Fort Wellington National Historic Site of Canada
Learning Experiences
Education Programmes
The education programmes at Fort Wellington National Historic Site are a relevant resource in the achievement of the learning expectations of the Ontario Curriculum for a variety of grade levels. Professional staff will deliver high quality programming and guide students through their study of the life of the people at Fort Wellington and "help them develop an understanding of connections between the present and the past." Through the delivery of messages of national significance about the War of 1812 and the Upper Canadian Rebellions of 1837-38, students will use primary and secondary sources to learn about these two events that shaped the future of Canada.
Programmes
Educational programming at Fort Wellington
©Parks Canada
A Soldier's Life
Guarding the Frontier
The War of 1812 and Upper Canadian Rebellion of 1837-38
Dig In! Discovery Through Artifacts
A Barracks Christmas
Fort Wellington Guided Tour
Information
Fees
Reservations
Location
A Soldier's Life
This programme supports the Ontario Curriculum learning expectations of Grade 1- Heritage and Citizenship: Relationships, Rules, and Responsibilities, as well as Canada and World Connections: The Local Community.
Built around the rules and regulations of life within the fort community, this session traces the daily routine of 19th century soldiers and their families. Aspects of military dress and drill are explored through role playing and hands-on activities.
Offered.......................................... January through June, September and October
Group size limit............................. one class
Time............................................. 1 to 1 ½ hours
Guarding the Frontier
This programme supports the Ontario Curriculum learning expectations of Grade 3- Heritage and Citizenship: Pioneer Life.
The importance of Fort Wellington as the protector of the St. Lawrence River transportation route and as the lifeline for Upper Canada is highlighted in this programme. Students will study events that impacted on the lives of the soldiers and the people living in nearby communities, try on period clothing, make a pioneer craft and much more.
Offered.......................................... January through June, September and October
Group size limit.............................. 30 participants in January through April, September and October
60 participants in May and June
Time............................................... 2 hours
The War of 1812 and Upper Canadian Rebellion of 1837-38
This programme supports the Ontario Curriculum learning expectations of Grade 7 -History: British North America, and Conflict and Change.
Beginning with the Loyalist migration that followed the American Revolution, students will learn about the War of 1812 and the Upper Canadian Rebellion of 1837-38. The causes, main events, prominent figures and consequences of both conflicts will be studies using a variety of source materials, taking special note of point of view. Students will also have the opportunity to try on a uniform, learn military drill and explore exhibits to further their understanding of what life was like at Fort Wellington.
Offered ......................................... January through June, September and October
Group size limit ............................. 30 participants in January through April, September and October
60 participants in May and June
Time ............................................. 2 to 3 hours
Dig In! Discovery Through Artifacts
This programme supports the Ontario Curriculum learning expectations of Grade 7 - History: British North America
Students become archaeological detectives during this session, examining artifacts for clues in their investigation of military life at Fort Wellington. Students will develop their analytical, organizational and reporting skills as they use primary source materials uncovered during a previous dig at the fort to draw conclusions about the people that lived there and the events that affected them.
Offered ......................................... January through June, September and October
Group size limit ............................ 30 participants in January through April, September and October
60 participants in May and June
Time ............................................. 2 to 3 hours
A Barracks Christmas
This programme supports the Ontario Curriculum learning expectations of Grade 2 - Heritage and Citizenship: Traditions and Celebrations.
Fort Wellington's Christmas programme provides an ideal opportunity for students to learn about the holiday traditions of the settlers and soldiers at the fort during the early to mid-nineteenth century. Through crafts, games, music and a visit to the refurbished blockhouse decorated for the season, students will compare their customs and pastimes with those of long ago.
Offered .......................................... Mid-November through December
Group size limit .............................. two classes
Time .............................................. 1 ½ to 2 hours
Fort Wellington Guided Tour
Students will explore the grounds and buildings of Fort Wellington with a knowledgeable interpreter. Students will learn about the military history of the site and the lives of the people who lived there.
Offered ......................................... January through October
Group size limit ............................. Varies depending on the time of year. Please contact the fort for details.
Time ............................................. 1 to 1 ½ hours
Fees
Please contact the staff at Fort Wellington National Historic Site for current fee information.
Reservations
To make a reservation or for more information, please contact Leslie MacPherson by phone at (613) 925-4746 extension 104, by fax at (613) 925-1536 or by email at Leslie.macpherson@pc.gc.ca.
Location
Fort Wellington National Historic Site of Canada is located at the corner of King Street East (Highway #2) and VanKoughnet Street in Prescott, Ontario.