School Programs

"Long Ago,
But Not Too Far Away..."

Science and Technology

Possible curriculum tie-ins indicated at the end of each program description. Programs are listed by site.

Life In The Clearings
This is the most hands-on pioneer life program available anywhere in the area. Life In The Clearings explores the early settlement of Ontario by focusing on the pioneer era in Oxford County. We visit a settler's hearth and build a model log home together. Demonstrations may include spinning and weaving and perhaps a chance to watch iron being forged in out blacksmith shop. We also spend time in an 1830's farm house.

Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 8

Pioneer Life Pulleys & Gears (plus lots more basic technology) History: Canada - A Changing Society

Home For The Holidays
Explore the pleasures and pastimes of the Christmas season in times gone by, and discover the realities of life in the cold winters of early Ontario. The program includes a visit to a general store where we discover the differences between homemade and "store-bought" gifts. Much of the program is given over to trying out early toys, puzzles and games. In concludes with a "magic lantern" show.

Grade 1-5

Tradition & Celebrations, Pioneer Life, Simple Machines, Technology

Or anyone else who wants to enjoy a couple hours of seasonal fun!

Follow The Drinking Gourd
The Underground Railway
In the years prior to the American Civil War, the village of Otterville, just south of Norwich was the "end of the line" for many former slaves travelling via the Underground Railway. This was also true of other parts in Oxford County. For several generations, a sizeable African/American community flourished here though it has now all but disappeared. This program tells the story of their escape, signs and signals used along the way and the Quakers who helped them.

This special tour takes place partly at the Norwich Museum, but also may include a trip to Otterville (5km) to visit the mill and the historic African Methodist Episcopal Cemetery.

Grade 7

History: British North America

A Hot Bed Of Treason
War and Rebellion in Oxford County
In this session, students learn about the raids and the millburnings that brought the War of 1812 home to the citizens of Oxford and Norfolk Counties.

The program moves on to explore the roots and repercussions of the "Western Rebellion" of 1837 - the part of that uprising that took place in our own backyard but did not get as much press as the one in Toronto. (What else is new?)

Did you know that Norwich was once an "occupied" town or that stolen British gold may still be buried in Oxford County? These amazing but seldom heard stories are told through the examination of artifacts, the interpretation of documents and through roleplaying. We also compare historic and folkloric accounts of these historic incidents.

Grade 7

History: British North America Conflict & Change Drama: Role-playing

Women In A Changing Society
As a Quaker community Norwich encouraged girls and women to develop their potential from the beginnings of the settlement almost two hundred years ago. They were encouraged to pursue an education and were considered equal to boys and men in all areas.

Emily Stowe, great-granddaughter of Norwich settlement founder Peter Lossing, was raised in this community. She became Canada's first woman school principal, first female physician, and Canada's first suffragist.

This program introduces students to the Quaker principle of equality which also led them to be early opponents of slavery and the exploitation of aboriginal people, as well as supporters of women's rights. Other examples of influential women connected to the Norwich Quaker settlement are Dr. Augusta Stowe-Gullen, first woman doctor to graduate in Canada, and Louisa Walker, a health educator in India.

Grade 7

History: British North America Conflict & Change

Booking Information
All programs should be booked in advance by calling Heather Ryckman, Curator at the Norwich Museum, Monday to Friday.
519-863-3101

Program Costs
Teachers & Parent helpers take part free of charge.

Norwich & District Museum
$3.00/student, minimum of 15 students per class

Please contact the Thames Valley Museum school for additional cost information.

Make cheques payable to:
The Norwich & District Historical Society

© 2002 Norwich & District Museum Terms of Use

This site hosted by Oxford County Library courtesy of the Community Access Program. Page Design: Neil Reesor

Last Updated: Contact: Webmaster