2022 Colonial Day at the Wilder Homestead
​Fifth Grade Field Trip

While studying Colonial History, the fifth grade at Buckland Shelburne Elementary School took a “living history” field trip.  The Buckland Historical Society was able to present this experience with support from the Buckland and Shelburne Local Cultural Councils and the Mary Lyon Foundation.
 
The students found Colonial Buckland at the Wilder Homestead; a salt box built by Gardner Wilder in 1775, a 1790 English style barn, and an 1800’s shoe maker shop at 129, Rte. 112, Buckland.  The Buckland Historical Society is preserving this property and has developed this hands-on educational program.
 
From 9:00a.m. to 1:00p.m., the students participated in five activities that the colonists would have done.  They wove on a Barn Loom to create a rag rug, created a small Metal Bowl with a Metal Smith, helped cook at the Open Hearth, cross stitched their initials, and played Colonial Games.  A fun filled Colonial Day was had by all!
 
We were lucky to have Prudence Wholey and Judy Sweet to document, with their photographic skills, the students partaking of all the activities.  

Hearth Cooking

Rag rug on a barn loom

colonial games

 Cross Stitch 

making the metal bowl

This program is funded in part by MCC a state agency that funds your community's local cultural council.
​ https://massculturalcouncil.org/.

Buckland Historical Society — Box 88 — Buckland, Massachusetts 01338 — (413) 625-9763 — Copyright © 2019