Elementary Explorers Fall Itinerary (1-day)
The following options offer an engaging, interactive, and educational experience for young learners in the beautiful fall setting of Western Pennsylvania.
Option 1: West Overton Village – A Step Back in Time 🍂
📍 Location: West Overton Village & Museums (Westmoreland County)
Arrival & Orientation | 9:30 a.m.-10 a.m.
Meet the historical interpreters who will guide students through the day.
Guided Tour & Hands-On Activities | 10 a.m.-noon
- Explore the historic 19th-century village, including the Overholt Homestead, the original distillery, and the springhouse.
- Learn about daily life in the 1800s, including farming, blacksmithing, and textile production.
- Participate in hands-on activities like butter churning or candle dipping (seasonal options available).
Lunch Break | noon-12:45 p.m
Enjoy a picnic lunch at the pavilion or in a designated indoor space.
Fall-Themed Agricultural Experience | 12:45 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
- Learn about harvesting and food preservation from the 19th century.
- Seasonal activity options may include pumpkin painting, corn husk doll-making, or apple cider pressing.
Wrap-Up & Reflection | 1:30 p.m.-2 p.m.
- Q&A session with historians and a short interactive discussion on how life was different in the past.
- Time for students to explore the gift shop with historical toys and books.
Departure | 2 p.m.
🔗 More Info: www.westovertonvillage.org
Option 2: Meadowcroft Rockshelter & Historic Village – A Journey Through Time 🍁
📍 Location: Meadowcroft Rockshelter & Historic Village (Washington County)
Arrival & Orientation | 9:30 a.m.-10 a.m.
Meet the guides and learn about the 16,000-year-old archaeological site, one of the oldest human habitation sites in North America!
Meadowcroft Rockshelter & Native American Experience | 10 a.m.-noon
- Visit the prehistoric Rockshelter, where students can learn how early people lived.
- Try out atlatl spear throwing, just like ancient hunters!
- Tour the Native American Village, where students can explore a wigwam and learn about traditional tools and crafts.
Lunch Break | noon-12:45 p.m.
Picnic lunch in the historic village surrounded by the fall foliage.
19th-Century Historic Village Tour | 12:45 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
- Step into a log cabin schoolhouse, where students can experience what education was like in the 1800s.
- Watch a blacksmith demonstration and learn about early trades.
- See an old-fashioned one-room church and other historic buildings.
Seasonal Hands-On Activity | 1:30 p.m.-2 p.m.
- Participate in a fall-themed craft or historical skill such as corn grinding, candle making, or butter churning.
Departure | 2 p.m.
🔗 More Info: www.heinzhistorycenter.org/meadowcroft