School
Engaging educational programs for students at Hanford Mills Museum explore themes such as power generation, mill production, transportation, waterpower, and rural life. Activities include conducting experiments with simple machines, constructing milk crates, cutting ice from the frozen pond (when in season), and more. All programs, except for Ice Harvesting, include a tour of the water-powered mill with demonstrations of the waterwheel, water turbine, and woodworking machines. Programs meet New York State and Common Core curriculum standards. Bring bagged lunches to enjoy a picnic with your school group by the Millpond or in one of the museum’s indoor facilities.
supports classroom learning in:
Social Studies, Science.
topics covered:
History, technology, math, simple machines, Industrial Revolution, transportation, agriculture, business, economics, farming, trade, manufacturing, culture, historical figures.
contact info
Name: Brendan Pronteau, Interpretation Coordinator
Email: brendanp@hanfordmills.org
INFO
ABOUT
Hanford Mills Museum
Hanford Mills Museum is an authentic working sawmill, gristmill, and woodworking shop that provides an informative history field trip for groups. Students, scouts, homeschoolers, and campers can tour the mill, which was owned and operated by David Josiah Hanford’s family. The 70-acre museum features 15 historic buildings museum and an exhibit that focuses on the lives of inventors George Paradox Hill, Larry MacClintock, and William Mickel. The exhibit contains several local inventions such as Mickel’s barrelhead cutter. Hanford Mills Museum offers engaging and interactive educational programs, demonstrations, festivals, holiday events, and more.
contact info
Hrs: May-Oct., Wed.-Sun. 10AM-5PM.
HELPFUL LESSON PLAN(S)
Prepared by FieldTripDirectory.com
Living History Lesson Plan
FUN FACTS
Two hundred thousand Civil War soldiers were boys no older than 16, and an estimated 300 women were brave enough to disguise themselves as men and fight in the war. The average soldier weighed only 145 pounds due to poor diet, long marches, disease, and tough living, and earned between $13-$16 per month. Reading about these facts is interesting, but actually living them makes the information come alive. Living History Centers can allow students to experience how people lived during important historical eras, including enlisting as a soldier during the Civil War.
View Lesson Plan>>