Clarington Museums and Archives offer a wide range of educational programming to promote and share our local history within our community. Please book early to avoid disappointment!
Hunting Grounds
Discover and learn about the Native People who lived here in Ontario long before the first European settlers. Learn how they influenced the development of our communities, examine how they lived and what they ate, and explore their traditions and beliefs. Hands-on artefact identification will bring ancient cultures to life and show students how museums collect and interpret our history.
Curriculum Connections
Grade 3; Heritage and Citizenship; Pioneer Life / Early Settlers
Grade 6; Heritage and Citizenship; Aboriginal Peoples and European Explorers
Pioneering in the Past
Experience a day in the life of the Clarke Township Pioneers. This programme focuses on the everyday lives of the men, woman, and children who settled here, and students will learn what a typical school day would have been like for 19th century school children. They will also gain an understanding of what the pioneers would have learned from the Native peoples in the area, including the skills necessary for their survival in this new land. Tour the one-room schoolhouse, the Blacksmith Shop, and displays of traditional farming implements. Activities may include butter churning, candle making, tinsmithing, traditional school games, and Native crafts.
Curriculum Connections
Grade 3; Heritage and Citizenship; Pioneer Life
A Soldier’s Story
Learn more about Canadian military involvement in World War Two. Special emphasis will be given to the Prisoner of War experience both overseas and here in Bowmanville. Tour the log cabin built by the German PoWs, as well as a model of Camp 30. Hear stories of daring escapes from heavily guarded camps, handle World War Two artefacts, and build your own boat. Students will leave with an increased appreciation for the men and women who fought bravely for our country.
Curriculum Connections
Grade 10; Canadian History Since World War I; Communities: Local, National, and Global
Exploring History
Students will learn how history is collected in museums and archives, with an opportunity to examine first hand the 2-D and 3-D objects housed here. We will explore the difference between primary and secondary sources, and learn how to determine their credibility and validity. Finally, we will speculate about what future historians will have to say about the things we are creating today! Is a text message a valid historical document? Will your Facebook wall be considered a primary source? Let’s find out together.
Curriculum Connections
Grade 10; Canadian History Since World War I; Methods of Historical Inquiry and Communication
Grade 12; History, Identity, and Culture; Methods of Historical Inquiry and Communication
‘All Doll’d Up’
‘All Doll’d Up’ is our wonderful new exhibit, highlighting the best of our extensive doll and toy collection, including some very rare Canadian Dolls and a special display of rarely seen porcelain Barbies and other collector’s edition Barbies still in original packaging. Bring your class or community group to enjoy our 90 minute educational programme supporting this ‘limited-edition’ exhibit! We will explore this amazing collection and have a rare opportunity for hands-on and close-up examination of some of our beautiful international dolls!