Special 150th Anniversary of the Homestead Act of 1862 Education Programs

This year Homestead National Monument of America will be presenting education programs that complement the viewing of the original Homestead Act of 1862 document. This 2 hour educational program is broken down into four 30 minute sessions for students.

The viewing of the recently produced "Beginning of a Dream, Homestead Act Made Law" film done in conjunction with the National Archives and Records Administration comprises one session. This film talks about the Homestead Act of 1862 and covers the details of where such historical documents are kept and how they are preserved.

Another session is about the Homestead States. Those wishing to claim land under the Homestead Act of 1862 could claim land in 30 different states. Students will discover Homesteading life in the different states.

Day in the Life of a Homesteader is a relay race in which children race against each other to get their chores completed. This activity compares and contrasts the life of a homesteader and the life of a student today.

And the program would not be complete without students viewing the Homestead Act of 1862. Not only will students get to view four pages that changed history, they will get to test their acting skills in a skit portraying the key people who made the Homestead Act of 1862 possible.

Many more things to do

In addition to the 2 hour educational program, students will experience other fun, educational programs which vary from week to week while the Homestead Act is on display.

April 25, 2012-April 27, 2012 and May 14, 2012 to May 18, 2012

Students visiting during these weeks will get to play old-fashioned playground games, learn fun facts about President Abraham Lincoln, and calculate what supplies they need to go west. Students will also test their knowledge of the Homestead Act.

April 30, 2012 - May 4, 2012

Students will celebrate the Heartland Storytelling Festival during this week. They will hear stories of homesteading life and others from three talented storytellers. Returning to Homestead National Monument of America this year are Pippa White, Rosie Cutrer and Darrin Crow. All seasoned storytellers. For more information and the storytelling schedule, please click here.

May 7, 2012 - May 11, 2012

It's art week for students! Artist Michael Carroll will give workshops all week as well as local artisans from the Beatrice area. Who doesn't need more refrigerator art?

And last but not least…

May 21, 2012 - May 25, 2012

It's Free Land 1862 and the Shaping of Modern America Nebraska Chautauqua 2012. Student will hear presentations from Ulysses S Grant to Celtic Traditions to learning about film making and photography. There are different sessions each day of the week.

So join us this year for our special line-up of programs. We have expanded our capacity for this special event, so there are lots of dates still open. Call Park Ranger Tina Miller, Education Coordinator, at [phone] or email her at e-mail us.