Scout and youth groups are welcome to visit the Andover Historical Society where we share Andover’s stories through fun and educational hands-on programs! Scout groups may sign up for scheduled events on our calendar while troop and pack leaders are also encouraged to schedule private programs for larger groups.

To learn more or schedule a program for your group, please contact Museum Educator Debbie DeSmet at ddesmet@andoverhistorical.org or 978.475.2236.

Here are just a few of our available programs:

Andover Architecture

Interested in art, architecture, design, history, or old buildings? Join us at the Andover Historical Society for a workshop on architecture. Become an expert on one of the many unique and interesting buildings of Main Street after taking a walking tour and learning about architectural styles.  Create your own  model, and view a collection of Addison LeBoutillier’s drawings and equipment, a famous Andover Architect and designer.

Little House on the Prairie (in Andover?)

Did you know Laura Ingalls Wilder’s ancestors lived in Andover?  Experience what life was like for Laura and her sisters.  Play games, make crafts, and get ready for your westward journey! For girls ages 7-9, $10 per child.

Disability Awareness: Helen Keller’s Andover Visit

In May of 1891, Helen Keller visited Andover and spoke publicly for the first time.  Learn about the incredible story of Helen Keller during this multisensory program and experience the world with your fingertips. Program is for ages 9-11, and cost is $10 per child.

Manners & Decorum

Little Girls are made of sugar and spice and everything nice!  Join us to learn about Victorian and modern-day manners while viewing fashions, making crafts, and playing games.  Make a special valentine and sit down for a delightful tea party while good manners and decorum are learned and practiced. For girls ages 7-9. Cost is $8 per girl, including snack and craft supplies.

Farmer Boy

Did you know the ancestors of the well-known author of Little House on the Prairie series, Laura Ingalls Wilder, lived here in Andover? Join us as we explore what it might have been like to travel west, make a punched tin lantern, plant pumpkin seeds, and drive a team of ‘Oxen’!  Children will learn about pioneer life in the late 19th century and famous Andover ancestry.  This program is for boys ages 7-11 and is also available to Cub Scout groups.  Cost is $10 per child.

Can you Dig it?  Andover Archaeology

Take on the role of an archaeologist!  Archaeology is a science that can open the doors to the people of the past.  Hidden underground are artifacts that tell unbelievable stories.  Visit the Andover Historical Society to find out how archaeologists make discoveries and how we interpret the material culture of our predecessors.  Participate in a cookie excavation, simulation dig, and “experimental” archaeology.  Join us for this exciting look at archaeology and artifacts of Andover’s past! For children ages 8-11, $10 per child.

Printers’ Program

Travel back to the early 19th century and become one of North America’s most renowned printers at the Andover Press, known around the world for books printed in many languages. Become an apprentice to a master printer and learn the trade of printing. Learn to set type and run a printing press, creating a motto that represents your group. While learning the printing trade make your very own ‘printers cap.’ For children ages 7-11, $8 per child.

America is Special

Learn about what makes America Special and what happened right here in Andover!  American history surrounds the downtown of Andover.  Famous author Harriet Beecher Stowe lived in a Stone Cabin at the Phillips Academy and just up the road was a safe house for runaway slaves during the Civil War.  Even the song ‘America’ waswritten in Andover.  See military collections and learn about the life of drummer boys during many of America’s great wars. For children ages 8-11, $10 per child.