Field Trips
- Grade Level:
- Middle School: Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade
- Subject:
- Social Studies
- State Standards:
- H.5.8.6 Effects of Progressive Era reforms
E.1.ARH.1 Natural resources on the development of the state
H.1.ARH.8 Social and cultural changes in Arkansas during the turn of the century
H.1.ARH.14 Contributions by Arkansans in the field of medicine
“Why They Came” is a student-guided history program to explore the lives of many people who came to work and be healed at Hot Springs. The program takes place within the Fordyce Bathhouse museum as students explore the building using guiding questions and biographical information to understand the stories of the people who used the Fordyce between 1915 and 1962. The program culminates in a discussion-based activity with park rangers about the history of public health at Hot Springs.
The program has been developed for 7th graders but has been successful for students grades 6-8.
Curriculum Connections
This program pairs well with classes on the history of medicine, using historical documents for analysis, Gilded Age culture, and Arkansas History.The program begins at the Display Spring behind the Fordyce Bathhouse where students will use historical images to create a park chronology. This allows students to begin using primary documents to build the story of people and place.
The program then moves through the 1st and 3rd floor of the Fordyce Bathhouse. Students will use cards with biographical information about different people who worked and bathed in the bathhouses. This information will allow students to build the stories of the building through their own analysis.
Teachers can download the materials below for a description of the state standards and program objectives as well as some primary documents related to this program.
*The education team is in the process of developing pre and post-visit presentation materials.
Program Logistics
In-park programs are typically scheduled for 1.5 hours. The first half-hour in the program time allows flexibility for arrival times and restroom needs. Students are able to use the restrooms either in our basement restrooms or the public restrooms along Bathhouse Row prior to the program beginning.Because the program takes place in a high volume museum, the program begins between 9am and 10am.
"Why They Came" is primarily an indoor program, which a short introduction next to a thermal springs. Students will be walking on pavement during the entirety of the program. Due to the short time outside, appropriate layers are recommended. See the Hot Springs weather forecast here:7-Day Forecast 34.49N 93.06W (weather.gov)
After the ranger-led program, groups are welcome to explore other areas in the park.
* Fordyce Bathhouse: 17-minute park film.
* Junior Ranger program: Request books in advance or at the Fordyce front desk.
* Hot Springs Mountain Tower
* Hiking
* Picnic areas at Gulpha Gorge Picnic Area, Hot Springs Mountain, and West Mountain.
Chaperones
Groups can be up to 30 students for each ranger. Having 1 adult chaperone per 5-10 students is preferred. Chaperones are expected to help group movement, help students make curriculum connections, and help during any emergency events.
Pick Up and Drop Off
For all social studies programs, groups will meet in front of the Fordyce Bathhouse Museum and Visitor Center in the middle of Bathhouse Row at 369 Central Ave.
Buses can drop off and pick up students in front of the Fordyce.
Nearby parking options include City of Hot Springs Visitor Center (629 Central Avenue), Exchange Street Parking Garage (274 Exchange Street), and street parking on nearby side streets.
Materials
Last updated: April 22, 2025