For Teachers and Educators

 

 

Thank you note from a fourth grade student.

Boscobel’s school program is a wonderful way to introduce, enrich, supplement, or complete a study of the early 1800s, the federal era in American History.

Boscobel is restored to the first quarter of the 1800s and the house is an excellent example of federal style architecture. It was the home of the Dyckman Family. In spite of strong Loyalist sympathies during the American Revolution, the family and their descendants lived in the Hudson Valley from the 18 th century up until the late 1800s. During the early 1800s the process of gradual manumission of slaves was taking place in New York State. This is reflected in the makeup of the Dyckman household.

Your students will experience what life was like in the early 1800s as they learn about the lifestyle of adults and children - how they lived, worked and played.

Our school programs are in line with the New York State Learning Standards for Social Studies.

Program Selections

Boscobel guide and students in the herb garden.

Kindergarten through Second Grade

This tour emphasizes the lifestyle of the 1800s and integrates reproductions of everyday objects for the students to handle and explore. The children experience chores and pastimes of their early 19th century counterparts. They are shown the difference between everyday games and special Sunday toys. The children are able to learn the origins of replicas such as treenware, tinwork or an object from the blacksmith's anvil. What is it made out of based upon what materials were available?

In addition to the house tours, the children can view the outbuildings that include a "necessary" (privy) and springhouse for cold storage. The rose garden, herb garden, orangery and orchard provide an opportunity for students to understand the dependence of our forefathers on the ever changing seasons.

This tour is one and a half hours long. The fee is $5.00 per student.






Hands-on Tour for Fourth and Fifth Graders
This tour can be adapted for other grades

In addition to a tour of the house, this program includes hands-on activities that enable students to: study reproductions of objects from the early 1800s; handle fleece and learn how to pick and card wool; and visit the herb garden to see what herbs are grown for our health, flavor and dying fabric. We present the day-to-day lifestyles of different social classes and the prevailing political climate of the early 1800s. In addition to the house and the herb garden, our orchard, rose garden and woodland trail are open for exploration.

This is a two-hour program. The fee is $5.00 per student.



House Tour for 9th through 12th Grades
This tour can he adapted for other grades

Loyalist? Patriot?
This is always a topic for discussion at formerly Loyalist-owned Boscobel!

Tour the house with a knowledgeable guide and learn not only about the political climate of the early 1800s, but also about the lifestyles, furnishings, decorative arts and architecture in the Hudson River Valley. Boscobel is noted for its Federal style architecture and exquisite detail. Depending upon the interests of your students, we can tailor your tour to meet their individual needs as they relate to the early 19th century in the Hudson River Valley. The herb garden, orchard, rose garden and woodland trail are open for exploration, as well as the dramatic views of the Hudson River.

This is a one-hour program. The fee is $5.00 per student.

Boscobel guide leads students through orientation exhibit.

Teachers and Chaperones
One teacher or chaperone per 10 children is admitted free. The fee for additional adults is $8.00.

Additional information
For additional information, or to receive a copy of our School Program Brochure, please call or email Penny M. Brickman, Education Coordinator, at 845-265-3638, ext. 129 or pbrickman@boscobel.org.

To make a reservation, please call or email Linda Moore, Tour Coordinator, at 845-265-3638, ext. 132 or lmoore@boscobel.org.