School Field Trips

A visit to Montpelier is a unique opportunity for students to learn about James Madison, his family, and their lives at Montpelier. Programs are hands-on, interdisciplinary, and complement the Virginia History and Social Science Standards of Learning.

A typical field trip includes a guided tour of the mansion under restoration, exploration of the grounds and other teacher-chosen educational programs. Montpelier is a property 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 and to visit the Visitors Center and Museum Shop.

Educational Programs

Following is a list of our school programs for the 2007-2008 school year. Grade levels in parentheses are recommended, but not required.

Colonial Games (K-2)

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

Constitution Bingo (3-5)

Students test their knowledge of the Constitution against their classmates.

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 our country's first "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.

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.

No Press Allowed! (5-7)

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

Digging Up the Past (5-12) - Seasonal

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

Lives of Labor (5-12)

Student groups examine artifacts to learn about the slaves who lived and worked at Montpelier.

The Founding Papers (7-12)

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

You Design It!

Please note that there are 2,650 acres of pastures, streams, woodland 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 $6/student. Teachers and chaperones accompanying a student group in a ratio of 1:10 are also $6. 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.