The Colonial Times program is scheduled as an all day colonial experience for middle school students.  The fee for the program is $300 per instructor.  The minimum is four instructors.

Colonial Natural History (30 min.)

New England's landscape has been dramatically changed since the arrival of the colonist. Students will learn how the Colonial invasion altered the plants, animals, and geology of modern day New England. A short forest walk will round out the program. This unit incorporates science principles.

Blacksmithing (30 min.)

Students will learn the tools and techniques used to forge steel and iron into a hook or a fork. While fanning the coals of the forge or striking the iron on the anvil, students will relive the experience of Colonial ironworking. History of Connecticut's iron industry will also be covered during this unit. This unit incorporates science principles.

Fireplace Cooking I (30 min.)

Students will learn the various cooking methods and equipment used to prepare foods over a fire. Baking, roasting, and boiling will be covered. Students will participate in the cooking and will have an opportunity to taste some foods.  This unit incorporates social studies principles.

Fireplace Cooking II (30 min.)

Students will learn the various cooking methods and equipment used to prepare foods over a fire. Frying and toasting will be covered. Students will participate in the cooking and will have an opportunity to taste some foods.  This unit incorporates social studies principles.

Cider Making (30 min.)

One of the most popular and affordable colonial beverages was cider.  Apples were first cultivated in the "New World" in the early Massachusetts and Connecticut settlements.  Learn about colonial apple cider making while helping to make some sweet apple cider to taste.  This unit incorporates social studies principles.

Surveying (30 min.)

Experience the trade of surveying while learning about "colonial math".  Common colonial measurements such as rods, chains, and links will be covered as surveying is explained and practiced. This unit incorporates math principles.

Stenciling (30 min.)

Stenciling is an art form that has evolved from prehistoric man.  Colonial stenciling served as a method for decorating walls prior to the use of wallpaper or low cost paint.  Learn the history and practice the art of stenciling on a fabric to take home.  This unit incorporates art principles.

Whisk Broom Making (30 min.)

During the cold New England winter months, Colonial farmers crafted fireplace brooms to supplement their income. While learning the history and traditions of brooms, students will make a whisk broom that would have been used to sweep the ashes from a Colonial bake oven.  This unit incorporates art principles.

Corn Husk Dolls (30 min.)

After the corn was ripened, husked, and stored for the winter, parents would fashion dolls from the remaining husks for the children. Students will design and craft a traditional cornhusk doll to take home.  This unit incorporates art principles.

Wool Felting (30 min.)

The shearing, the sorting, and processing of wool was a major chore for a Colonial household. Students will learn about the grades of wool and how that wool is carded, dyed, felted or spun. Students will press wool into colorful felt balls to take home.  This unit incorporates science principles.

Colonial Beekeeping (30 min.)

With the arrival of European settlers in the "New World" came the honey bee.  Many colonists brought honeybee hives to America in order to supply their own needs and provide a means of exchange for trading.  Visit the modern beehive while learning about colonial beekeeping and product use.  This unit incorporates science principles.

Hayride (30 min.)

Take time to enjoy a scenic hayride around Indian Lake!  While traveling through the forested regions and around the lake, the hayride may be adapted to discuss the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.  This unit may incorporate science principles.

About the Preserve:

The Indian Rock Nature Preserve is part of the Environmental Learning Centers of Connecticut, a private non-profit educational and land preservation organization that serves over 120 school systems in Connecticut.

How to Schedule:

To make reservations for the Colonial Times program, please call the Preserve at (860) 583-1234 Monday through Friday 8:30-4:30. All programs require advance scheduling of at least two weeks. Please note that the Preserve is only open to scheduled groups.

Lunching at the Preserve:

Indoor and outdoor lunch facilities are available for your visit. Please schedule your lunching needs while booking your tour, as space is limited.

Gift Shop:

Our Gift Shop features Farm, Nature, and Native American oriented educational and souvenir items. Upon request, the shop will be open at after your visit. Items range in price from $0.25 to $10.00.

Minimum Fees:

The minimum fee for the program is $1200 (four instructors at $300/instructor).