School Tours

The Hunterfly Road Houses, located on an old Native American trail and later a colonial road, are examples of the homes of 19th century free African Americans in the urban North. These historic houses were continuously inhabited from their construction until their acquisition by the Weeksville Society in 1968. Named for James Weeks, who purchased the land in 1838, Weeksville was originally settled by African Americans from all over the east coast following slavery’s end in New York State in 1827. It was to become an economic, political and cultural center during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Weeksville Heritage Center offers a variety of thematic tours to fit your classroom needs. All tours are led by trained educators. They also incorporate the New York City Arts Standards and New York State Learning Standards. You can access the learning standards and blueprint on this website http://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/default.htm. In order to book a school tour, please contact the education department: education@weeksvillesociety.org or (718) 756-5250 ext. 4.

Living Freely: Everyday Life in Weeksville ● Grades: 2-6
60-90 minutes
During this inquiry- and object-based tour, students get a glimpse of daily life in 19th and early 20th century Weeksville. They learn about the types of employment available, family life, institutions that were founded and how Weeksville residents lived as a community. This tour includes two of the Historic Hunterfly Road Houses, which represent three significant time periods: the 1860s, 1900s.

Higher Ground: Weeksville as Refuge ● Grades: 6-12
60-90 minutes
Touring two of the three Historic Hunterfly Road Houses, students engage in an active discussion of Weeksville’s response to the 1863 Draft Riots. They are given historical information based on period literature, with an emphasis on the importance of the rise of self-help organizations during the Civil War period.

Silver to Tin: Family life in the Changing City ● Grades: 2-12
60-90 minutes
Meet the Williams family, who lived in Weeksville during the 1930s.Their unique view of life during the Great Depression is revealed through objects, photos and music of the time. Learn about the techniques that families like the Williams used to make ends meet during this difficult period in U.S. history.

Historic House Tour and Workshop ● Grades: 2-12
60-90 minutes
Take a short 30-minute tour based on one of the aforementioned tours of the historic Hunterfly Road Houses. After the tour, join us for a 30-minute workshop featuring either a master storyteller or a visual arts activity. Choices are based on current menu workshop offerings. Please call for availability and schedule.

To Make A Reservation

Please contact our Education Department
T: 718.756.5250 ext. 4
F: 718.756.5277
email: education@weeksvillesociety.org

When scheduling a large group, please be award that the houses cannot hold more than 15 people in a room at a time. Please limit group size to 30 (the group will be divided into two groups upon arrival). Note: An adult-student ratio of 1:10 is required for all tours.

Payment

1. Purchase Order:

Purchase orders must be processed/encumbered within a two-month time frame. Your tour will not be scheduled without a purchase order. Your tour is not booked until we receive a copy of the encumbered purchase order form.

Department of Education contract number: 6199189
Department of Education vendor number: WEE 122

2. Non-Purchase Order Payments:

Deposits must be made 3 weeks in advance of your tour. All payments including deposits must be made via check or money order. Cash will not be accepted. Final payment must be paid in full one week before your scheduled tour.

3. Cancellation:

If you are unable to keep your appointment for any reason, you must call to reschedule at least 48 hours before your confirmed tour date. Deposits will not be refunded.

Please send payment/purchase order to:
Weeksville Heritage Center
Attn: Education Department
P.O. Box 130-120, St. John's Station
Brooklyn, NY 11213
Fax: 718.756.5277