School Field Trips

A visit to Montpelier is a unique opportunity for students to learn about James Madison, Montpelier, and the Constitution.

A typical field trip includes a guided tour of the mansion, exploration of the grounds and additional teacher-chosen educational programs (at no extra cost). Montpelier is an estate of more than 2,650 acres, and teachers should allow two hours minimum for a visit. Please allow extra time to picnic on the grounds, visit the Visitor Center and Museum Shop, and take part in additional programs.

The Living Flag Montpelier on September 17th, 2008.

Educational Programs

Following is a list of our school programs for the 2008-2009 school year. Programs are hands-on, interdisciplinary, and complement the Virginia History and Social Science Standards of Learning.

Colonial Games (K-2)

Play the same outdoor games James Madison did as a child.

Madison at Home (2-6)

Learn about James and Dolley Madison and their 18th-century world by portraying family and friends.

Dearest Dolley (2-6)

Learn about the woman who inspired the title "First Lady," Dolley Madison. Students discover "artifacts" that weave the story of Dolley's life.

In Service to Madison (3-6)

Discover the stories of Montpelier's enslaved community — from fugitives to freedmen.

No Press Allowed! (5-7)

Students portray delegates to the 1787 convention and learn how our democratic government was created.

America's MVP (5-8)

Madison was more than just the Father of the Constitution. Learn about Madison's integral role in the founding of the nation and in the early years of the republic.

Treasures in the Attic (5-12)

Work in small groups to use and compare primary and secondary documents and artifacts to learn about the life of Dolley Madison.

These Walls Can Talk (5-12)

Examine artifacts found during Montpelier's restoration and reveal the stories of those who lived and worked here to your classmates.

Trails to Trees (K-12)

Discover Montpelier's Big Woods, the James Madison National Landmark Forest, on a guided ecological exploration.

Digging Up the Past (5-12) - Seasonal

Join Montpelier archaeologists to learn about and take part in the process of "digging up the past."

The Founding Papers (7-12)

An advanced discussion about the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the primary author of these documents.

The Gilmore Farm (4-12)

Spend a morning at the home of an emancipated family and learn what life was like in the Reconstruction Era. Students will take part in farm chores, cooking, and more!

You Design It!

There are 2,650 acres of pastures, streams, woodlands and meadows just waiting for exploration. If you have an idea for a program, please give us a call. We are more than happy to try something new.

Outreach

We can also bring Montpelier to you with a slide presentation and program.

Organizing a Field Trip

Reservations are required for all school programs, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations must be placed in advance and require a minimum of 15 students. Student group admission is $8/student. Teachers and chaperones accompanying a student group in a ratio of 1:10 are also $8. There is one complimentary ticket for each reserved tour. Montpelier welcomes visitors with disabilities; advance notice is greatly appreciated.

We welcome your interest and look forward to sharing Montpelier's history with you and your students.

For reservations please call Christian Cotz, Student Education Coordinator, at (540) 672-2728 x401 or use our contact form, selecting "School Field Trips " for the contact department.

Montpelier's Education Department is sponsored in part by a donation from the Wachovia Foundation.