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Learn & Teach

Learn, Discover, and Engage

Resources for schools, groups and families.

Learn, discover, and engage with Hamilton Civic Museums through staff-led tours, programs, and special events like History in Action Day. These programs and resources are tailored for students, groups, and life-long learners. For those who can't visit in person, explore our growing collection of digital learning resources and activities below.

For teachers

School Programs

We recognize the demands of today's curriculum, which is why our fun and engaging field trips offer meaningful value to the work you do in the classroom. We're committed to offering the inquiry-based learning style outlined by the citizenship education framework for Social Studies, History, and Geography. Review our Educational Programs Planner below and contact us directly to plan your visit.

For groups of all ages

Group Tour Experiences

Hamilton Civic Museums offer guided tours and immersive experiences for groups of all ages.

  • Young visitors mixing a recipe with a costumed cook in Dundurn's historic kitchen.Dundurn National Historic Site

    MacNab's Kitchen

    In the 19th century, servants in homes like Dundurn handled daily tasks like cleaning, polishing, and cooking. During this hands-on experience, guests are guided by Cook Demonstrators in our historic kitchen to make a traditional recipe, followed by a guided tour of over 40 rooms exploring the lives of the MacNab family and their household staff.

    Tailor-made programming is also available. Please contact the museum to discuss a custom experience for your group.

    Cost
    $40 per person
    Time
    2 hours, mornings only
    TICO Certified Tour Operators
    $35 per person
    Minimum
    Payment for 15 people required

    Further discounts available for Receptive Tour Operators, and series volume bookings.

  • The columned front of Dundurn Castle.Dundurn National Historic Site

    The Heights: A War of 1812 Tour of Dundurn National Historic Site

    Built on the history of the War of 1812, Dundurn Castle, sits on Burlington Heights, which was occupied by the British military from 1813 to 1815. Starting at the Hamilton Military Museum, this guided tour takes you through Dundurn Park to view evidence of military fortifications and the rarely seen Cockpit building, before concluding with a look inside Dundurn Castle to learn about the 1812 architectural features that Sir Allan MacNab later incorporated into his home.

    Note: This tour includes outdoor walking on uneven terrain, please dress appropriately for the weather.

    Cost
    $30 per person
    Time
    2 hours, mornings only
    TICO Certified Tour Operators
    $25 per person
    Minimum
    Payment for 15 people required

    Further discounts available for Receptive Tour Operators, and series volume bookings.

Students gathered on the lawn at Battlefield House for a lacrosse demonstration, sticks laid out on the grass.Grades 3 to 8

Battlefield House Museum & Park

History in Action Day

Immerse your students in a military encampment during the War of 1812 featuring historical demonstrations, re-enactors, and Indigenous programming.

Curriculum linked interactive activities are delivered at the site of the Battle of Stoney Creek, a turning point in the War of 1812. Recommended for grades 3 to 8.

Hands-on activities

  • 19th Century Skills and Trades
  • 19th Century Food and Clothing
  • Indigenous Programming
  • 19th Century Merchants and Pastimes
  • Loyalists and Early Settler Life
  • Life of a Soldier during the War of 1812
  • Military Drills and Discipline

Free downloads

Teacher Resource Library

Developed in partnership with subject matter experts, certified teachers and members of the community, these resource guides offer curriculum-connected lessons and activities to enhance your students' experience with Hamilton Civic Museums virtual exhibitions.

At home or in the classroom

Do-It-Yourself History: Crafts & Activities

Check out our series of history-inspired do-it-yourself activities developed by Hamilton Civic Museums education staff! These child-friendly crafts can be completed with everyday items from home or school.

  • Steam & Technology

    Learn to Weave

  • Dundurn

    Make a Thaumatrope

  • Military Museum

    Make a Poppy Craft

  • Steam & Technology

    Make a Kaleidoscope

  • Steam & Technology

    Mini Ecosystem Craft

  • Military Museum

    Try Letterlocking

  • Steam & Technology

    Mini Ferris Wheel Craft

  • Steam & Technology

    Make a Solar-Powered Water Distiller

  • Steam & Technology

    Make a Compass

  • Steam & Technology

    Make a Potato-Powered Electricity Sensor

  • Whitehern

    Make a Pie Plate Birdfeeder

  • Steam & Technology

    Make a Water-Powered Boat

Connect With Our Team

Reach out to a member of our team for more information about any of our educational offerings, or to book your school program.

Contact Us

Let's stay connected!

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Guided by our commitment to sustainability, accessibility, inclusion and engagement, we preserve and present the many untold stories of Hamilton and Hamiltonians. 

For questions about our museums, events, exhibitions or other inquiries, contact us at 905-546-3168 or [email protected].

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