Groups of students and adults from throughout the country—and the world—visit the Park each year. You may also combine the general tour with our hands-on education workshops to create a focus for your field trips. 

The following are options for your visit to the Park.

For scheduling and fees, please see below.

GENERAL TOUR

Interpretive Staff are stationed in many of our exhibit buildings and tour groups may proceed at their own pace. Tours of the Park may be tailored to fit the specific needs of a group with focuses including transportation, invention, and settlement history.

BOY/GIRL SCOUT PROGRAMS

Various workshops are available for scouts.

ADMISSION CHARGE: Excluding Special Ticketed Events

EDUCATION 1896

Return students to the time of the one-room schoolhouse. The school bell is ringing in a new school day and a “schoolmarm” is waiting in period dress to begin lessons at Locust Grove School. In the Park’s original 1896 school building, students will learn classic lessons that focus on reading, penmanship, history, geography and arithmetic. With traditional slates for ciphering and McGuffey Readers, students will have an accurate one-room country schoolhouse experience. Classes are limited to 30 students with a maximum of five chaperones. Grades 3-5. 90 minutes.

Ohio Academic Content Standards

Social Studies Benchmarks: History C (3-5), Geography B (3-5). English Language Arts Benchmarks: Writing Conventions A, B (3-4).

LOCUST GROVE ACADEMY

Ohio Academic Content Standards

Social Studies Benchmarks: History C (3-5), Geography B (3-5). Geography B (6-8).Mathematics Benchmarks: Number, Number Sense, and Operations F (K-2). English Language Arts Benchmarks: Writing Applications A (K-2). Reading Process E (K-3). Writing Conventions A, B (3-4). Reading Process C (4-7). Reading Process A, B (8-10).

MIND YOUR BEESWAX

Illuminate the history of early lighting in Dayton. Students will discover the art and economics of lighting practices in 19th century Ohio. Using the hearth inside the William Morris House, students will participate in traditional candle dipping. The advantages and availability of the various natural resources needed for early lighting will all be examined. Students take home a beeswax candle and an enlightened understanding of 19th century cottage industries. Kindergarten - Grade 12. 45-60 minutes.

Ohio Academic Content Standards

Social Studies Benchmarks: History C (K-2), Economics A, B (K-2). People in Societies A (3-5), Economics A, B (3-5). People in Societies A (6-8), Economics A, B (6-8). History B (9-10), Economics A (9-10), Social Studies Skills and Methods B (9-10). History A (11-12), Geography A (11-12), Economics A (11-12).Science Benchmarks: Physical Sciences C (K-2). Science and Technology A (3-5). Physical Sciences C (6-8). Science and Technology A (9-10). Scientific Ways of Knowing C (11-12).

FROM FIRE TO FEAST

Fire up your imagination! Travel back to the Miami Valley in the 1830s. Build the fire, churn the butter, bake the biscuits, and even learn games early settler children played. Taste the victory of preparing your first hearth-cooked meal, spiced with the science behind the cooking process. Grades 2-12. 90 minutes.

Ohio Academic Content Standards

Social Studies Benchmarks: History C (K-2), Economics A (K-2). People in Societies A (3-5). People in Societies A (6-8), Social Studies Skills and Methods D (6-8). Geography A (9-10). History A (11-12).
Science Benchmarks: Physical Sciences C (K-2), Scientific Inquiry C (K-2). Science and Technology A (3-5). Physical Sciences C (6-8), Science and Technology A (6-8). Physical Sciences C (9-10), Science and Technology A (9-10). Scientific Ways of Knowing C (11-12).

FLORA, FAUNA AND PHARMACEUTICALS

Explore the Miami Valley from a pioneer’s perspective. Investigate the necessity of flora and fauna to settlers for food, shelter and medicine. Visit the William Morris House Heirloom Garden to study the flowers, vegetables and herbs that pioneers planted to supplement the indigenous natural resources. Learn about pioneer medicines from native and introduced plant species and even practice to become a pioneer pharmacist. Grades 2-12. 60 minutes.

Ohio Academic Content Standards

Social Studies Benchmarks: History C (K-2), People in Societies A (K-2), Geography C (K-2), Economics A (K-2). People in Societies A (3-5), Geography B, C (3-5), Economics A (3-5). People in Societies A, C (6-8), Geography C (6-8). People in Societies C (9-10). History B (11-12), Geography A, B (11-12).
Science Benchmarks: Life Sciences A (K-2), Scientific Way of Knowing B (K-2). Scientific Inquiry B (3-5). Science and Technology A (6-8), Scientific Ways of Knowing C (6-8). Scientific Ways of Knowing B (9-10). Life Sciences B (11-12), Science and Technology A (11-12), Scientific Ways of Knowing C (11-12).

SEEDLING STORIES

Visit the William Morris House Heirloom Garden and discover the species of plants and animals important to Ohio settlers. Puppets will introduce your “seedlings” to the appearance, texture and smells of Ohio wildflowers, herbs and vegetables. To foster continued learning, students will plant their own historical seeds and watch the seedlings grow on their windowsills at home. Pre-school - Grade 2. 60 minutes.

