~  FALL 2025  ~

Family and Homeschool Enrichment Programs

Offering high quality, hands-on programming for families! For 6 to 12 year old children unless otherwise indicated.

Art, Science, and History come together at the Old Stone House Museum & Historic Village in Brownington, VT!

 

Registration by sending an email to [email protected]

The email must include:

  1. Contact: parent/guardian name and phone number
  2. Email address
  3. Names and ages of the children that will be attending
  4. The classes you wish to attend

Register early – registration is limited.

A confirmation email will be sent to assure your slot in the program.

 

Cost: Individually noted. Classes are payable per class. Course fee will be paid with a check payable to: Orleans County Historical Society or exact cash, please.

Classes for all! We retain a commitment to keeping our classes affordable to our families. Sliding fee scale and multiple sibling discounts are available upon registration request as we are able to accommodate.

Parents are welcome and encouraged to stay for our enrichment classes, drop off only by permission by staff prior to the program date.

 

All classes are weather dependent and we reserve the right to cancel or reschedule all offerings.

Family Programs

Thursday, September 25th, 10:30-12:30 | Bee Biology

Join museum volunteer and Brownington Beekeepers member Garrett Thibault for a fascinating, hands-on introduction to the world of honeybees. Participants will safely observe a frame of nurse bees, brood, and the queen inside a protected observation box. Learn about the castes of bees, their life cycle, and their roles within the hive. Explore essential beekeeping equipment—hive frames, boxes, smokers, hive tools, and jackets—and discover how modern beekeepers manage their hives.  ⚠ Important: Participants with bee allergies should bring an epi-pen and be mindful that we will be safely in the vicinity of our pollinators.      $12

Tuesday, October 7th, 10:30–12:00 | Westward Expansion and the Transcontinental Railroad

Did you know Brownington played a role in America’s Westward Expansion and the transcontinental railroad? Discover the town’s surprising ties to this era of growth and adventure during a visit to the museum, complete with a model train experience. The journey continues with a hike up Prospect Hill, where you can climb the overlook tower—a gift from a Brownington Academy graduate who became president of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad. From the top, take in sweeping views north to Canada and south through Willoughby Gap.       $12

 

Thursday, October 9th, 11-1:30 | Bread Oven Pizza Party

Join us for a fun pizza-making party at our outdoor bread oven! Bring along either a block or shredded cheese, or your favorite topping—we’ll provide the rest. Everyone can help roll out dough, add toppings, and build delicious pizzas together. While the pizzas bake, enjoy our field games and time outdoors. This event is weather permitting. Space is limited, so register early! Please let us know when you sign up whether you’ll be bringing cheese or a topping.       $12

Tuesday, October 28th, 10:30-12:30 | Wild Fibers

Join Education Staff and Devin from AshNBirch Outdoor School for a morning of learning about the strength and uses of natural fibers. We will have cordage making and flax processing demonstrations with some hands-on opportunities. Explore the history and use of various fibers that were used prior to the use of synthetics during the industrial revolution. We will also look into plant pigments with some natural dyes.       $12

Saturday, November 1st, 10:30-12:30 | Handwork Open Studio

Back by popular demand! Discover the joy of heritage fiber arts in a welcoming, creative space. We’ll provide materials for felting, embroidery, sewing, and more! Beginners will find plenty of supplies and guidance, while experienced fiber artists are invited to bring their own projects to share or continue. Whether you’re felting, embroidering, or weaving potholders, this is a space to create, connect, and be inspired by making art together. We have a special guest coming for participants over 6—Tara Lynn Scheidet will be joining us to go over embroidery basic stitches and methods. Tara Lynn is a master at the art of embroidery and looks forward to working with museum kids! Let her help you plan a project whether it is your first or one you need support with.      $12

Thursday, November 6th, 10:30-12:30 | Barn Squares

Join Beth Barnes for this popular barn square painting class! Originally, these geometric designs served practical purposes, such as identifying farms or marking important locations for travelers, and potentially held symbolic or superstitious meanings. Today, barn quilts are a widespread public art phenomenon, used for decoration.       $12

 

Tuesday, November 11th, 10:30–1:30 | School’s Out! Maker Space

School’s out—and it’s time to get creative! Join us at the Grammar School for a day of art making and exploration. Drop in for an hour or stay the whole time as we dive into… Printmaking—Gelli for younger children, Linoleum cutting for older children. Quill Writing—try your hand at writing the old-fashioned way before ball point or gel pens were invented. Journal Making—craft a simple handmade journal to take home. Ideas for starting a winter journal writing practice will be shared! A fun, hands-on day for all ages. Come make, explore, and create together.       $12

Saturday, November 22nd, 10:30-12:30 | Fall Quick Bread Baking

Move into baking season with our museum community. We will make pumpkin, apple, and zucchini quick breads to try and share seasonal recipes that have been used in kitchens for generations. Enjoy a scrumptious feast with tea! Each participant will go home with one small quick bread.       $12    (+$3 materials fee per student, $5 per family)

Saturday, December 6th, 10:30-1:30pm | Simple Gifts

Back by popular demand! Families with children ages 4–12+ (younger siblings welcome)

$8-12 suggested donation per family

Step into our cozy Historic Holiday Maker Space and create gifts that come straight from the heart. Children can rotate through hands-on stations—baking, sewing, potato printing, herbal crafts, and more—and take home 3+ handmade treasures for friends, pets, and loved ones. Parents can join the fun too—volunteer to run a station and be part of the holiday magic! Write [email protected] to volunteer.

We aim to build community with our museum families! We appreciate your feedback.