Follow the path of the pioneers and discover new skills!

Pioneer Day 2021: May 13th

Last day to order: April 28th       Box pick up dates: May 10th - May 12th     Box drop off day: May 12th

The Berrien County Historical Association invites students to visit the grounds every year to explore the lives of the earliest non-Indigenous settlers in the southwest Michigan region.  With the historic Murdock Cabin as our backdrop, 3rd and 4th graders enjoy a wide variety of activities that lets them step into the past.  However, due to COVID-19, this year's event is being changed and the BCHA tapping into their own pioneering spirit to bring the field trip to you!  This year's Pioneer Day-in-a-Box allows students and teachers to safely learn about life in 1830s Michigan from the comfort of the classroom.  Even better?  This year's event is now open to all K-5 students in Berrien County!

Each kit has four activites designed to explore history, art, STEM, and even play through a more historical lens designed to meet Michigan's learning standards.  Kits come with all the materials needed to complete each activity and parental and teacher guides will be available.  Each kit is $10.00 while the teaching and parental guides are for free.  Even cooler?  Each student gets a small goody bag included in their kit!

To bring a bit of the BCHA to your classroom, we are offering digital 30 minute talks to teachers for an additional $25.00.  There are a limit of 3 spots available per time slot and all slots are first come, first serve.

Kit #1 = Kindergarten through 2nd Grade

Activity 1 - Grow a Bean Plant [STEM]

Activity  2 - Pioneer Stencil Art [ART]

Activity 3 - Simon Says [HISTORY/MOVEMENT]

Activity 4 - Button on a String [PLAY]

Kit #2 = 3rd Grade through 5th Grade

Activity 1 = Grow a Potato Plant [STEM]

Activity 2 = Pioneer Tin Art [ART]

Activity 3 = Michigan Trail [HISTORY]

Activity 4 = Yarn Dolly [PLAY]