Ohio Academic Content Standards

Social Studies Benchmarks: History C (K-2), Geography C (K-2), Economics A (K-2).Science Benchmarks: Life Sciences A (K-2), Scientific Ways of Knowing B (K-2).

TRAVELING IN TIME

Experience the evolution of Ohio’s transportation corridors. Students will discover the effects of innovations in transportation on the lives of Ohioans in addition to the growth and economy of the state. Using creative dramatics, students will journey through the Park’s unique learning environment with stops at an 1843 Conestoga wagon, Miami and Erie Canal Lock No. 17, and antique rail cars. Grades 2-6. 75 minutes.

Ohio Academic Content Standards
Social Studies Benchmarks: History C (K-2). History C (3-5), Geography C, D (3-5). Geography C, D (6-8), Economics B (6-8).

HOMEWARD BOUND

Embark on a journey westward along the National Road with thousands of people seeking new homes and lives. In this program, students will have first-hand experience planning a journey along the National Road from the Dayton Bypass. Given a budget, students will purchase authentic supplies and pack a settler’s wagon. An interactive story will chronicle the trials and tribulations of their trip west, emphasizing 19th century geography, transportation and settlement patterns. Grades 4-12. 90 minutes.

Ohio Academic Content Standards

Social Studies Benchmarks: History C (K-2), Geography A (K-2), Economics A, C (K-2), Social Studies Skills and Methods B, D (K-2). History B, C (3-5), Geography A, C, D (3-5), Social Studies Skills and Methods D (3-5). Geography D (6-8), Social Studies Skills and Methods D (6-8). Geography B, C (9-10). Geography B (11-12), Economics E (11-12), Social Studies Skills and Methods D (11-12).
Mathematics Benchmarks: Number, Number Sense and Operations D, F (K-2). Number, Number Sense and Operations F (3-4). Mathematical Processes C (5-7). Mathematical Processes B (8-10).

THE WRIGHT STUFF

Take an in-depth look at the Wright brothers and the lessons in character, ingenuity, creativity and perseverance they continue to offer us today. Discover how these two brothers from Dayton developed one of the greatest inventions of the modern era - the airplane. Hands-on activities demonstrate some of the principles that the Wrights had to consider while solving the mysteries of powered, controlled, pilot-carrying, heavier-than-air flight.

Grades 3-8. 60 minutes.

Ohio Academic Content Standards

Social Studies Benchmarks: History C (3-5), People in Societies A (6-8), History B (9-10). History B (11-12).English Language Art Benchmarks: Communication: Oral and Visual A (5-7). Communication: Oral and Visual A (8-10). Communication: Oral and Visual A (11-12)

UP, UP AND AWAY

Before the Wright brothers launched the first heavier-than-air flights, the skies were not just for the birds. This program highlights the history and science of lighter-than-air flight. Students will make their own lighter-than-air crafts, including a kite to take home. The class will fly their designs in a lighter-than-air show featuring an interactive hot-air balloon launch! Grades 2-6. 90 minutes.

Ohio Academic Content Standards

Social Studies Benchmarks: History D (K-2), Geography C (K-2). History C (3-5). Social Studies Skills and Methods D (6-8).Science Benchmarks: Science and Technology B (K-2), Scientific Inquiry B (K-2). Physical Sciences C (3-5), Science and Technology A (3-5). Physical Sciences B (6-8), Science and Technology A (6-8)

INVENTION DIMENSIONS

What does it take to become an inventor? How do inventors develop ideas for new products? Daytonians Charles Kettering, Edward Deeds and the Wright brothers discovered the answers to these questions. This program introduces the history and process of invention through collaborative creative thinking and hands-on activities. Students will create their own inventions following product development from brainstorming to prototype design. Grades 2-5. 60 minutes.

Ohio Academic Content Standards

Social Studies Benchmarks: History D (K-2), Social Studies Skills and Methods D (K-2). History C (3-5), Economics B (3-5), Social Studies Skills and Methods D (3-5). Science Benchmarks: Science and Technology A (3-5), Scientific Inquiry C (3-5), Scientific Ways of Knowing A (3-5).

SIMPLE MACHINES, MOVING THINGS

Can you name the six simple machines? Are they really used in complex machines such as a trolley or a train? Solve these physical science puzzles by learning the simple machines and conducting science experiments. Then embark on a scavenger hunt to find these simple machines in antique trains and other exhibits around the Park. Grades 2-6. 75 minutes.

Ohio Academic Content Standards

Social Studies Benchmarks: Social Studies Skills and Methods D (3-5). Social Studies Skills and Methods D (6-8). Science Benchmarks: Physical Sciences A (K-2). Scientific Inquiry B (K-2). Physical Sciences C (3-5). Physical Sciences B (6-8), Science and Technology A (6-8).

