School Tours
Old Economy Village offers a variety of tours that cater to the attention and interests of students of all ages. Whether this is your student’s first visit as a preschooler or if they’re returning one last time before graduation, there’s something to see for everyone.
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Educational programs at Old Economy Village present aspects of communal life, the development of industry in the United States, life in 19th century Pennsylvania towns, and religious, political and cultural freedom in America as these relate to the Harmony Society. The docents at Old Economy Village interpret the history of the site for all grade levels from preschool programs which introduce the story of life in the nineteenth century, to tours for secondary and college students which examine economic, religious and agricultural components of the Society. Educational programs are designed to enhance study in the classroom, enriching students’ understanding of the development and benefits of community through the study of material culture.
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All tour groups have the option of utilizing our picnic area for lunch. The Feast Hall is available as a rain location.
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All Preschool to 6th Grade classes have the option of shopping in the MUSEUM Store as one of the stops on tour. Older groups may shop in the Museum Store after their tour.
All educational tours must be pre-scheduled by contacting David Miller at (724) 266-4500 ext. 110.
The Home Life tour guides the students through the daily life of a Harmonist. This program provides an interactive look at nineteenth century domestic activities with an emphasis on children’s chores and leisure time activities. Activities include: milking an artificial cow and gathering eggs grinding coffee playing children’s games singing music in a school classroom
Participants on this tour explore what it took to create a community. This includes comparing life in Economy to life in other local towns in the 19th century and today. Students will get a chance to do hands-on activities similar to what an apprentice would have done. Typical activities include: working the bellows in the blacksmith’s shop creating a rope with a rope machine discovering the role of education operating a printing press
As participants explore the historic site, this program provides a study of the lifestyle and economic development of the Harmony Society and the nineteenth century. If teachers have specific requests about any topics or buildings, please discuss those when arranging the tour. We are more than happy to accommodate requests. Tour components include: exploring the Society’s communal structure discussing town planning and Harmonist architecture learning about daily life, Harmonist personalities, and German culture
This seasonal tour begins the week after Thanksgiving and runs until Christmas. Children explore different cultures, holiday traditions, human kindness, and the value of friendships. This tour concludes with a very memorable party with Belsnickel, the German keeper of Santa’s naughty and nice book. Tour components include: discovering German Christmas traditions creating a craft visiting historic exhibits and buildings enjoying a unique holiday story