Thunder
Bay Historical
Museum Society
The Museum's staff of professional educators offers a full range of programs for students of every grade. Each program is designed specifically to fit into the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum. Every year thousands of students visit the Museum to learn about their own community's history and about the lives of their ancestors. They leave the Museum with a wider appreciation of the significant role history plays in all of our lives.
At the Museum, the exhibits and artifacts provide a rich and illuminating historical backdrop that helps the students immerse themselves in the past. For teachers unable to bring their classes to the Museum, we offer programming in your classroom. An hour-long outreach program may include artifacts, an audio-visual presentation, and an activity relevant to the theme.
Teachers, please read the information below, choose the program and time most suitable for your needs and contact our Education and Outreach Coordinator to set up a visit or for more details. Programs often fill up quickly, so book early.
My First Visit to the Museum
Available as of January 2007
Preschool to Grade 2
Social Science, Language Arts, The Arts
Introduce your students to the world of the Thunder Bay Museum and discover the meaning of the words “museum”, “gallery”, “exhibit”, “artifact” and more. Practice museum etiquette, touch and feel items in our collection, enjoy a hands-on activity created especially for new museumgoers, and receive an official Museum certificate for each student upon completion of the program.
Folk Games
(11th to 19th century)
Preschool to Grade 3
Social Science, Language Arts, The Arts
This Program is best for groups with fewer than 25 students and may be subject to restrictions
Sing and dance the time away as your class discusses the importance of play and learns a variety of traditional folk games including hand-clapping games and in-role song games designed to focus on fun, acceptance and inclusion. Take a look at historical games from our collection too.
Ojibway Stories
(1600 to 1950)
Preschool to Grade 3
Social Science, Language Arts, The Arts
Do you know how Chipmunk got his stripes? Or why Porcupine has quills? Sit around the wigwam and listen to animal legends as we explore the art of storytelling. Then, make your very own animal puppet and join in a singsong with the hand drum. A highly interactive program!
Community Helpers
(1880-1910)
JK to Grade 3
Social Science, The Arts
Wrap up your Community Helpers unit by taking a stroll through our first-floor neighbourhood to discover what people and services were available to our community at the turn of the 20th century. Compare neighbourhoods of the past to the ones we have today and take part in dramatic play. What kind of community helper might you have been?
Early Settler
Children
(1860-1900)
JK to Grade 3
Social Science, The Arts
A perfect program for your Grade 3 Pioneer Unit!
What were children like in pioneer times and what did they do? Take an interactive look at past toys, games, schooling, and chores. Teachers can choose between making a thaumatrope toy or sampling homemade butter for your hands-on activity.
Amy's
Story
(1914-1934)
Grade 1 to Grade 4
Social Science
A great follow-up program to “Early Settler Children”. Amy was a young girl who lived in the east end of Fort William. Discover how growing up in the Lakehead at the beginning of the 20th century was different from today.
Land of the Sleeping Giant (1600 to 1950)
Grade 1 to Grade 6
Social Science, Language Arts, The Arts
The region’s unique land formations have always been an inspiration, but do you know the legends about how they came to be? Discover the stories of the Sleeping Giant, the Sea Lion, and more as we continue the oral tradition of the people who lived in the area many years ago, and participate in related activities.
Step Right Up: The Medicine Show!
(1870-1920)
Grade 1 to Grade 6
Social Science, History, Science and Technology
Gather ‘round, don’t be shy! We’re going to hypothesize and test out some wacky elixirs and home-cooked remedies during this old-fashioned medicine show-inspired presentation of solids and liquids and gasses. A super fun twist to science!
White Otter: Castle of the North
(circa 1914)
Grade 4 to Grade 10
Social Science, History
Perfect for Grade 4 classes!
Put a local spin on your Medieval Times unit and discover White Otter Castle, the awe-inspiring Northwestern Ontario creation built by one man, Jimmy McOuat. Learn the history of the structure, the legends it holds, and compare it to what you know about medieval castles.
Can You Dig It?
(10,000 B.P. to 1650)
Grade 4 to Grade 10
Social Science, History, Science and Technology
A great program for Grade 5 classes!
This program is best for groups with fewer than 25 students
Enhance your Early Civilizations unit by taking a hands-on look at archaeology and learning about the process of uncovering and classifying artifacts; maybe even in your own backyard!
The Ojibway
(1600-1950)
Grade 4 to Grade 12
Social Science, History, The Arts
Perfect for Grade 6 classes!
This program explores the history of the clothing, tools, food, shelter, and transportation of the Ojibway. Students will gain a better understanding of the region's earlier inhabitants and of the European influence leading to and during the Fur Trade.
History Made by
Hand
(1880-1920)
Grade 4 to Grade 12
Social Science, History
Thunder Bay was built by the sweat of manual labourers who immigrated to this area in the late 1800s. We will explore what attracted these people to settle here and how they shaped our present city.
Immigrants to the
Lakehead
(1880-1900)
Grade 4 to Grade 12
Social Science, History
Thunder Bay has a rich multicultural heritage. Learn what brought immigrants to Northwestern Ontario, view artifacts brought to the area from other countries, and examine mystery boxes filled with documents, photographs and artifacts to find clues about the owners: who were they? And why did they stay in the Lakehead?
Silver
Islet
(1870-1890)
Grade 4 to Grade 12
Social Science, History, Science and Technology
Silver Islet, at one time the world's richest silver mine, has quite a past. Students will uncover the legend of the mine, the way of life during that period, and the actual operations. It’s a fascinating story.
Shipwreck
(1870-1915)
Grade 4 to Grade 12
Social Science, History, Science and Technology
Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world, is also a graveyard for thousands of marine vessels. We will focus on the fates of the Algoma, America and Gunilda; ships that all went down in the area. Dive into this program and discover the importance of these underwater “museums”.