HARMUTH PRINTING 101

Visit the only fully operating 1930s letterpress printing shop in a museum anywhere in the United States! Students will enjoy the chance to learn the printing trade firsthand by completing tasks such as setting type, preparing printing surfaces, composing, editing and printing an original line of type and more. Along the way, students will learn of Dayton’s role as a leader of the nation’s printing industry
during the 1930s. Grades 6-12. 90 minutes.

Ohio Academic Content Standards

Social Studies Benchmarks: Economics A (6-8) , History A (11-12), History B (9-10) Science Benchmarks: Physical Sciences C (6-8), Science and Technology A (6-8), and (9-10), Scientific Ways of Knowing C (6-8) and (11-12).

ITS ELECTRIC

Explore how electricity powered the path of technology in Dayton. Make a circuit through the Park highlighting the history of electricity in industry, transportation, and the home. Join the "Barn Gang," a group of electrical innovators from the early 1900s, in Deeds Barn and make your own electrical circuit to take home. Grades 6 – 12. 90 minutes.

Ohio Academic Content Standards

Social Studies Benchmarks: Economics A (6-8). History B (9-10). History A (11-12).Science Benchmarks: Physical Sciences C (6-8), Science and Technology A (6-8), Scientific Ways of Knowing C (6-8). Science and Technology A (9-10). Scientific Ways of Knowing C (11-12).

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY

Carillon Historical Park is searching for students to fill positions as secret agents. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to investigate code making and breaking in the 20th century. Master elementary code exercises such as Morse Code and invisible ink in preparation for a mock spy operation. Learn about the evolution of communication technology from newspaper to telegraph to radio. In addition, explore the critical role of the WAVES at NCR’s Sugar Camp training facility during World War II. Grades 4-12. 90 minutes.

Ohio Academic Content Standards

Social Studies Benchmarks: History C (3-5), Social Studies Skills and Methods D (3-5). Social Studies Skills and Methods D (6-8). History D, E (9-10). History B (11-12), Social Studies Skills and Methods D (11-12).
Science Benchmarks: Science and Technology A (3-5), Scientific Inquiry B (3-5). Science and Technology A (6-8), Scientific Ways of Knowing C (6-8). Science and Technology A (9-10). Scientific Inquiry A (11-12).

HISTORY'S MYSTERIES

What is that strange old contraption? History consists of a lot of detective work. Students will investigate unique and unidentified artifacts. This program will foster creative writing, critical thinking and teamwork to postulate the purpose of artifacts. After students present their ideas, they will visit the items in the Park to discover their true usage. Grades 4-12. 90 minutes.

Ohio Academic Content Standards

Social Studies Benchmarks: Social Studies Skills and Methods A, B, D (3-5). Social Studies Skills and Methods A, B, C, D (6-8). Social Studies Skills and Methods A, B (9-10). Social Studies Skills and Methods B, D (11-12). Science Benchmarks: Scientific Inquiry A, B (3-5), Scientific Ways of Knowing A (3-5). Scientific Ways of Knowing C (6-8). Scientific Ways of Knowing B (9-10). Scientific Ways of Knowing A (11-12).English Language Arts Benchmarks: Communication: Oral and Visual A, E, F (3-4). Communication: Oral and Visual A, D, E (5-7). Communication: Oral and Visual A, E (8-10). Communication: Oral and Visual A, C, E (11-12).

THE DAYTON FLOOD OF 1913

Experience Dayton’s devastation and regeneration during the Flood of 1913. Develop research skills through the use of primary sources to reconstruct the events surrounding this natural disaster. Learn how the flood occurred and the response from Dayton’s citizens, including the creation of the Miami Conservancy District. Then take a hands-on look at how people control the environment to protect their homes come rain or shine. Grades 3-8. 60 minutes.

Ohio Academic Content Standards

Social Studies Benchmarks: Geography B, C (3-5), Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities A (3-5), Social Studies Skills and Methods A (3-5). Geography B, C (6-8), Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities A (6-8), Social Studies Skills and Methods A (6-8). Science Benchmarks: Earth and Space Sciences D (3-5), Science and Technology A (3-5). Science and Technology A (6-8), Scientific Ways of Knowing C (6-8).

BUILDINGS FROM THE GROUND UP

Introduce students to the building methods and materials found on many Miami Valley buildings. Students will organize, observe and analyze construction methods and designs from the 18th, 19th and 20th century buildings at Carillon Park. They will discover how architectural and natural resources provide a record of community development. Grades 3-7. 75 minutes.

Ohio Academic Content Standards

Mathematics Benchmarks: Measurement A (3-4). Measurement D (5-7), Data Analysis and Probability E (5-7). Social Studies Benchmarks: History C (3-5), Geography B (3-5), Social Studies Skills and Methods C, D (3-5). Geography C (6-8), Social Studies Skills and Methods B, D (6-8). Science Benchmarks: Science and Technology A (3-5). Science and Technology A (6-8), Scientific Ways of Knowing C (6-8)