Field Trip Opportunities

Friendship Hill offers three field trip programs focusing on the the Whiskey Rebellion or on Gallatin's role service as Secretary of the Treasury. The Albert Gallatin: Champion of Democracy Educational Guide is designed to help teachers prepare their classes for the on-site visit for these themes. At Friendship Hill, students will tour the historic Gallatin house and participate in challenging activities related to the chosen theme. Teachers should plan a minimum of two hours per theme. School Group visits are welcome any time of the year.

Reservations

All ranger-guided programs require reservations. Please make them at least two weeks in advance of anticipated visit. Due to staff limitations any reservation made with less than two weeks notice will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Reservations are accepted by phone at 724-725-9190. You may also e-mail an inquiry about programs and availability. When making reservations it is always a good idea to have alternate dates for your visit available.

Groups of 20 or less are recommended. However, a maximum of 30 students per class is allowed. The number of guided classes Friendship Hill will be able to accommodate at the same time is dependent on staffing. Call the park to find out the maximum number of students the staff can handle on a particular day.  Large groups may have to participate in one or more teacher guided activities.

If you are using the park for a self guided teaching unit or using the picnic area, please call the park and tell the staff of your plans. This will allow the park to track school use and improve our operations.

The Whiskey Rebellion - 4th - 6th grade

Activity: Students act as a jury of their peers as the class re-creates the infamous 1795 Whiskey Rebellion Trial held in Philadelphia. In a mock trial, some students portray farmers arrested for failure to pay the "Whiskey Tax". The Park Ranger portrays the prosecution and presents evidence while the defendants defend their actions to the jury which will decide their fate.

Secretary of the Treasury - 4th - 6th grades

Activity: Teams of students participate in a board game representing one fiscal year during Gallatin's term as Secretary of the Treasury. Teams are given $15 million dollars and must navigate the board, avoiding over spending, growing debt and possible bankruptcy of the nation. The team with the most money to be put toward the debt at the end of the game wins.

Discovery Crate -Preschool through 3rd grade

Activity: A wooden crate, left forgotten, was discovered in the attic of the old stone house. Inside were found items belonging to a one time resident of Friendship Hill, Albert Gallatin. We invite your class to explore these treasured items of a bygone period. Students become historians as they attempt to discover what the objects are and what they tell us about Gallatin and his family.