American History, Black Heritage & STEM
Virginia is a treasure trove of rich history, culture, and innovation, offering students numerous opportunities for unforgettable learning experiences. The diverse range of field trip destinations in the state provides a unique opportunity to connect classroom curricula to onsite visits, enriching education with place-based learning. Students can engage in lessons about America’s earliest settlers and the battlefields that played pivotal roles in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. History comes alive in fascinating museums and centers that highlight the contributions of African Americans and Indigenous peoples, as well as immersive lessons in STEM subjects and natural science. These field trips are not just about fun and adventure, but also about inspiring and informing students about the world around them.
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“George Washington’s Mount Vernon provides student groups with an unforgettable and comprehensive glimpse into the life and legacy of our first president.”
Virginia Museum of History & Culture (Richmond)
Students can explore the chronological timeline of Virginia’s vibrant history and heritage at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Educational exhibits showcase dynamic artifacts and stories exploring Indigenous cultures, colonial settlements, civil rights issues, and the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Educator-led group tours use programs and source material to connect lessons on history and culture to the museum exhibits. Additionally, interactive workshops explore themes of democracy and leadership, ideal for students studying social studies and civics. Pre-and post-visit resources are available for integrating real-world experiences within-class learning.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park (Appomattox)
Walk in the footsteps of revered generals and soldiers at the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, the site where General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant in 1865. Ranger-led programs teach students about the end of the Civil War by exploring the struggles of Reconstruction and themes of leadership and reconciliation. Immersive experiences include touring restored buildings like the McLean House, where the surrender took place, effectively ending the war. View museum exhibits that house original artifacts and hear fascinating stories about those who served in and lived through the war. The museum promotes critical thinking and source analysis through engaging
Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon)
A trip to George Washington’s Mount Vernon provides student groups with a comprehensive and unforgettable glimpse into the life and legacy of our first president. Educational programs take learners through Washington’s mansion, outbuildings, and gardens for an immersive history experience. Students can learn about daily life and the roles of living on the plantation while understanding broader themes of American history and civics. The trip covers governance and leadership with connections to social history, providing students with a deep and impactful educational experience that they will remember for years to come.
For more information – Check out the Mount Vernon field trip profile
Virginia Air & Space Science Center (Hampton)
The Virginia Air & Space Science Center offers an array of hands-on aviation and STEM lessons through more than 100 interactive exhibits and unique STEM-focused experiences. Programs for students cover topics such as flight, aeronautic engineering, and space exploration with interactive labs, planetarium shows, and guided tours that enrich classroom learning. Groups can explore authentic aircraft and aviation artifacts, space capsules, and fascinating galleries that tell the stories of aviation history in memorable ways. Center tours emphasize innovation and problem-solving through real-world STEM applications, cutting-edge technology, and inspiring showcases, ensuring that students are actively engaged and learning throughout their visit.
Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia (Richmond)
Dedicated to the collection and study of African American culture in North America, the Black History Museum and Cultural Center is one of many insightful Virginia history field trips in Richmond centered around Black heritage. African American history is highlighted through permanent and rotating exhibits that provide extensive details on topics such as the Emancipation Proclamation, the Civil Rights Movement and the portrayal of Black men and women by the media. Students can ascertain the struggles of African Americans, from slavery and Jim Crow to the Reconstruction era, with thought-provoking discussions, cultural artifacts, photographs, oral histories, and multimedia displays. Guided tours include interactive options that encourage students to analyze narratives of race, identity and historical struggles that helped shape our country. Pre-and post-visit materials are available online to ensure classroom preparation for successful onsite experiences.
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