Old FL Museum Educational Tours

Old Florida Museum (OFM) is now located at the Florida Agricultural and Resource Museum (FARM) and open for business.

Strawn Citrus Plantation Tour

Circa 1880s The Strawn Citrus Plantation offers a great view into the Citrus industry in Florida. You will have the opportunity go into several of the buildings used during … ...

Pioneer Homestead Educational Program

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND FORMAT: The group will be taken to an authentic Florida Cracker Homestead The “Clark House”. This building was owned by the Clark family and they lived in this actual building for close to 20 years. Here they raised three boys with no running water or electricity. The tour continues with the coral where we have “Cracker” cattle and sheep (Authentic Spanish cattle descendants). This not a petting zoo. On Site Activities · Weaving · Gardening · Water Pump · Pioneer Games · Sugar Cane Grinding ...

Ship & Sailors Educational Program

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND FORMAT: During the years of building the Spanish empire, the only mode of global exploration and transportation was the sailing ships. The Spanish set out to explore and conquer new worlds to help build their empire. Fell the salt on your skin and the wind on your face as imagination takes hold. We have built on the property a 70’ replica of a Spanish Caravel named the Corazon de Madre. These types of ships called caravels were very popular for exploration. The “Corazon de Madre” will take students on an adventure of exploration on the high seas ...

Dirt Detectives Archaeological Educational Program

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND FORMAT: Everyone who participates in this program becomes a Dirt Detective! Archaeology is the study of material remains of cultures. Archaeologists use what has been left behind by a particular culture – such as buildings, books and other writings, tools, and trash – to learn about that culture. These items are then used as clues to figure out how people lived in the past. Often, the only written record of history is made by people who are wealthy or part of the ruling class, if at all. The everyday life of common people can be easily lost ...

Florida Cracker Pioneer Educational Program (Available 2020)

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND FORMAT: In 1821, the United States acquired Florida from Spain. Homesteading was encouraged by the government to develop the newly acquired territory. The rugged pioneers that settled the area were called "Florida Crackers." It is believed that they got this nickname because of the cracking sound their whips made as they herded cattle. In 1845 Florida became the 27th state of the Union. Students will learn to appreciate these modern times when participating in daily living activities from the pioneer area. On Site Activities · Corn shelling and milling · Writing with a quill pen · Old ...

Spanish Colonial / Fort Mose Educational Program

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND FORMAT: The Spanish settled St. Augustine on September 8, 1565. It was a military outpost that included three standing fortifications by the 1740’s. They were the Castillo de San Marcos on the east, Fort Matanzas to the south, and Fort Mose to the north. Word of freedom spread to the African-American slaves in the English colonies in the Carolinas. The Spanish had decreed that freedom would be granted to any slave that reached the Spanish colony if they would convert to the Catholic religion. In 1738, Governor Manuel de Montiano established the new town Gracia Real de ...

Timucua Indian Educational Program (Available Winter 2020)

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND FORMAT: The natives of North Florida were known as the Timucua Indians and their settlement in this area was called the Village of Seloy. These Native Americans were said to be a handsome people with most achieving an average height of 6 feet or more. They were hunters, gatherers, and farmers. The women took care of the home, children, and cooking while the men provided food and protection for the family. These Indians developed a way of life that enabled them to live and prosper in the world they lived in. Students experience pre-European life in old ...

CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE TEACHER HANDOUT

Old Florida Museum (OFM) is now located at the Florida Agricultural and Resource Museum (FARM) and open for business. Old Florida Museum offers six unique “HANDS-ON” programs designed to be entertaining as well as educational. Students experience life through the struggles and successes of its people during distinct time periods of Florida’s history. All programs follow the Sunshine State Standards.

Each program runs for 40 to 55 minutes. Groups may choose to do 1, 2 or all 6 programs. The program areas can accomodate up to 30 participants comfortably. Multiple classes can be accommodated in the facility at one time with split groups.

OUTLINE OF THE PROGRAMS

A museum representative greets the group upon arrival and gives an orientation prior to entering. A costumed guide shares an interactive history of the time period. Students may make a project that they will take home. Students then have free time to participate in a variety of activity stations.

HOME SCHOOLERS

CLICK HERE for more information on Home School Days.

PICNIC AREAS

There are two picnic areas available to use for schools who book tours. One is located on site and the barn location is just a minutes walk from the museum. Each area can accommodate up to 90 to 110 persons. They are free to use and available by reservation only and based upon availability..

RESERVATIONS

Group reservations are required in advance for any educational programs. To check available dates or make reservations please call (904) 824-8874 or (386) 446-7630.