News
March 31, 2016Schenectady County Historical Society Launches New Homeschool Days Initiative
The Schenectady County Historical Society is proud to announce the launch of Homeschool Days, a new educational series aimed at homeschooled youth in the region.
Each month, an afternoon program will be offered at SCHS that highlights a particular aspect of local history, culture, preservation, or museology. Students elementary-aged and up will spend time with SCHS curators, volunteers, and museum teachers, learning about a wide range of topics, all tying back to Schenectady County’s rich history and culture.
By offering these Homeschool Days, SCHS Educator/Assistant Curator Jenna Peterson Riley hopes to “give local families who are choosing this method of educating their children more opportunities to access primary source materials. These historic documents, artifacts, and structures will give their students a better understanding of local history and cultures.”
The first Homeschool Day will focus on blacksmithing, and will be presented on Wednesday, April 20th from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm at Mabee Farm Historic Site. One of the first businesses built in any community was a blacksmith shop. After all, it is hard to build homes without tools or nails! Families and students can join the Mabee Farm Historic Site’s resident blacksmith for a short demonstration, then tour the historic buildings to see how many tools from the kitchen to the barn were forged by a blacksmith!
The full 2016 calendar for Homeschool Days programs is below, and can be downloaded here. The cost of this program is $5.00 per student, and pre-registration is required. To register, or for more information, please contact Jenna Peterson Riley at 518.887.5073 or by email.
educator@schenectadyhistorical.org
Homeschool Days:
The Blacksmith’s Apprentice
Wednesday, April 20 from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. at the Mabee Farm Historic Site
One of the first businesses built in any community was a blacksmith shop. After all, it is hard to build homes without tools or nails! Join the Mabee Farm Historic Site’s resident blacksmith for a short demonstration, then tour the historic buildings to see how many tools from your kitchen to your barn were blacksmith made.
Elements of Art
Wednesday, May 18 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. the Schenectady County Historical Society
Tour the artwork of the Schenectady County Historical Society while discussing the elements of art, then head to Riverside Park for the chance to create your own plein air watercolor.
Give Me Liberty: Schenectady in the American Revolution
Wednesday, June 22 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Schenectady County Historical Society
Take a guided walking tour through Schenectady’s historic Stockade District and learn about our local history during the American Revolution. Then head to the museum and examine artifacts like the famous Liberty Flag before creating a flag of your very own.
Gateway to the West: The Mohawk & The Canal
Wednesday, July 13 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Lock 23 Parking Lot, Rice Road in Rotterdam
Explore Schenectady’s significance as a transportation hub from the 17th-19th Centuries. Join our curators for a walking tour along the bike trail and see first hand the Mohawk River and the Erie Canal.
Spin, Weave, & Sew
Tuesday, August 17 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Mabee Farm Historic Site
Meet Yayah and Goat Girl, the Mabee Farm Historic Site’s resident sheep and goat. Students will learn about the basics of spinning and weaving, and get the chance to examine some of the Historical Society’s collection.
