Educational Programs

The Granger Homestead offers a variety of programs for school children throughout the year. In June, second graders visit us for Homestead Days. The students tour ten hands-on stations to experience life in the nineteenth century. Students participate in a bucket brigade, learn about horse care, meet a traveling peddler, make candles and butter, and also perform 19th century chores.

Click here to see a video of the Homestead Days

New this year will be Pioneer Days in June for local fourth graders. They will come to explore our agricultural barn and learn about farming at the Homestead.

The Civil War Encampment in the fall is our biggest school event. It is intended for 5th graders and older. On the first Friday in October, the grounds come alive with our largest educational program, held in conjunction with the Reynolds’ Battery L, NY Light Artillery re-enactors. Groups receive guided tours of a variety of stations demonstrating Civil War life, including artillery, signal corps, and a blacksmith. For Scouts and Homeschools: The first Saturday in October offers the same experience to scouts and homeschool groups at a reduced price from the general public admission.

We also offer tours of the Mansion and the Carriage Museum, which features the second largest collection of horse drawn vehicles in the state. Tours are available for all age levels and can be tailored to fit your curriculum, with past themes focusing on local history, genealogy, architecture, technology, and immigration. Tours can also incorporate scavenger hunts for the students.

In December, a Night Before Christmas Program is held for kindergarten and first grade students. They see Clement Moore’s poem interpreted as a puppet show. A scavenger hunt of the mansion emphasizes vocabulary from the story. The program ends with a taste of a sugar-plum. Click here to read a newspaper article that was written about this event in 2009

In July and August, Granger Homestead presents Summer History Camp, offered in two sessions. Each is a week-long program of hands-on historical and fun activities including a “backstage” tour of the homestead, a scavenger hunt in the carriage barns, and period crafts. For children ages 7 – 12.

FOR SCOUTS: Work with the Education Director to develop a tour that can satisfy several badge requirements, including Architecture and American Heritage or Across Generations.

We’re happy to plan your tour around what you want to learn, and look forward to your visit! Please call our Education Director, Kim Bellavia, at 585-394-1472 or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for further details.