Field Trips

Bring history to life for your students with a field trip to the
Old Colony History Museum!

Each two-hour visit transforms students into “History Detectives,” exploring the rich stories of the Old Colony region through the museum’s unique collection.

Your students will begin with a brief introduction that sets the stage for the mystery they will solve and introduces key historical themes. Then, they will rotate through dynamic, hands-on investigation stations—analyzing objects, interpreting clues, and uncovering multiple perspectives—designed to connect directly to classroom learning. Each field trip can be adjusted to the students’ grade level and class size.

The experience culminates in a final group puzzle to be solved that reinforces concepts, sparks curiosity, and makes their time spent exploring local history memorable.

Plan a field trip that blends storytelling, critical thinking, and object-based learning—an unforgettable journey into the past at the Old Colony History Museum.

What you’ll learn

The Case of the Curious Object

Students become history detectives as they examine a mysterious object and piece together its story. By asking questions—What is it made of? Who would have used it? What could it be for?—they decode the past, uncover hidden clues, and discover the people and stories behind everyday artifacts.

The Imposter Hunt

Students explore the museum galleries on a detective-style hunt, examining objects up close to spot the “imposter.” By carefully observing details, comparing clues, and thinking like historians, they explore the museum while on an adventure in curiosity and critical thinking!

Journeys to Taunton

Students step into the shoes of a transatlantic traveler, deciding what to pack in a single suitcase for a journey to the New World. They will weigh choices, make discoveries, and uncover what life was like people coming to America. Students will uncover the reasons families were “pushed” from their homelands and “pulled” toward new opportunities — right here in Southeastern Massachusetts.

MA Standards: 2.T3, 2.T5, RI.2.1, RI.2.7

Let’s Map!

Take a giant step into the past—literally! Students will explore the transformation of the Old Colony region from the 1700s to the late 1900s using oversized floor maps reproduced from the OCHM collection, learning the history of local landmarks, map vocabulary, and discovering how places grow and change over time. This immersive, movement-friendly experience brings geography and history together in a whole new way!

MA Standards: RI.4.3, RI.4.7, 4.T1, 4.T4, 4T4a

Symbols of Revolution

As the nation celebrates 250 years of independence, we’ll show how the Old Colony region played a vital role in America’s founding–highlighting Taunton’s own signer of the Declaration of Independence! Students investigate real artifacts, primary sources, and powerful symbols like the Liberty & Union flag to uncover how local events shaped a nation.

MA Standards: RI.5.1-3, RI.5.9, RI.5.10, 5.T1, 5.T2, 5.T3, 5.T5

Decoding Documents

Students get hands-on with original historical materials connected to Taunton’s Camp Myles Standish, working as history detectives to analyze military documents, symbols, and coded messages. By piecing together clues and solving communication puzzles, they discover how soldiers shared information, protected secrets, and made crucial decisions in a world before computers, digital encryption, and modern technology

In-School Programs Available

If transportation is a challenge, we’re happy to bring our programs to your classroom. Our activities can be presented at your school, to a classroom at a time, as a one-hour visit for $6 per student.