Spring Homeschool: 250 Years of American History
Take a hands-on journey through 250 years of history! This engaging homeschool series brings history to life through storytelling, interactive activities, and creative projects.
Homeschoolers will explore and discuss major moments in America's past while connecting them to local history. Such as - what did the Civil War look like right here, in Washington County?
Throughout the unit, homeschoolers will be building a living history presentation - researching and portraying a historic figure. At the last class, all homeschoolers will share their presentations and celebrate America's history!
Program Details
Recommended Ages: 10-15
Dates: January-May 2026 | Second Tuesday of each month, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: 1889 Courthouse | West Bend, WI
Cost: $45 per participant for the unit
Instructor: Jenna McWilliams - Researcher for The Tower Heritage Center, past homeschooler & current history student.
Program Schedule
The American Revolution & Founding
January 13th | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Learn: Causes and outcomes of the Revolutionary War
- Do: Make a pilgrim meal, play a Revolutionary War game, & choose a figure for the living history presentation
Building a New Nation: America's Early Years
February 10th | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Learn: The War of 1812, Westward Expansion, Division between the North and the South
- Do: Assembly line game, design a Capital building & work on the living history presentation.
A Nation Divided & Reunited: The American Civil War & Reconstruction
March 10th | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Learn: The Civil War, Reconstruction, Industrialization
- Do: Create a mock-political Cartoon, play a Gilded Age game, & work on the living history presentation.
Recent History, Depression, and World Wars in America
April 14th | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Learn: The Great Depression and WWII
- Do: Host a WWII radio show & work on the living history presentation.
Final Project! Living History Presentation (Parents Welcome)
May 12th | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
- In this final class, homeschoolers share their final living history presentation. This spoken presentation includes a hand-made poster, and homeschoolers are invited to dress up!