When you step foot into Waterford, it can feel like you have stepped out of a time machine. That is because the village looks much today like it did in the 20th century. First settled in 1733, the Village of Waterford has stories to share from the colonial age and the beginnings of our country, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and everything in between.
Bring your students to learn about history where it is woven into every bit of your surroundings! Learn below about some of our current field trip programs, and those on the horizon!
Second Street School Program (4th)
In the Second Street School program, students will experience a day in the life of the Black students who attended “Colored School ‘A’, Jefferson District” in the 1880s. This program is based out of the Second Street School, a one room African American schoolhouse built in 1867. We have interpreted the space to look as much like the 1880s as we can. Students will be able to research those who attended in 1880, have lessons taught by a docent that were taught in this school, play with toys and games from the 1800s, and more! This program is designed to support the education of Reconstruction history and Freedmen’s Schools, and follows the SOL standards VS.8.
Reconstruction and Beyond Program (US Post-1865/7th)
Bring your students to Waterford to investigate changes in the lives of those here after the end of the Civil War, and how it is a reflection of the rest of the country. Students will be able to explore some of Waterford’s iconic locations, hear stories of those who lived here, delve into primary sources, and participate in interactive activities to learn about how life changed for all of Waterford’s residents during Reconstruction! This program is designed to meet the SOL requirements for Reconstruction (USII.3), and support in building history and social science skills.
Reconstruction and Beyond Program (11th)
Come on out to Waterford for the 11th grade version of our “The Quest to Understand Reconstruction and Beyond” program! Students will be able to dive deep into changes to life for Waterford’s residents after the Civil War and Industrialization- including African American residents, women, farmers, Civil War veterans (from both Union and Confederate forces), and more! During this program, students will be able to synthesize evidence from primary and secondary sources, explore some of Waterford’s iconic locations, and interact with hands-on materials and activities. This program is designed to support the SOL requirements for Reconstruction (VUS 9) and Industrialization (VUS 10).
The People of Waterford: African American History Tour
In this program, students are able to take a tour of the Village to learn more about the people and events that shaped Waterford. By 1830, one in four households in Waterford were headed by free Blacks. While this is the case, slavery, and the discrimination and segregation that came from the Jim Crow Laws were prevalent and left their mark on the Village. An experienced docent will lead you and your students around and share stories about the African American residents who lived here from prior to the Civil War and beyond. Students will also be able to explore the Second Street School (a one room African American schoolhouse built in 1867 that was used until the 1950s) and the John Wesley Community Church (a 1891 African American Methodist-Episcopal Church built and used by the congregation until the 1950s). This program is designed for African American history electives, and is available upon request in the fall and spring. To book the program and for any questions, please reach out to the Foundation offices at oldschool@waterfordfoundation.org.
Booking and Questions!
Booking for the 2024/25 school year opens on August 14th. Dates are available on a first come, first serve basis. For any questions about the program, logistics, accessibility, or about Waterford- please reach out to the office at oldschool@waterfordfoundation.org, or fill out the inquiry form below. We want to work with you as much as we can to make your field trip to Waterford the best it can be!
