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Teacher Resources & Field Trips

Welcome to Education at Preservation Virginia

Our Approach

Our Approach

Education is a key component of Preservation Virginia’s mission. Through people-first narratives, primary sources, and inclusive interpretation, we strive to meet students and teachers where they are. Each of Preservation Virginia’s historic sites offers field trips, virtual programs, traveling education trunks, and other teaching materials to schools and families looking for a way to engage with the past. When students participate in Preservation Virginia’s school programs either in-person or virtually, they are challenged to consider the many ways history is studied. Our hands-on approach is designed to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and an interest in understanding the history that connects us all.

Teacher Resources & Field Trips - Over 400 Years of History

Over 400 Years of History

Preservation Virginia’s historic sites span over 400 years of American history! Across our sites, students can learn about the first successful English colony in North America, the arrival of first enslaved Africans, Bacon’s Rebellion, the American Revolution, the early Republic, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and so much more! Every site offers unique virtual programs, outreach opportunities, and field trips designed to meet Virginia Standards of Learning. Download our School Programs Guide for more information!

Bacon’s Castle

Bacon’s Castle

The oldest brick house in North America is the perfect setting to learn about 17th-century Virginia, including Bacon’s Rebellion, the plantation economy, the history of indentured and enslaved labor, archaeology and more!
Patrick Henry's Scotchtown

Scotchtown

This 18th-century home of Patrick Henry tells the story of the American Revolution, Virginia’s rich agricultural heritage, and the resilience and resistance of enslaved people at the dawn of a new nation.
Cape Henry Lighthouse

Cape Henry Lighthouse

The first public works project to be completed by the fledgling United States, the Cape Henry Lighthouse provides a glimpse into the strategic importance of Virginia during the 18th and 19th centuries. From maritime history to environmental science, this site has a wide range of educational possibilities.
John Marshall House

John Marshall House

Once home to America’s third chief justice, John Marshall, this historic house museum offers opportunities to explore the three branches of government, the role of the Supreme Court, as well as urban life in the early 19th century.
Smith’s Fort

Smith’s Fort

With a long and storied past, this brick manor home holds a distinctive story about Reconstruction, the Jim Crow era, and Black landownership after the Civil War, set against a beautiful pastoral landscape.
Teacher Resources & Field Trips - Traveling Trunks

Traveling Trunks

We are proud to offer traveling education trunks to Virginia schools! Each trunk contains a primary-source driven lesson complete with replica artifacts, documents, and more to teach key Virginia SOLs. Available traveling trunks include:

  • Trash Talking History: Bacon’s Rebellion | This lesson puts students in the shoes of an archaeologist to analyze a trash pit from Bacon’s Rebellion of 1676. Through primary sources and replica artifacts, students will use critical thinking to unearth the who, what, where, and why of Bacon’s Rebellion.
  • Cape Henry Lighthouse: An American Beacon | By looking at America’s first public works project, the Cape Henry Lighthouse, students will trace the path of a public work from its inception to completion. From George Washington’s letters to a lightkeeper’s supply kit, this lesson encourages students to consider why and how our nation builds infrastructure.
  • Outfitting the Revolution | What did it take to feed and clothe a single soldier during the Revolutionary War? This trunk explores the monumental undertaking of creating the Continental Army and militia units, giving students an appreciation for the scale of government decision-making, and how legislation affects the individual.

To book a field trip or traveling education trunk, or to request more information, please email education@preservationvirginia.org

Guides to Field Trips and In-Classroom Programs

Summer Camp

History Day Camp at Scotchtown

Learning doesn’t end when the traditional school year does! Preservation Virginia offers a summer day camp for young historians at Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown. Campers will participate in hands-on activities, historical demonstrations and investigations, make-n-take crafts, while enjoying summer camp favorites.

In addition to hosting our own day camp, Preservation Virginia historic sites are also excellent destinations for other local camps planning educational excursions for their campers! Please reach out if you are interested in planning a visit.

To learn more contact Patrick Laird, Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown Site coordinator, plaird@preservationvirginia.org

Teacher Workshops and Adult Learning

Preservation Virginia is proud to partner with Stratford Hall Historic Preserve in an annual teacher seminar addressing themes of colonial and Early America. Teachers are invited to a four-day seminar in residence at Stratford Hall in beautiful Montross, Virginia with day-trips to and presentations and resources from Preservation Virginia’s historic sites.

Learn more about this opportunity HERE.

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