Smithtown Historical Society

School Programs

(Current Offering)

2009 Summer Programs for Children

Children are invited to spend their summer at the historic houses and barns of the Smithtown Historical Society and experience history.  These summer programs will take place at the Franklin Arthur Farm, Epenetus Smith Tavern, Judge J. Lawrence Smith Homestead, and the Frank Brush Barn.  The programs are taught by our professional museum educators, with the philosophy that learning is fun when: there are objects that can be touched; there is time for play; there are games and crafts to make and take home, and historic traditions are alive around you.  Click here for more information...

School Programs

(Partial Listing)

Grades 3 - 5

Farm Life in Early America

This program, held at the Franklin O. Arthur House, affords a glimpse of Long Island farm life in the 18th and 19th centuries. Hands-on activities include: wool carding, spinning and weaving; flax preparation using flax-brake, scutching boards and hetchels; and towrope making. Children may examine artifacts, Colonial toys and costumes and, weather permitting, may see other parts of the farm.

An 18th Century Innkeeper’s Day

Students visit the Epenetus Smith Tavern a stagecoach stop and scene of much activity during the Revolutionary War. Taking the role of innkeeper, each child will create a tavern sign using stencils. Children will write letters with quill pens, make candles and holders, learn the art of making silhouettes, and enjoy games and entertainments of the time.

19th Century Long Island: Changing Times

Students enter the world of Victorian America at the Judge J. Lawrence Smith Homestead and learn about inventions, customs, and amusements of the period.  Inventions discussed may include the railroad, telegraph, camera, paper web, and cotton gin. Toys and optical devices of the era show how 19th century children entertained themselves. Students will make, bind, and print a journal; use the camera obscura; make a small brick; and fashion a wooden toy.

 
© 2008-2009 Smithtown Historical Society
239 Middle Country Road
Smithtown, NY 11787
(631) 265-6768