Historic New England presents our award-winning school programs specifically for homeschool families

Historic New England is proud to present a wide variety of programs for homeschool families.

For each program:

• Except where noted, the program cost for each child is $18 for nonmembers/$14 for Historic New England members. One adult per group is admitted free, any additional adults pay full price.
• Unless otherwise noted, programs run from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Children MUST be accompanied by an adult; these are not drop-off programs.
• Strollers and backpack carriers are not permitted in the house museums.
• Program description includes the subject area or areas it primarily covers, as well as the suggested age range for participants.

There must be a minimum of 5 children registered for programs to run. Programs are limited to 24 people. Full payment is due at the time of registration and is non-refundable (unless program is cancelled by us due to under-enrollment). No registrations will be accepted on the day of the program. Questions? Email [email protected]

Recent Programs

Please note: Due to continued uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have decided not to create a full year’s schedule of homeschool programs. Instead we will be adding new programs as we are able to. If you would like to be added to our homeschool mailing list, please email [email protected]

Thursday, September 30. Looking Back with 2020 Vision. Ages 5-12. Art and Contemporary Issues. Eustis Estate, Milton, Mass. Since the pandemic began, we have all been grappling with big emotions and major societal issues. In this program, homeschool families will explore a selection of sculptures presented in partnership with the New England Sculptors Association (NESA); create their own works of art incorporating the exhibition themes of social justice, self-reflection, and environmental responsibility; and go on a StoryWalk® of the book Sometimes People March by Tessa Allen. Participants will make collage masks, mosaics, and more and we will make space for both quiet reflection and thoughtful discussion. Please Note: Looking Back with 2020 Vision includes twenty-eight artworks that deal with a wide range of sensitive topics. We have chosen to focus on ten pieces that are accessible to and developmentally appropriate for our intended audience of children ages 5-12. Images and artist statements for all works of art are available online at eustis.estate. Please contact Carolin Collins at [email protected] with any questions and/or for a full list of the pieces we will visiting.

Monday, October 18. Dirt Detectives. Ages 5-12. Archaeology. Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm, Newbury, Mass. October is Massachusetts Archaeology Month! This experiential learning program features hands on learning stations where students become archaeologists. Students will excavate a mock pit with actual tools of the trade, process (piece together) reproduction artifacts in a field lab, analyze the artifacts, and then tour the museum to learn how artifacts discovered in archaeology and primary source materials merge together to tell the story of the people that lived at the Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm.

Wednesday, December 8. Deck the Halls: A Celebration of Christmas. Ages 5-14. Art and Celebration. Eustis Estate, Milton, Mass. Many of the Christmas customs we take for granted today were invented or popularized during Victorian times and were flourishing when the Eustis Estate was built in 1878. We invite you to learn the history of Christmas while exploring the lavishly decorated mansion. Participants will create a variety of holiday crafts, enjoy seasonal refreshments, and receive a small wrapped gift.
*This program costs $20 members/$25 nonmembers, and has staggered admission throughout the day. Please see the registration page for more details.