The education department of the Frankenmuth Historical Association offers a
wide array of programs for young and old alike. Whether you're interested in
hearing Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm or simply bringing a group of school
children for a field trip, we have the right program for you.
Email:
Michaela at fhaeducation@airadv.net.
Our classes range from "German History" to "Grandma's Trunk" or experience
"Pioneer Living" at the Wolkensdoerfer Log House. We can customize programs,
times, and even some prices to meet your needs. Register for a program or tour
by calling (989) 652-9701.
All Programs listed below include Admission to the
Frankenmuth Historical Association Museum
NEW -
Frankenmuth Time Traveler - 3 hours/$5.00 per student
This program combines elements of our two most popular offerings, Pioneer
Living and the One-Room-Schoolhouse Experience, with a visit to an early
20th century homestead. The children begin with a stop at the
authentic Wolkensdorfer Log House where they will tour the building and
grounds, discuss life in the late 1800's and make a craft to take with them.
They will then travel across the road to the Hart Rd. School, an original
one room schoolhouse where they will write with quill pens, use an abacus,
play school yard games, and have their lunch. After school, they will
"walk home" across an antique iron bridge on their way to the Eischer house,
a restored early 1900's farm house. Once their they will explore the
home and its authentic period furnishings as well as the grounds surrounding
it. Recommended for grades 1-12. Offered March-November.
**Grandma’s
Kitchen – 1 hour/$3.00 per student
This hands-on program allows students to experience domestic life in the
late 1800’s, compare it to today, and develop an appreciation for how life
has changed. As students discover our treasure trove of old kitchen
utensils, they will churn their own butter, grind coffee beans, and learn
about all the “chores” children were expected to do during this era.
Everyone will have a chance to sample the fresh butter upon completion of
the session. All materials provided. Beverage is not included, but may be
bought by teacher if desired. Recommended for Kdg. through 12th
Grade. Offered: Year round.
**Grandma’s
Trunk – 1 hour/$2.00 per student
Explore Grandmother’s trunk and get an authentic feel for Frankenmuth life
at the turn of the century. Play with real 19th Century toys, try
on vintage clothing, and examine old photographs and other imagination
sparking artifacts. Recommended for Preschool through 12th Grade
and offered: Year round.
**Pioneer
Living – 3 hours/$6.00 per students
This wonderful session takes children to the Wolkensdoerfer Blockhaus, an
authentic log house built in the 1850’s. Students will be put right to work
on various chores including beeswax candle making, toy making, and writing
with a quill pen. A short Frankenmuth history, tour of the log house and
outbuildings (including smokehouse, outhouse, and brick bake oven), and a
“day in the life of a pioneer child” are all part of the program. Sack
lunches are recommended as no food or beverage is included. Recommended for
2nd through 12th Grade. Offered for Fall in September,
October, November and December, plus March, April, May and June in the
Spring. Also available July/August for summer schools and day care centers.
**One-Room-Schoolhouse Experience – 3 Hours/$4.00 per student
Students will spend the day in our turn of the century one-room-schoolhouse.
Lessons and activities include exploration of the school, writing with quill pens
and on slates, student behavior (and punishments), German geography and
grammar, Arithmetic (counting in German) and using an abacus, and authentic
school yard games, circa 1900. Maximum seating capacity is 30 students, and
a sack lunch for recess is recommended as no food or beverage is included.
Recommended for students 2nd through 12th Grade.
Offered: Year round.
**Easter Tradition – 1 ¼ hr /
$3.00 per student
This program combines Old World Easter tradition and history with hands-on
projects. We will celebrate Easter by coloring eggs with natural ingredients
like onionskins, beets, and carrot tops, and decorating hollowed out eggs
with lace, crayons, and other seasonal materials. Students will learn about
Easter and how it is celebrated around the world as they enjoy the smell of
their homemade Easter cookies baking in the oven. Students will leave with
decorated eggs and any extra cookies. All materials and beverage are
included (please specify type of milk preferred). Recommended for Kindergarten through
12th Grade. Offered: February, March and April.
**Christmas
Tradition – 1 ¼ Hour/$3.00 per student
Based on a German/American Christmas, this program celebrates the joy if the
season just like the early German settlers of our region would. Activities
include creation of a “Weihnachts” candle, rolling out and baking an
original German Christmas cookies, and making a special Christmas ornament,
which the students can take home. Throughout they will be discussing the
history of Christmas in the Old World and in early Frankenmuth. All
materials included. Recommended for Kindergarten through 12th Grade.
Offered: November and December only.
**Fairy Tales of the Brothers
Grimm – 1 Hour/$ 2.50 per student
Children will be introduced to the Brothers Grimm through reading of some
original fairy tales and a comparison with the modern version. Examples
include Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella. All materials and a
small snack are included. Recommended for Preschool through 2nd
Grade. Offered: Year round.
**2000 Years
of German History – 3 Hours/$5.00 per student
Based on the German Culture Kit (see blow), we bring the history of Germany
to life through a multi-media program featuring video, artifacts, maps, and
more. Conducted in the beautiful and history rich Fischer Hall, all
materials are included. Recommended for 6th through 12th
Grade. Offered: Year round.
German Culture Kit
This collaboration between the Frankenmuth Historical Association and the
Michigan Humanities Council offers an in depth look at German culture
through books, videos, musical tapes, artifacts, maps, and posters. Includes
a notebook with suggested lesson plans for grades K-12. To purchase or rent
this kit, please contact the Frankenmuth Historical Association. Rent cost
for one month: $ 25.00 + $ 5.00 per additional week.
Frankenmuth Historical Museum
Tour
Featuring a
permanent exhibit highlighting the history of Frankenmuth from its founding
in the mid 1800’s to its current status as one of Michigan’s top tourist
destinations. Recently added galleries feature rotating exhibits (change
quarterly) with interesting items from our own museum collection and the
collections of local residents.
Self-guided tour – 15 min to ½ hour
Adult -
$ 2.00
Children - $
1.00
Guided tour – 30 min to 1 hour
Adult -
$ 2.50
Children - $
1.50
Guided tour in German (or bilingual) – 30 min to 1 hour
Adult - $ 2.50
Children - $
1.50
Recommended for all ages. Open year round.
