School Tours

The Hunterfly Road Houses, located on an old Native American trail and later a colonial road, are examples of the homes of 19th century free African Americans in the urban North. These historic houses were continuously inhabited from their construction until their acquisition by the Weeksville Society in 1968. Named for James Weeks, who purchased the land in 1838, Weeksville was originally settled by African Americans from all over the east coast following slavery’s end in New York State in 1827. It was to become an economic, political and cultural center during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Weeksville Heritage Center offers a variety of thematic tours to fit your classroom needs. All tours are led by trained educators or docents. They also incorporate the New York City Arts Standards and New York State Learning Standards. Click here to book a student tour.

 

Living Freely: Everyday Life in Weeksville ● Grades: 2-6
60-90 minutes
During this inquiry- and object-based tour, students get a glimpse of daily life in 19th and early 20th century Weeksville. They learn about the types of employment available, family life, institutions that were founded and how Weeksville residents lived as a community. This tour includes all three Historic Hunterfly Road Houses, which represent three significant time periods: the 1860s, 1900s and 1930s.

• SS: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 3.1, 4.1, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4
• ELA: E3b (elem), E1c, E3e, E1e (MS), E1d (MS)

 

Higher Ground: Weeksville as Refuge ● Grades: 6-12
60-90 minutes
Touring two of the three Historic Hunterfly Road Houses, students engage in an active discussion of Weeksville’s response to the 1863 Draft Riots. They are given historical information based on period literature, with an emphasis on the importance of the rise of self-help organizations during the Civil War period.

• SS: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 4.1, 3.1, 3.2, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4
• ELA: E3b (elem), E3e (HS), E6a, E1d, E1c, E1e

 

Strut and Stroll: Fashionable Weeksville ● Grades: 6-12
60-90 minutes
Students discover how fashion reflects the social experiences of African Americans by examining images from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Fashion comes to life on a tour of two of the Historic Hunterfly Road Houses, as students learn about the daily existence of a seamstress who lived in Weeksville circa 1900. They also learn how changes in the textile industry affected people’s lives during this era.

• SS: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.3 (intermediate), 4.1 (elem), 5.1, 5.4
• ELA: E3b (elem), E1c, E3e (HS)
• ARTS: 4

 

Silver to Tin: Family life in the Changing City ● Grades: 2-12
60-90 minutes
Meet the Williams family, who lived in Weeksville during the 1930s.Their unique view of life during the Great Depression is revealed through objects, photos and music of the time. Learn about the techniques that families like the Williams used to make ends meet during this difficult period in U.S. history.

• SS: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 3.1, 4.1 (elem), 5.1, 5.3, 5.4
• ELA: E3b (elem), E3e (HS)
• ARTS: 4

 

Historic House Tour and Workshop ● Grades: 2-12
60-90 minutes
Take a short 30-minute tour based on one of the aforementioned tours of the historic Hunterfly Road Houses. After the tour, join us for a 30-minute workshop featuring either a master storyteller or a visual arts activity. Choices are based on current menu workshop offerings. Please call for availability and schedule.

• SS: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 3.1, 4.1 (elem), 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4
• ELA: E3b (elem), E1c, E3e, E1e (MS), E1d (MS), E3e (HS)
• ARTS: 2, 4, 1

Click here to book a student tour.