A Journey Through Time

The Homestead Museum is pleased to offer its California history program, A Journey Through Time, during the 2012-2013 school year.

Over twenty-five years ago, the museum, in conjunction with the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District (HLPUSD), created A Journey Through Time to serve the needs of fourth-grade students and teachers focusing on California history. Based on feedback from Museum and Classroom Teachers, the program has been revised to keep it relevant and engaging for the students of today. While still complementing the fourth-grade curriculum, new goals of the program include developing students’ awareness, understanding, and appreciation of social and cultural change; enhancing their observation, critical thinking, and communication skills; and stimulating an interest in museums and history. The program is still offered free of charge to all participants!
Click here for a program brochure.

For information on other children's tour options, click here.

Program Overview & Materials

A Journey Through Time consists of various multidisciplinary classroom activities and a comprehensive, hands-on visit to the museum, all focusing on the history of Southern California during the 1840s, 1870s, and 1920s.

During a two-hour visit to the Homestead, students will take a hands-on approach to learning about the history of the region as they
• try their luck at an 1840s bartering activity,
• get a taste for what it was like to be new to Los Angeles in the 1870s,
• create a 1920s advertising campaign,
• perform in a radio play.

The Museum visit helps students make connections between the past and present and illustrates how history impacts their daily lives. Program components encourage teamwork and critical thinking skills.

Aside from the downloadable classroom activities, classes are provided with name badges and souvenir pencils. Bus stipends are available to all participating classes courtesy of the Industry Manufacturers Council (more information will be provided when booking).

Reservations

A Journey Through Time tours are offered select weekdays from mid-October to mid-June. All programs begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at noon. The program is limited to 70 fourth-grade classes per year and is booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Two classes can be accommodated at the same time.

Booking for the 2012-13 school year will begin on Friday, September 7, and will continue until all slots are full. To make a reservation, teachers must call (626) 968-8492, Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and have the following information ready:

• A preferred field trip date and an alternate date (You may also wish to verify your dates with your school transportation department.)
• Teacher’s name, school, address, phone number, and e-mail address
• Class grade level (only grades 3-5 are accepted; grade 4 preferred)
• Number of students
• If you would like your class to visit the Museum Store
• If you would like to use the picnic area afterwards for lunch
• If your class has any special needs (e.g., students with limited mobility, limited English proficiency)

Please note: If we are fully booked for the year, we may be able to reserve a children’s tour for your class. While the tour would not include all of the components of A Journey Through Time, it would still serve as an excellent way to reinforce material covered in class.