Museum Education Programs at the Old Courthouse cover St. Louis history and life during the 1880s. Mock trials let students learn about the court system by reenacting a trial in one of the historic courtrooms. Each trial requires the Trial Activity Guide, with activities for both before and after your visit. A variety of trials designed for different reading levels is available. When scheduling a trial, please inform the reservationist if you need the materials mailed to you or will be downloading the guides. If the materials are sent to you, all booklets or binders must be returned on the day of your visit or a $15.00 fee per item will be assessed.

The Bubble Gum Trial (Reading level: grades 3-4)
What happens when a teacher accuses a student of chewing gum in the classroom, but the student denies doing it? They go to court to settle the issue.

The Dred Scott Trial (Reading level: grades 4-12)
The Dred Scott case is the most famous trial in the history of the Old Courthouse. This program considers the second trial of Dred and Harriet Scott held in the building.

Franke v. City of St. Louis Trial (Reading level: grades 4-12)
In 1888 a young boy was walking along a St. Louis sideway when a large stone fell from a building, fracturing his skull and causing his death. His mother sued for damages at the Old Courthouse.

Trial Activity Guide (Grades 3-12)
This companion guide features background information on the processes of the judicial branch. Pre-site activities include the roles in the courtroom, selecting a jury, and filing a subpoena. Post-site activities consist of appealing the case, real world connections, and classroom extensions. All of the activities are excellent for classes preparing for a visit to the Old Courthouse.

A Trial for the Right to Vote (Reading level: grades 4-12)
In 1872 Virginia Louise Minor, one of the leaders in the Women's Suffrage Movement, was not allowed to register to vote. She and her husband Francis spoke for her cause in the Old Courthouse.

Williams v. Bellefontaine Railway (Reading level: grades 6-12)
In 1867, Mrs. Caroline Williams, a young, pregnant, African American woman, and her two year old child were pushed out of a St. Louis streetcar by the conductor because the company had a policy which did not allow African Americans to ride inside the cars. Mrs. Williams sued for damages at the Old Courthouse.

Freedom School (Introduction) (Grades K-3) (Grades 4-6)
In 1847, Missouri passed a law forbidding the education of African-Americans. Learn about their lives and how they were secretly educated in St. Louis despite this law. Park rangers will help groups recreate a "freedom" school.

Civics and Citizenship (Introduction) (Grades 4-6) (Grades 7-12)
Learn how the art and architecture of the Old Courthouse building reflects the democratic hopes of St. Louis and America during the 1800s and reenact some of the civic activities that form the foundation of participatory government.

The History Mystery Game (Grades 3-8)
Using clues and objects, role-play detectives and solve the mystery of St. Louis history.

The House That St. Louis Built (Preschool, 4- and 5-year-olds)
Explore the Old Courthouse to learn a variety of shapes and build a courthouse out of foam blocks.