School Programs at Morven Park

Discover Morven Park - All ages

Morven Park has been witness to local and national history for over 150 years. The Governor’s Mansion, Winmill Carriage Museum and Civil War Encampment each provide a unique look at American and Virginia history and the impact on the local area. This program can be tailored to fit all groups by choosing two of the three locations to visit during the program. Each location incorporates visual observations and hands-on activities.

History on Wheels - Pre-K through 3rd grade

Take a trip to the Winmill Carriage Museum to explore Morven Park’s collection of carriages and discover what life was like before cars ruled the road. Students will observe over forty carriages, compare and contrast town and country vehicles, and create a craft as they learn about the different uses of carriages and how technology changes over time. At the end of the program students will be provided with a Colorful Carriages coloring book to take home.

Nature Investigators - Kindergarten through 4th grade

Investigate the nature in Morven Park’s backyard! Students will take a nature walk along the trails of the Catoctin Ridge behind the mansion at Morven Park. During the walk students will encounter exploration stations to take a closer look at trees, streams, and plants to understand how natural resources are used and can be preserved. Afterwards, students will create a nature craft using seeds, pinecones and other natural materials found along the trails.

Down on the Farm - Kindergarten through 4th grade

Go back in time to visit the Morven Park Farm! Once a working farm, Morven Park became a model for progressive agriculture by showcasing modern technologies and new ideas. During the field trip students take a tour of the historic mansion to learn about the farm, view one of the remaining farm buildings, visit the gardens to learn about soil, and plant their own veggies to take home.

Westmoreland Davis: The Farmer Governor - 4th through 12th grade

Students take an in-depth look at Virginia’s history during the turn of the 20th century and the role played by Westmoreland Davis— a progressive agriculturalist and the only Governor in Virginia from Loudoun County. Students will take a tour of the Governor’s Mansion to understand why he was the “Farmer Governor” and how he helped shape state politics and agriculture. Following the tour, students take part in a hands-on project that explores the concept of civic engagement.

WWI on the Home Front - 4th through 12th grade

Elected to the Virginia governorship in 1917, Westmoreland Davis led the state during the nation’s involvement in World War One. This field trip examines Davis’ civic duties to the soldiers fighting abroad and to his constituents in Virginia, as well as the support state citizens gave to the troops. Students analyze primary sources, including maps, period newspapers, a plane propeller and German swords, to understand events and impacts of the Great War. The program concludes with a hands-on activity using authentic World War One propaganda posters.

A Hint of Hardship - 4th through 12th grade

Students will explore the early stages of the Civil War, specifically the experience of Loudoun County residents and soldiers who camped on the grounds of Morven Park. Through hands-on activities and first person interpretations, students will take away an important lesson about the ever-growing hardships that soldiers and civilians faced prior to and during the War. An additional one-hour tour of Balls Bluff battlefield may be available by request.