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School Programs
"Long Ago, But Not Too Far Away..."Full-day Rural Heritage Programs in the Heart of the Country
The Norwich Museum and the Thames Valley Museum School are both just south of Woodstock in the rural heart of Oxford County. We're neighbours - "country cousins".
Country Cousins Programs
All Country Cousins Programs are full-day programs for two classes. The day begins at approximately 10:00 a.m., with one class at each of the two locations.
Following an on-site lunch break, the classes switch for the afternoon's activities.
Exact times and scheduling can be adjusted to suit each group's needs.
Our Programs Compliment Your Curriculum and Classroom Activities
County Cousins programs are designed to enhance many of the core areas of study set out in the Ontario Curriculum. They include:
- Social Studies & History
- The Arts (visual arts & drama)
- Science and Technology
Possible curriculum tie-ins indicated at the
end of each program description. Programs are listed by site.
Pioneer Days
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.
| 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 |
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 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 mill burnings 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 role playing. We also compare historic and folkloric accounts of these historic incidents.
| Grade 7 | History: British North America Conflict & Change Drama: Role-playing |
GRADE 10 Canadian History in the 20th Century: Oxford County
This program has students examine the effects of important events from 1900 to 1939 on life of those in the Norwich area and in Oxford County. The following internet links will be of assistance to students: Canadian History in the early 20th Century
Booking Information
All programs should be booked in advance by calling the 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
Last Updated: 20 Aug 2010
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