Educational Programs at
Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site

The Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site offers educational programming for preschool-2nd grade, 3rd-5th, junior high, high school and college groups. Programs are usually 2-3 hours.

• Why is it important to preserve old structures and historic landscapes?
• What do we know about the Revolutionary War soldier and his contribution to our freedom?
• Why are George Washington and Lafayette honored as heroes?

These questions and others will be answered during enjoyable programs designed to enable students to develop new abilities and historic perspectives. Guides in period clothing lead students through a series of discovery-oriented activities in the Education Room at Washington's Headquarters and at Lafayette's Quarters.

Rules of good museum behavior and methods of learning in a historic environment will be introduced.

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Programs

Programs include: a video, a hands-on lesson in the Education Room, and a house tour.

Various start times available.

Time Required: 2-3 hours

Fee: $6.50 per student (includes 2 programs, $1 each additional program). Minimum group of 12.

Special tours lasting more than 3 hours with additional programs will increase fee per student.

Upon arrival, group leaders please report to the Reception Desk for at the Visitor's Center for payment of fees and distribution of tour schedules. We will help you keep our picnic areas free of litter by making trash bags available at the desk. Be sure to ask for one!

To create a personalized visit, just pick one or more of the following programs and explore this website with your students. Everything you need for a fun and educational visit to Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site is right at your fingertips!

Primary Program — Preschool to Grade 2

"What's Old, What's New?": An increased understanding of George Washington's life and times is developed by comparing 18th- and 20th-century objects.

"Setting up Camp": As the children set up camp as a Revolutionary soldier would have, they learn about various artifacts used in the 18th-century.

Intermediate Program — Grades 3, 4, 5

"A Revolutionary Soldier Dress-Up": This program focuses on Washington, Lafayette, and soldiers of the American Army preparing for battle. Washington's plans and thoughts before the battle, and the soldier preparing his musket, lead the students to consider cause and effect. A student "volunteer soldier" will be outfitted.

"A Quaker Girl Dress-Up": A student will be dressed in clothing that would have been worn by a Quaker girl. Discussion of lifestyles in the 18th-century.

"The Losses of Gideon Gilpin": A play focusing on the impact of the war on the Gilpin family

"The Dash to Birmingham": A game in which students face and overcome obstacles they might have encountered fighting the Battle of Brandywine.

"Which for What": A seek-and-find exercise taking place in the museum, in which children match objects on display with their uses.

Junior High Program

"Read a letter, Write a letter": Students read firsthand accounts of the battle events, then write their own letters "home" using writing styles of the 18th century.

"Flags of the American Revolution": This program teaches the purpose of flags, the history of Revolutionary war flags, and how flags were made in the 18th century. Students will design and construct a flag for a specific Revolutionary War Unit.

High School Program

"Map Program": This unique medium provides a detailed presentation of the Battle of Brandywine. Causes, strategies, and consequences to both armies and citizens are stressed.

"Early American Medicine — The Soldier's Experience": This medical history program focuses on the differences in medical procedures and their effectiveness when treating similar wounds of the 18th- and 20th-century soldier.

Colonial Day Program

These programs are offered to school groups of sixty or more. This is an all day program involving various hands-on stations which the students will have an opportunity to experience. Schools are normally divided into 8 or 9 groups for rotation purposes. The cost of this program is $10 per student. For every ten students, the group gets one free adult. Additional adults are also $10.

About Us — A Cooperative Effort Brings Best Results

• School tours are available Tuesday through Friday.
• Minimum group of 12. See above.
• One adult chaperone is required for every 10 students.
• Required chaperones and teachers are not charged. Extra chaperones pay student rate.
• All school reservations are confirmed in writing.
• Reservations must be a made a minimum of 30 days in advance.
• Rain dates are not available.
• To insure a satisfactory experience, it is important to arrive on time.
• Bus or van drivers are expected to transport students from the Visitor Center to the historic houses. Drivers are welcome to join tour groups at no charge.
• No headsets or personal stereos allowed in the buildings.
• No eating, drinking, smoking, or gum chewing is permitted in the Visitor's Center or historic houses.
• Eating facilities include outside picnic tables only.
• Museum gift shop with educational toys and books is available to students if time permits.
• Bringing siblings is not encouraged. If they attend, the usual student rate will be charged.

Individuals requiring special assistance should call the Park at 610-459-3342 in advance to discuss their needs.

Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission in cooperation with the Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site Associates.

Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site is easily accessible via Route 1. Outdoor picnic facilities are available for brown bag lunches. Restroom facilities are located in the Visitor Center. Parking areas are provided at the Visitor Center, historic houses, and the picnic areas for both cars and buses.

For reservations or more information, call 610-459-3342 or write: Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site, Box 202, Chadds Ford, PA 19317