The Homeschool Resource

Monticello Field Trip

Presidents

Museum of American Presidents, off I-81, exit 296, Strasburg (about 50 mi. north of Harrisonburg)  Dedicated to Virginia’s eight presidents!!! 540-465-5999

Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s fully furnished home, offers tours of the house, the gardens and the plantation.  Located in Charlottesville, VA, folks come from all over the world for this one.  Can’t be missed!  While in town, head on over to the University of Virginia for a look at the beautiful “grounds” Jefferson architected.  Lots of neat places to eat there on “the Corner” across from UVa.

Ash Lawn, home of James Monroe, also located in  Charlottesville, offers tours and a variety of education workshops for all ages.  You might also want to check out their summer outdoor opera festival!!!  Opera like you never thought you’d love!

Montpelier is the recently restored home of James and Dolley Madison and is open for tours.  Located in Orange and less than two hours away, there’s lots to do here.

Mount Vernon,  Geoerge Washington’s home, is not that much further (about 2 hours from H’burg) and very much worth the drive!!!  But I can’t get into all the great things to do up in Washington D.C.

Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum, located in Staunton, is the president’s birthplace. Children will especially enjoy the new Kid’s Corner where they can try on period costumes, go on a scavenger hunt, and play historic games. Tours daily.

American Celebration on Parade, Exit 269, about 25 miles north of Harrisonburg, at Shenandoah Caverns, features parade floats and props from presidential inaugurals and parades in America’s history. Not necessarily hands-on though.  540-477-3115.

Civil War History

New Market Battlefield and Hall of Valor Museum  is located 20 mi. north of Harrisonburg on I-81, exit 264. Check out their “For Teachers” webpage for unit study ideas.  Re-enactment days and homeschool days may be of special interest and are usually listed on our calendar pages. 866-515-1864.

Stonewall Jackson Museum at Hupp’s Hill, off I-81, Exit 298 in Strasburg, Va, is a Civil War museum with hands-on displays for kids. Children can try on period costumes, climb into a soldier’s tent, and ride wooden horses with authentic cavalry saddles. “Discovery boxes” offer kids a chance to explore historic topics through games, puzzles and artifacts.

Belle Grove Plantation, exit 302, 65 miles north of Harrisonburg in Middletown, is an 18th centiry plantation that was the cite of the Civil War Battle of Cedar Creek.  540-869-2028.

Living History

Frontier Culture Museum features five historic, reconstructed working farms from Germany, Northern Ireland, England and the Valley of Virginia.  A favorite field trip that you’ll want to take many times as there’s always something new to learn.  They also have week-long camps in the summer where kids can get even more hands-on with interactive history!  Located in Staunton – just 1/2 hour from Harrisonburg.

Monacan Indian Village at Natural Bridge, about an hour south of Harrisonburg at exit 175, shows a typical Monocan village in action 300 years ago.