"Hands-on History" theme header shows a man woodworking with historic tools

SIMPLE MACHINES

Discover the machines that advanced life in the 1800s and how these devices have evolved over time. Investigate how simple machines and tools use force and reduced friction to move heavy objects. Have fun using wheels, levers, pulleys, and screws to move different objects.

Curriculum Links: Science & Technology
Grade Suitability: 3+
Availability: September to October, May to June
Length: 1.5 hours
Cost (+HST): $6 per student

HISTORY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Examine sewing tools used by Indigenous Peoples before European contact. Barter for craft supplies at Fort William and create traditional crafts to take home. Craft choices include bead work, a dream catcher, a voyageur’s fire bag, a leather ball, and a small medicine bag.

Curriculum Links: Health & Physical Education, Social Studies, History & Geography, The Arts
Grade Suitability: JK+
Availability: September to June
Length: 2 hours
Cost (+HST): $6 per student

DISCOVER EARLY SETTLERS

Discover how the inhabitants of Fort William worked together and the special skills they needed to survive. After tracing the routes colonists took to different settlements in Upper Canada, students will work in groups to build their own frontier communities.

Curriculum Links: Social Studies, History & Geography
Grade Suitability: 1-3
Availability: September to October, May to June
Length: 1.5 hours
Cost (+HST): $6 per student

LITTLE FUR TRADERS: ANISHINAABE OR VOYAGEUR THEME

Put your imagination to work! Follow in the footsteps of French-Canadian voyageurs or Indigenous Peoples as they lived 200 years ago. Explore Fort William, join in the daily activities and leave with a small gift of either glass beads or hat feathers.

Curriculum Links: Social Studies, History & Geography, The Arts
Grade Suitability: JK-4
Availability: September to October, May to June
Length: 1.5 hours
Cost (+HST): $6 per student