Educational Programs at the Conococheague Institute
With many students eager to learn about our cultural and natural heritage, we are pleased to welcome schools, homeschool groups, and families to book an educational program at the Conococheague Institute. Our numerous outdoor areas provide safe and engaging environments where children can learn while having space to explore.
A paid educational program lasts 2 hours, and you are welcome to enjoy lunch in any of our picnic areas.
Winter programs are available for outreach bookings. Contact us for more details.
Pricing for program bookings is as follows:
Participants: $7
Teachers/Chaperones with large groups: Free
Click here to read the full Experiential Learning Catalogue.
While we are able to offer programming to a range of sizes, a minimum of 10 paid participants is required. Larger groups (150-300+) require additional advanced notice to allow for staff coverage and additional presenters to be scheduled.
Since 2022, the Americana Corner Preserving America Grant has supported large educational bookings and outreach by providing discounts for large groups. Visit Americana Corner to learn more about the program and great at home resources on Early American history! Booking for more then 100 participants? Contact us for more details on how this program promoting love of country can benefit your group.
Colonial Life on the Frontier – Discover the simple, day-to-day skills people used throughout early American history, including fire-starting, water drawing, gardening, animal husbandry, and cooking. Learn what our ancestors wore and how they lived. Our frontier cabin provides the perfect setting for this immersive program.
18th Century Medicine and Surgery – Learn about colonial physicians, the origins of medicine, and the surgical tools they used. A fascinating blend of science, history, grossness, and entertainment! Best suited for ages 9 to 90.
Fit and Fun: Early American Games – Join in the fun by trying your hand at some of history's best-loved games from several cultures. From simple wooden tops and yoyos to tabletop games like draughts, and large outdoor group games like cricket and lacrosse. Some may seem familiar, some may seem strange, but all are a lot of fun.
Nature Walks: Birds and Botany – Explore the beauty of nature and learn as a group about some of the wonderful facts regarding the flora and fauna at CI. We have plants that can be used as medicine and beautiful flowers that support our thriving pollinator population. Our birds range from wetland herons to bald eagles to tiny finches. Why do birds fly? What can a bird's beak tell you? Find out these answers and more.
From Civilian to Soldier - Enlistment in the 18th Century – This program provides an immersive experience as participants are transported back in time to the frontier during the American Revolution. Participants will follow several actions undertaken during a militia muster at the tavern at the time of the revolution, including: enlistment and oath of allegiance, marching drill, musketry demonstrations, unit tactics, soldiers' songs, and a mock battle.
Women's Roles in Early America – Much of history focuses on the Founding Fathers, but what about the mothers, sisters, aunts, nieces, and daughters, whose stories often go untold? In this program, learn about the daily life of women in the 18th century, including their clothing and dress, daily chores (such as child-rearing and caring for farm animals), skills and professions, and the restrictive law of coverture, which denied them equality.
A Colonial Farmstead – Get your hands dirty with a hands-on learning experience all about the 18th-century farm. Meet our animals and learn about their uses. While many of the practices used in the garden at CI date back over 200 years, they are just as relevant for the modern organic hobby gardener. This program teaches visitors how to manage their garden through an 18th-century lens, including building garden structures, turning over soil, and planting the first seeds of spring— all done in a manner familiar to the 18th century.
This program starts in April 2025.
Exploring the Past – Can't decide which program is best for you? Have your group experience a small selection with this 'À la carte' option. Select 2–3 programs, and we'll determine how they can fit together for your group in a shortened version. Premium experiences marked with * will bring the booking price to $14 per participant.
Choose from any of the above or the following (and note it when you book): Butter Making*, Maternity and Motherhood, Enslaved on the Frontier, Arrowheads and Archery*, Colonial Music and Entertainment, Rock Hill House Tour, Firelocks on the Frontier*, Bake Oven Fun*, Nature Scavenger Hunt, Farmstead Animal Meet and Greet.
For more information on these and our other educational programs please contact visit@cimlg.org