School Visits

Billings Farm & Museum presents Vermont farm life as history, science, traditional culture, and human interaction with the environment. Our education programs are based on inquiry and critical thinking. We use active teaching methods and hands-on, minds-on activities to encourage the discovery of connections between the past and the present, responsibility and learning, skills, and a way of life. Each year, we introduce over 6,300 students of all grade levels to their heritage through the use of our resources:

Working Dairy Farm -- Jersey herd, calves, work horses, oxen, sheep, and chickens.

Vermont Farm Year in 1890 Exhibits emphasize the family responsibilities and activities of farm life in the late 19th century, including the important role of young people.

1890 Farm House features the farm office, family living spaces, and creamery -- excellent examples of technology and science to improve farm life of the day.

Games and Mini-programs for students in grades K-2: Hands-on 19th century children's games; Mini programs introducing the farm's sheep or chickens.

Buttermaking, an important dairy product during the 1890s. Hands-on for all ages.

A Place in the Land. This powerful award-winning film presents the Billings Farm and its three families, describing their farming and forestry practices for over a century and a half. 30 minutes. Suitable for Grades 4 and up. Please be sure to reserve in advance.

8-Minute Video. A Thing Worth Doing describes the evolution of the Billings Farm and responsible land use, with many historic photographs and lively music and voice.

Dairy Bar serves ice cream and light snacks; the Museum Shop offers a selection of mementos and books. Teachers receive a 10 percent discount on Museum Shop purchases!