Outreach Programs at Fruitlands

Abundant Gifts Community Outreach

This lively program uses Fruitlands collections and archive to explore connections between the land and nature along with the stories, events, and people that have shaped New England. Designed for family, youth, and adult groups, this program can be presented in your community or be combined with a trip to Fruitlands. To learn about program availability and fees, contact our Education Department at 978.456.3924 x291.

Fruitlands offers the following outreach programs that allow us to visit your school during our off-season (November through April). Programs are one hour in length and work best when done one class at a time; a maximum of four programs can be conducted in one day. The first program costs $150; additional programs on the same day are $75 each. A $0.50/mile fee covers the distance to and from Fruitlands Museum.

Grades 1 through 4

Beans, Bones, Bark, and Buffalo

Based on Fruitlands Native American collection, this program offers an overview of four culture areas: Northeast, Plains, Southwest and North Coast. Using both genuine artifacts and modern reproductions, students will learn how each native group fulfilled basic needs of food, shelter, and clothing with materials found in their own environment.

  • Interactive overview of each cultural area led by Fruitlands interpreters.
  • Historic artifacts are featured.
  • Ideal for students in grades 2 and 3.

Grades 4 through 6

Digging History: An Introduction to Archaeology

Based on a real archaeological dig at Fruitlands Museum, this program allows students to learn about archaeology and the history of Massachusetts.

  • Introduction to the science of archaeology.
  • Interactive component that allows students to participate in a mock archaeological dig in the classroom. Students will uncover real and replica artifacts that represent the actual finds from the dig at Fruitlands. These artifacts illustrate the history of Massachusetts from thousands of years ago to the present.
  • Ideal for students in grades 4,5, and 6.