School & Youth

The George Washington Foundation provides family and student groups with engaging, interactive, educational experiences designed to spark curiosity about the people of Historic Kenmore and George Washington’s Ferry Farm. We aim to discover how people in the past grew up, built families, created community, pursued work, survived hardship, and lived through momentous times. Through our educational programs and events, students can learn more about the people who lived and worked at both historic properties, including George and Mary Washington, Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis, Native Americans, enslaved communities, Civil War soldiers, and more.

Our educational programs incorporate primary-source material and address a wide range of Virginia SOLs. Each program can also be customized to fit your groups’ specific educational needs. All programs include a guided tour of the site’s historic house, as well as a variety of themed activities. For a detailed list of program offerings, please see below.

2024-2025 School and Youth Program Offerings

COST PER PERSON

Students – $6.00
Chaperone – $4.00 per chaperone
Teachers & school staff are FREE

GROUP SIZE AND  TIME

• We can accommodate a maximum of 115 students per day. If your group is larger than that, we ask that you visit over multiple days.
• Because of space constraints, not all chaperones may be able to accompany their groups into the historic homes at George Washington’s Ferry Farm and Historic Kenmore.
• Most of our on-site programs are three hours in length, including time for lunch.

SCHEDULE A STUDENT GROUP VISIT

Reservations are required at least two weeks in advance.

• To request a field trip or student group visit, complete this student/youth program form
• To schedule an adult group visit, complete this group visit form.
• To contact us with questions about our educational offerings, email learn@gwffoundation.org.
• For details on upcoming educational family-friendly public programs, visit our Events page.

Younger Student Programs at Ferry Farm:

December only: Gingerbread House Exhibit (Grades Pre-K—2):

Enjoy the whimsical sights and delicious smells of wondrously festive gingerbread creations during the Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibit at George Washington’s Ferry Farm! See the contest-winning entries, cast a vote for People’s Choice, play “iSpy Gingerbread”, participate in a gingerbread-themed story time, complete a craft, and see the inside of the Washington house. Please note: this program is capped at 20 students per day. Special pricing: $3/student, $4/chaperone.

George Washington: Boy Before Legend (Grades K-5):

Students learn about George Washington’s life, starting from his childhood at Ferry Farm. This multi-disciplinary program examines the important roles that math and science played in his work—first, as a surveyor, and later, as a farmer. In addition to a tour of the reconstructed Washington House, various activities on the site’s beautiful grounds teach Washington’s historical significance as a soldier, a president, and a leader.

I Dig George! (Grades K-5):

Applying critical thinking skills, primary sources, and historical research, Ferry Farm archaeologists regularly make new, exciting discoveries about George Washington. In I Dig George!, students become archaeologists and conduct a simulated dig to learn more about the archaeological process. Students are challenged to think critically about the artifacts they uncover, and they learn how artifacts helped Ferry Farm archaeologists rebuild the Washington House. Please note: this program is capped at 50 students per day.

Younger Student Programs at Kenmore:

Fredericksburg, 1776 (Grades 1-3):

Experience the science and hands-on practice of history in George Washington’s own hometown! Through different games and activities, students learn about life in 18 th -century Virginia through the lens of Fredericksburg, the home of influential patriots like Fielding Lewis and George Washington. Students explore the Kenmore house and grounds, making connections and comparisons between past and present to develop skills for historical inquiry.

Virginia: Crossroads of Revolution (Grades 4-5):

Students use physical evidence and practical skills as tools for understanding the past, particularly Virginia’s turbulent transformation from British colony to American state. By trying their hands at historic trades, analyzing original furnishings inside Kenmore House, and training in the maneuvers of Revolutionary soldiers, students gain broader insight into the stories of both the Washington-Lewis family and the free and enslaved tradespeople who helped forge American independence here in Fredericksburg.