Educational Mission and Programming Philosophy
Through our educational programming, OCHS aims to encourage community interest in, and engagement with, the stories and history of Ontario County in a way that promotes critical thought and reflection. To that end, many of our reoccurring and one-time educational programs are designed to give participants unique opportunities to engage with history. Our more traditional styled educational experiences have been revitalized for today’s visitors and participants. We have programs for all ages to enjoy! Read on to learn more about our educational programs. Contact Director of Education Benjamin Falter (benjamin@ochs.org) with questions.
Walking Tours
Join us from Late April-October for regularly scheduled walking tours highlighting different historical facets of our community. The current walking tour program highlights the Ontario County Courthouse. Join us every other Friday starting April 21st and ending July 28th at 2 PM for a tour highlighting the Ontario County Courthouse, notable people, and events from the county’s history. Tours will meet at the Ontario County Historical Society. All tour participants will be required to follow all courthouse security measures, including going through a metal detector upon entry and avoiding photography inside the courthouse. No payment required to attend. Donations appreciated. Upcoming tour dates can be found on the events page. Contact Director of Education Benjamin Falter (benjamin@ochs.org) or call the Historical Society with questions.
Virtual Winter Speaker Series
Join us this winter, from the comfort of your home, for a series of four monthly talks, December through March. The theme for the 2023-2024 Winter Speaker Series is Recreation. More details coming soon. If you’re interested in checking out last winter’s speaker series all about textiles, you can check out video playback of the series here.
Hands On History
Interested in trying your hand at historical crafts such as candle making, butter churning, paper making, weaving, or ice cream making? Contact Director of Education Benjamin Falter (benjamin@ochs.org) to inquire about booking a Hands On History program. Perfect for school groups, scout troops, or homeschoolers! Programs starting at $50.
Coming Soon: History Mystery Traveling Trunks
A new way to interact with artifacts and documents from the Ontario County Historical Society! Rent a box containing replica materials from the historical society and use those items to solve a mystery. Encouraging critical thinking, reading comprehension, and historical awareness, these kits will be a fun new spin on a classic staple of museum education. These kits will be geared primarily for teens and preteens, but can be enjoyed by anyone who likes solving puzzles and mysteries! Interested in learning more? Willing to volunteer as a tester for the program? Contact Director of Education Benjamin Falter (benjamin@ochs.org).
Presentations
Interested in having Director of Education Benjamin Falter speak to your group or organization? Contact him at benjamin@ochs.org about topic options and upcoming availability. Presentations at the Historical Society start at $50, travelling to your group or organization for a presentation starts at $100.
Upcoming Events
Ice Cream Social
Visit the Ontario County Historical Society on Saturday, July 1st from 11-3 for a demonstration of hand cranked ice cream making. View artifacts and historic photos related to ice cream. Sample freshly made ice cream. $5 per bowl of ice cream. Toppings and dairy-free alternative available.