Educational Spotlight: Homeschool Days at The IHC

Our new program, Homeschool Days at the IHC, is a monthly offering, geared toward local homeschooling families. This program allows families to visit the center, and learn about an element of industrial history through hands-on activities while connecting with other families. Often times, children who are homeschooled are neurodiverse. Activities are planned with this in mind and we keep things moving along, as well as offering a quiet space in the Bailey Room for anyone who needs a break.

Our first session in December was a broad overview of the industries of Amesbury. We read about agrarian society in the children’s book, Oxcart Man, then walked through the museum space to learn how Amesbury moved from a hand-powered, farming society to a machine powered industrial powerhouse. The hands-on displays were a big hit! Homeschoolers were then given a map of the mill yard, denoting sites of letterboxes they were to find. They worked together to find the letterboxes, read the information about each historic site, and recorded notes in a “passport.” We closed our time together by creating artwork inspired by what we had learned.

In January, we learned about steam engines, discussing how this important invention was the catalyst for the Industrial Revolution. Homeschoolers listened to The Mighty Steam Engine, a book detailing how a steam-powered train runs. We then labeled the parts of the steam engine on display in the IHC. Next, the model Stirling Engine took center stage as the children watched it increase speed as heat energy transferred to it and then lose momentum as it cooled down. We finished the day by making paper plate flywheels that participants took home.

In February and March, we will study water power and the people of the mill yard. Our Februury session has sold out! These programs, intentionally kept small, are bringing new faces to the Amesbury Carriage Museum, with the hope of inspiring curiosity in the next generation. In the fall, we will offer a monthly “loose parts” playgroup for homeschoolers. If you know any local homeschooling families, please spread the word about Homeschool Days at the IHC!