Educational Programs
If you are unable to join us in-person this year, we encourage you to use our Digital Education links below for our virtual education videos and activities.
Virtual Field Trips
The Banning Museum is proud to offer a series of educational programs designed to engage and inspire the students who participate. Thousands of schoolchildren both locally and throughout Southern California take part in our programs each year, and it is our goal to provide them with memorable experience that will instill in them a love of history that will last a lifetime, and an appreciation of the important role Southern California played in the growth of our nation.
Living History School Program- Fourth Grade
Our traditional school program for fourth graders focuses on California State history. Activities led by a docent teach what one early California pioneer accomplished for his adopted state. Learn what life was like for a child during this time period. Four activities are completed in the approximately two-hour field trip:
- Tour the Banning Residence and see what life was like during the Rancho Days.
- School Marm teaches an 1880’s school lesson in the one-room school house.
- A Game, similar to bingo, reinforces the information the students learn during the field trip.
- The Barn: Learn about a working ranch and play traditional games.
Banning Heritage Week- Fourth Grade
Banning Heritage Week is a fun, hands-on, learning experience for fourth graders. The students participate in five activities throughout the day:
- Tour: A docent will walk the students through the house. Emphasis is on daily life in the 1880’s.
- School Lesson: Museum “School Marms” will conduct a school lesson typical for the 1880’s. Students will sit on benches and perform lessons on slates with chalk.
- Art Project: Students learn about the art of decoupage and create their own bookmark.
- Hands On Chores: Students will participate in typical chores of the 1800’s by churning butter and washing clothes with a wash board. Students will have a chance to sample the fruits of their labor and enjoy a fresh snack. They will also take home a small sample of hand-made soap.
- Blacksmith Demonstration: Students learn what Blacksmith does on a ranch through a real life demonstration.
This 2.5 hour program is very active and informative. We provide a pre-packet to all visiting teachers. Some of the material can be used for post-field trip activities.
If you are a person with a disability and require accommodation to participate in a City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks or Friends of Banning Museum program, service, or activity, requests may be made by calling the facility (310-548-7777), or 711 for CA Relay, ten days in advance of the event. We will do our best to fulfill requests with less than ten business day’s notice.
If a participant requires a one to one aide, requests will be fulfilled within seven business days of receiving required paperwork and documentation needed to issue a Right of Entry Permit to the agency providing the aide.