional historic candies. This activity is perfect for kids ages 4 – 8. Caregivers can join in, but must purchase the $5 ticket as well. Click here to buy tickets.
Ticket Information
FAQs
Parking is free and plentiful! Park in any of the main lots at the front of the Museum. Please leave the first two bays available for handicapped parking.
Check-in will be through the Admissions tunnel at the front of the Museum.
Yes, please feel free to bring a bag lunch (no glass containers or outside alcohol). The Depot Restaurant will be open from 11 am – 3 pm (grill closes at 2).
Please have your ticket(s) either printed out OR pulled up on your phone screen and ready for scanning for quick and easy check-in. Pro-tip: take a screenshot of each of your tickets to have ready and pulled up on your phone screen! Please note: Wifi can sometimes be spotty at the front of the Museum.
Yes! This event is rain or shine. The Museum will only cancel in case of a severe weather emergency.
Please dress for the predicted weather conditions and wear comfortable footwear for walking. Paths through the Historic Village are made of crushed gravel or bricks and can be uneven.
No, this is not a guided program. You will be self-guiding throughout the Historic Village.
Yes! Leashed service animals are welcome with proper identification.
We’re sorry to hear that you’re not able to attend! Tickets may be refunded only up to 7 days prior to the event date and are strictly non-transferable by date, entry time, or program.