We
Remember
(World Wars I and II)
Grade 4 to Grade 12
Social Science, History
Preparing your class for Remembrance Day? Whether it is prior to Remembrance Day, November the 11th itself, or during your history units, join us at the Museum. Our hands-on activity featuring our collection of artifacts and photographs from World War I and World War II will be sure to spark the interest of students.
Scavenger Hunt
Grade 4 to Grade 10
Interested in bringing your students for a shorter or less-structured program? Familiarize yourself with the Thunder Bay Museum with a general guided tour…then you’re off in teams for a hunt that will send you through three floors of galleries. Take a look at our exhibit schedule to decide which time of year is best for you to come a-hunting!
1920s to 1930s
Grade 7 to Grade 12
History, The Arts
Perfect for Grade 10 classes!
What faces, places and events were happening in the region during the 20s and 30s? See what the Lakehead looked like after the turn of the 20th century and learn about how the area was affected by the Great Depression. Get a glimpse of a locally produced silent film too!!!
Albert from Head to Toe
Sept. 4, 2007 – Nov. 4, 2007
April 22, 2008 – June 15, 2008
Preschool to Grade 3
Social Science, Science and Technology
Albert, our resident dinosaur, is returning for our most popular program! Discover the differences between meat- and plant-eating dinosaurs and have the opportunity to be a palaeontologist searching for bones and reconstructing a dinosaur.
A Victorian Christmas
(1837-1901)
Nov. 22, 2006 to Jan. 7, 2007
Preschool to Grade 8
Social Science, History, The Arts
Enter into the world of a Victorian Christmas. Sights, sounds and smells of Christmas in the 1800s will greet you and your students and warm your hearts. Learn the origin of popular yuletide traditions, make a Victorian craft, learn a circle dance, and sample some "Wassail". This is an experience that students and teachers will not soon forget. Our Christmas programs fill up quickly. To avoid disappointment, please book early.
Santa Clauses are Coming to Town
(1500-present)
November 22, 2007 to January 7, 2008
Preschool to Grade 8
Social Science, History, The Arts
Santa Claus, Old St. Nick, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle??? One of the most famous and well-loved holiday gents has been known by different names all around the world for many centuries, but he represents the same thing no matter where you are or when you lived. ‘Tis the season to practice acts of kindness and giving. Join us at the Museum to experience the wonder of this special time of year and to view our special limited-time display of Santas. Our Christmas
My Name is Nanuq: Diary of a Polar Bear
Jan. 14 to June 15, 2008
Preschool to Grade 6
Social Science, Science and Technology, Social Science, History, The Arts
Share in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enter the private life of a female polar bear. Students will learn the intimate details of how she met her mate,how she built her snowy den and spent the cold winter inside where she gave birth to her cubs, her secrets about seal hunting, the heart-warming antics of her cubs and how she passes time during the warm summer months.
General
The Thunder Bay Museum's programs are designed to
complement the curriculum. Programs are 90 minutes in length, allowing
for "free time" in the galleries. All programs are adaptable to suit the
study needs of teachers and students. If classes are studying topics not
listed, contact the Education and Outreach
Coordinator.
Availability
Programs are available Monday to Friday, mornings and
afternoons. Temporary exhibit presentations are only available when listed.
Evening and weekend programming for youth groups, brownies, guides, cubs and
scouts, etc. are based on availability.
Cancellations
Cancellations for programs booked between November 22 and December 22, 2006 MUST be confirmed at least 2 full weeks prior to your program date, otherwise a cancellation fee of $25.00 will be charged.
Special
Needs
The Thunder Bay Museum is fully wheelchair accessible. Educational
programs can be adapted to meet the needs of your group. Please discuss your
requirements at the time of booking.
Outreach
Programs
The Museum offers progamming in your classroom. Our hour-long
outreach programs may include viewing artifacts, an audio-visual presentation,
and an activity relevant to the theme. Elective programs can be created upon
request. Temporary exhibit programs are not available for outreach
presentations.
Class Size
The museum can accommodate classes of up to 30 students. Larger classes will be divided into two groups. Please note that this, however, compromises the quality of educational experience for your students. We cannot accommodate groups of over 60 students for programs. Please contact the Education and Outreach Coordinator for large group tour options.
Student
Conduct
Please discuss with your students some generals rules for
visiting the Museum. Consumption of food, beverages, and chewing gum are not
allowed in the galleries. For obvious reasons, running and rowdy behaviour are
not permitted. The artifacts in the displays may not be touched, unless students
are invited to do so by Museum staff.
Chaperones
School groups are encouraged to bring a minimum of one adult
chaperone for every seven students. Specific programs may require more or less.
Consult with the Education and Outreach Coordinator at the time of booking.
Chaperones will be responsible for assisting students during the activity and
supervision during gallery "free time".
Fees
There is a fee for each class to assist in part with defraying
the cost of materials. The fee covers admission charges for teachers and
chaperones. There is no fee for schools having a School Membership. Fees are
as follows:
- $25 minimum for in-house presentations
- $50 for outreach presentations
- $25 for additional outreach presentations on the same day
- $100 for an annual school membership (Six visits for the price of four)
To Book a
Program
Programs must be booked at least one week in advance.
Contact
the Education and Outreach Coordinator, Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm
at (807) 623-0801. Please be prepared to supply the following information:
- date and time (with alternatives)
- name of program desired
- name of teacher or leader
- name of school or group
- grade and number of students
- fax number for confirmation
A confirmation of your visit will be sent to you.
Planning a Class Outing
Consider combining your museum trip with a visit to another nearby attraction, such as: City Hall, Brodie Street Library, Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, or Riverview Park (James Whalen tugboat & vintage VIA train).