Historical Programs for Schools
The Historical Society provides a series of educational programs that support the local history curriculum of our schools.
Living History Program 1906
Each school year in the fall and spring, local third grade classes are invited to experience early Walnut Creek ranch life in the Living History Program 1906 at Shadelands Ranch.
During the one-day program, third graders relive a typical early 1900s day at Shadelands Ranch. With the help of docents who play characters who lived at the ranch in 1906, the students first tour the historic house and grounds, including the workers’ bunkhouse, the water tower, and basement. Then, the students get to “relive” 1906 ranch life by doing chores, collecting herbs, planting seeds in a garden, and playing games.
For more information about the Living History 1906 program and to make reservations, contact the Historical Society.
Downtown History Tour
As a complement to the Living History Program, Historical Society docents provide guided tours of Walnut Creek’s downtown for local third grade classes, giving students a glimpse into Walnut Creek’s history from the pre-Columbian period to the present day.
Tours are offered on weekday mornings during the fall and spring and feature historic sites on Main Street. As part of the program, each student receives a copy of a booklet that features “then” and “now” photographs of selected sites. Through the generous donations of sponsors, the booklets are provided free of charge, and students are able to take them home and share what they have learned with their families.
For more information about the Downtown Walking Tours for Schools and to make reservations, contact the Historical Society.