Motherwell Homestead National Historic Site of Canada
Learning Experiences
Motherwell Homestead National Historic Site of Canada is part of Canada National Historic Sites network and commemorates the architectural interest of its buildings; its historic associations with the career of W.R. Motherwell; and its illustration of a prairie homestead of western Canada's settlement period.
School Tour
Students going out of the loft of the barn © Parks Canada
Period costumed heritage interpreters tour students through Motherwell's restored home, barn and 8 acre yard. Each tour incorporates activity centres allowing students to experience history through a hands-on approach. The program is designed to grade levels and are approximately two hours in length.
Proving Up
A focus on the homesteading experience here on the prairies. Students take part in a number of learning centres highlighting the activities the settlers needed to do to prove up and own their homesteads. A look at agricultural practices, building materials and construction of shelters and the tools needed to survive. Students complete the tour by choosing their own homestead based on what they have learned throughout the tour.
Workshops - Add a workshop to your school tour
The Motherwell Homestead NHSC has introduced interactive workshops for students. Each workshop contains hands-on activities and takes a closer look at one aspect of life on the prairies during the early 1900's. Each Workshop is one hour in length.
Package (school tour and a workshop) includes a free wagon ride.
Other workshops may be available, for more information or school tour reservations contact the Motherwell Homestead NHSC by phone at (306) 333-2116 or by e-mail: Motherwell. Homestead@pc.gc.ca
Programs may change without notice.
Entry and service fees are charged at most national parks and national historic sites, where revenues are kept to support visitor services and facilities. This means that every time you visit a park or site you are investing in its future — and in a legacy for future generations.
Fees listed are valid from April 1, 2010 to March 31 2011.
An Asterisk (*) indicates a new or changed fee from the previous year. All fees listed include applicable taxes and are subject to change.
- School tour: $2.90 per student
- Workshop: $3.90 per student
- Adult: $7.80 - The teacher and one chaperone per ten students-free admission
- Wagon rides –per adult $1.00
- Wagon rides –per student $0.50
Work Horse Clinic
Heritage Communicator demonstrating to children horse foot care © Parks Canada / Trapp N.
Students will take a closer look at the role of horses in the operation of W.R. Motherwell's farmstead. Workshop includes care and handling of horses, foot care, harnessing, etc.
Shelterbelts Celebration
Children playing on the pathway close to the shelterbelts © Parks Canada / Trapp N.
Students will discover the benefits of shelterbelts on the Canadian prairies through interactive activities. Students will learn how to plan a shelterbelt around a farmstead and what type of trees and shrubs were used in early 1900's on the southern prairies.
Victorian Garden Party
Children having a Victorian afternoon tea © Parks Canada
Students will learn the codes of conduct and etiquette of Motherwell's Victorian time. After their lesson, students will participate in period activities and games on Motherwell's tennis court. In case of inclement weather the party will be held in our Visitor Reception Centre.
Package Offer $7.00/person
Children going for a wagon ride © Parks Canada / Trapp N.
Tour, Workshop and Wagon Ride
(Wagon rides; weather permitting and driver availability)