History Detectives

Recommended for grades 3-4

This program is located at the historical Ainsley House where students explore the agricultural history of Santa Clara Valley, explore the continuity and change of the local community, understand why people moved to the Valley, and learn about Mr. Ainsley's story. He was an immigrant who came to Campbell in 1886. His story demonstrates how and why immigrants moved to the Santa Clara Valley and how they helped shape the landscape and local economy. He was a pioneer in fruit canning in the Valley who helped to put the region on the global map, making it The Valley of the Hearts Delight.    Students will use their observation and critical thinking skills to analyze primary sources, discover historical artifacts, and engage in speaking and listening activities.

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Program Includes:

• Tour of the Ainsley House

• Rotate through Four Interactive activity stations in the Carriage House

• Primary Source photo analysis

• Pack artificial fruit into cans running on a conveyor belt

• Make-n-take dried fruit craft

• Artifact discovery activity

• Touchable Hands on artifacts inside the Ainsley House

• Allows students to experience history through different sensory activities

• A focus on cultural themes of the Santa Clara Valley

• Increases Student's knowledge about history and develops an appreciation for their heritage.

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Basic Information

• Program costs $120 minimum for 20 students of fewer.  Additional students are $6/ students, teachers and chaperones are free.

• Program does require a minimum of 4 chaperones. Chaperones will accompany group on Ainsley House tour as well as lead activity stations in the Carriage House

• Class will be divided into two groups. Group 1 will tour the Ainsley House first, Group 2 will stay in Carriage House and be subdivided into smaller groups to rotate through the activity stations. Then the groups will switch, Group 2 will go on the tour while Group 1 participates in the Carriage House activities.

• Groups in the Carriage House will examine a primary source photo, can fruit into cans on a conveyor belt, make a dried fruit snack, explore unknown artifacts, and coloring activities.

• This program must cap the maximum amount of students allowed at 36.  The rooms inside the Ainlsey House cannot accept groups larger than 18 students.  No Exceptions.

• The program is typically a 2. 5/ 3 hour program.  Please be aware of this when making your transportation arrangements.  Classes are allowed to eat lunches outside the museum on the patio or  at Orchard City Green.

• If you are applying for a transportation or admission grant, they are on a first come basis and are offered until the fund run out.

• If you need to cancel or reschedule a field trip, you must contact Kerry Perkins: kerryp@campbellca.gov 

• Payment can be made by Check or Cash.  We do not accept credit cards.  Please let Kerry Perkins know if you need an invoice.  Payment is due on or before your scheduled field trip.

Schedule for the Day

• 9:00a.m

  • Arrival

  • Class waits outside by the palm tree for museum staff to greet class.

• 9:00-9:30a.m 

  • Staff will provide orientation then start the video for the students. While the video is playing, staff will train the teacher and chaperones on how to facilitate the Carriage House center activities.

• 9:30-10:25a.m

  • Group 1 Tour Ainsley House

    • Interactive tour involving students solving a mystery in the house

  •  Group 2 Activities in Carriage House

    • Primary sournce photo analysis, can fake fruit on conveyor belt, make a dried fruit butterfly, examine unknown artifacts, coloring and word search activities.

• 10:25-10:35

  •  Snack break, restroom use, etc.

• 10:35-11:30a.m.

  • Group 2 Tour Ainsley House

  •  Group 1 Activities in Carriage House

• 11:35-12:00p.m.

  • Conclusion/ wrap up/ questions.