School Programs
Programs are designed by the Education Department of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site to enrich the elementary curriculum. Each program brings a part of Harrison family history alive for the students and includes a first floor tour of the home. A group must have 12 students or more to schedule a program. For smaller groups, a Harrison Home Tour is recommended.
Settlers and Surveyors: Grades 3 & 4
William Henry Harrison, grandfather of President Benjamin Harrison, was the first Governor of the Indiana Territory during its early settlement. Using a colorful floor map, students learn how the pioneer settlers chose properties for businesses, schools and homes. The role playing aspect of this program makes it popular among students and teachers.
- Class size limit: 60 students
- Length: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cost: $3.50
** (3rd grade) 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3, 3.1.4, 3.2.1, 3.2.3, 3.2.4, 3.2.5, 3.3.1, 3.3.2, 3.3.6, 3.3.7, 3.4.1, 3.4.3, 3.4.4, 3.4.7, 3.4.8, 3.4.9; (4th grade) 4.1.2, 4.1.3, 4.1.4, 4.1.5, 4.1.9, 4.2.7, 4.3.1, 4.3.8, 4.3.9, 4.4.1, 4.4.3, 4.4.8, 4.4.10.
Wooden Soldiers: Grades 1 and 2
Since Benjamin Harrison was the first President to celebrate the holidays by decorating a tree in the White House, it is fitting that students see the home's Victorian seasonal decorations. Harrison used wooden soldiers on his tree to honor those who served with him in the Civil War. Each student makes a similar ornament. This program is offered only during the month of December.
- Class size limit: 60 students
- Length: 1 hour
- Cost: $3.50
** (1st grade) 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.4, 1.1.5,1.2.1, 1.2.5, 1.2.6; (2nd grade) 2.1.1, 2.1.3, 2.2.4, 2.2.5, 2.2.6.
Native Americans of Indiana: Grades 2 and 3
Benjamin Harrison's grandfather, William Henry Harrison, the first Governor of the Indiana Territory, made treaties with the Shawnee Indians. Students discuss Shawnee culture, learn their alphabet and make headbands to take home.
- Class size limit: 60 students
- Length: 1 hour
- Cost: $3.50
** (2nd grade) 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.1.3, 2.2.4, 2.2.7; (3rd grade) 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3, 3.1.4, 3.2.3, 3.2.4, 3.2.5, 3.3.7.
Sense of History: Grades 1 through 5
Students use their senses, especially sight, hearing and touch, to identify artifacts of the Victorian period. The program is fun and educational while testing students' deductive reasoning skills. References from the past reveal historical changes in culture and the underlying continuity of invention. This program can be designed to appeal to any grade level, 1 through 5.
- Class size limit: 60 students
- Length: 1 hour
- Cost: $3.50
** (1st grade) 1.1.1; (2nd grade) 2.1.2; (3rd grade) 3.5.4, 3.5.5, 3.6.5; (4th grade) 4.1.9; (5th grade) 5.2.8.
The Signing: Grade 5
Benjamin Harrison V, great-grandfather of President Harrison, was one of the signers of The Declaration of Independence. Students take a leap backward to 1776, become colonists, and sign The Declaration of Independence with quill pens, which they take home as reminders of their visit to the Presidential home.
- Class size limit: 60 students
- Length: 1 hour
- Cost: $3.50
** (5th grade) 5.1.6, 5.1.7, 5.1.9, 5.1.10, 5.1.11, 5.1.13, 5.2.4, 5.2.9, 5.4.2.
Coming to America: Grade 3
Ellis Island (1892-1954) was opened during the presidency of Benjamin Harrison. Over 12 million immigrants came through Ellis Island, changing and enriching the American experience forever. Students learn and experience what it meant to be "processed" as an immigrant coming to the land of hope and freedom.
- Class size limit: 60 students
- Length: 1 hour
- Cost: $3.50
** (3rd grade) 3.1.6, 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.2.3, 3.2.5, 3.2.6.
A Pledge and a Promise: Grades 1 and 2
The Pledge of Allegiance was written during Harrison's presidency in 1892. But what is a pledge and what makes this one so special? Students learn that a promise is more than a set of words; it is an intention to do something and a plan for the future. They also learn about the United States Flag as a symbol.
- Class size limit: 60 students
- Length: 45 mintues to 1 hour
- Cost: $3.50
** (1st grade) 1.1.1, 1.1.3, 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 1.2.4, 1.2.5, 1.2.6; (2nd grade) 2.1.2, 2.1.4, 2.2.1, 2.2.2, 2.2.4, 2.2.5, 2.2.6.
Through Minerva's Eyes: Kindergarten
Children see President Harrison's Victorian home through the eyes of a make-believe visitor, Minerva Mouse.
- Class size limit: 50 students
- Length: 30 minutes
- Cost: $1.50
** (Kindergarten) k.1.1, k.1.3, k.1.4, k.2.2.
Banner Year: Grades 4 and 5 (Election Year Special)
Campaigning for the United States Presidency once was an activity of subtlety and craft. Victorians participated in the political process in greater numbers than we do today. Why is civic participation still crucial to our political system? Students use Victorian techniques to support their favorite issues.
- Class size limit: 60 students
- Length: 1 hour
- Cost: $3.50
** (4th grade) 4.1.9, 4.2.6, 4.2.7, 4.2.8; (5th grade) 5.1.19, 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 5.2.6, 5.2.7, 5.2.8, 5.2.9.