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In-Person Field Trips
Join us for an in-person field trip to learn what life was like when the future president, James K. Polk, was a child in rural Mecklenburg County at the turn of the 19th century. Polk spent the first decade of his life here with his parents, Samuel and Jane, four siblings, Jane, Lydia, Franklin, and Marshall, and at least five people enslaved by the family, including Lucy, Violet, and Elias. Visit two fully furnished log cabins, a kitchen garden, historic cemetery, and museum.
Using the Polk family’s history as a frame, students will engage with topics that had a lasting impact on the history of North Carolina. Students will be asked to compare and contrast their lives with the historic environment they will see on their tour and explore the meanings in the similarities and differences; this gives students a chance to practice their argumentation, observation, and communication skills. All programs are aligned with the latest educational standards set forth by North Carolina’s Department of Public Instruction. Topics covered include: slavery, agricultural life, natural resources, migration, inherited wealth, technological advancements, transportation, historic trades, cultural values, cotton, nutrition, foodways, education, fabric arts, and religious beliefs. If you are interested in reserving a field trip with us, please fill out this form. Charge: Basic School Tours- $8.00/student.* *Minimum of 10 students or $80.00 charge. Rate reductions available for Title 1 schools and those using Arts and Science Council funding. Additional charge for add-on experiences may apply. Contact us with questions. Pay your field trip deposit below through our PayPal. You do not need a PayPal account to use this feature. |