Andover at Work in the 1820s

This two hour hands-on workshop is designed to meet the Massachusetts third grade curriculum standards. Andover at Work gives students a chance to travel back in time to 1830s Andover as they leave their 21st century life behind and take on the role of one of Andover’s prominent 19th century citizens. Students learn about daily life and the varying occupations held by Andover citizens in the early 19th century. Travel though the Amos Blanchard house to see what a home may have looked like in the 1830s and stop in the kitchen to help the house keeper prepare and preserve food. Learn to gather eggs from the barn and bring them to trade at the general store, or visit the print shop for the latest copy of the towns newspaper, stopping to help the Friendly Fire Fighting Society put out a fire on the way!

The program runs 2 hours with a maximum of 50 students. The program is currently offered to all Andover Schools for a small donation per student. The Andover at Work program has a fee of $5.00 per student for non-Andover schools.  For more information or to sign up, please email ddesmet@andoverhistorical.org.

Highly trained volunteers provide the additional teaching staff at the Society. If you are interested in working with youth, exploring Andover stories, and becoming involved at the Andover Historical Society, volunteer as a museum teacher!  Contact us to volunteer during our Spring sessions of Andover at Work and teach children from area schools about the fascinating history of the town during the 1820s.   Andover classes visit May-June.  This interactive program  includes five stations with costumed museum teachers.  To learn more about becoming a teacher  for the Andover at Work Spring 2012 season, please contact Museum Educator Debbie DeSmet at ddesmet@andoverhistorical.org or 978.475.2236.

Traveling Andover History

Bring the Historical Society to your students! Based on state and local curriculum standards, Andover’s Traveling History immerses students in life as it was in the past.  Costumed interpreters from the Andover Historical Society will visit 1st and 2nd grade classes wearing 1820s reproduction clothing and engage kids in activities connected to the History of Andover.  During this 1 hour program  children visit four stations and learn to sing “America,” play with historic toys, learn about Andover’s farming history, and get a lesson in historic cooking.

The "America" house, image from the Andover Historical Society collection

This program runs 1 hour with four stations and a maximum of 50 students per session.  A $3.00 donation per student is suggested to support the mission and programs of the Andover Historical Society.  To schedule a visit to your classroom contact the Museum Educator at ddesmet@andoverhistorical.org or call 978-475-2236.

The History of Thanksgiving

During the holiday season, visit with a Museum Professional at your school about the History of Thanksgiving (Grades 1-8).   During this 45 minute -1 hour presentation, a local historian will present the history of Thanksgiving using a powerpoint presentation, hands-on foods and cooking utensils, and Thanksgiving trivia!  Learn about Native American history in Andover and what settlers experienced when they came here in the 1630s.   When did Thanksgiving begin and where did  our Thanksgiving traditions come from?  What was the first “Thanksgiving” really like? Compare holiday meals past and present, and have fun learning about local and regional history!

Call 978-475-2236 to schedule a presentation of The History of Thanksgiving for your class or email the Museum Educator, at ddesmet@andoverhistorical.org.