School tours
Native Americans to Pioneers
Learn about Native Americans, the Florida Panhandle's original residents, and Pioneers. The tour will explore the similarities and differences between these two groups and how technology and our lifestyles have changed over the years. Students will also have self-guided time in the Discovery room, a hands-on area where students can experience a model one-room schoolhouse, store, and an archaeology dig.
Activities to accompany this tour include pinchpots, paper dolls, and designing your own pioneer-style quilt.
Paradise Gardens
This tour explores our pollinator garden and the importance of bees, birds, and butterflies and plants to the ecosystem. Students will learn about different types of plants such as perennials and annuals, how to describe the life cycles of plants, and the structures of plants.
Chromatography butterflies are a wonderful accompaniment to this tour to allow students to see capillary action and how water reacts with markers to enhance the color spectrum
Technology Throughout History
A lot has changed in the Panhandle since the Native Americans first got here, and in this tour students will learn how technology was developed and used by pioneers and during WWII. This tour includes aspects of history and focuses mainly on the use of simple machines.
Students will make catapults using popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and spoons to have hands-on learning with simple machines.
Bespoke tours
Don't see something that meets you and your students' needs? Give us a call, and we'll be happy to work with you to create the right experience for your school.
Heritage Alive! Classes
Crafting and hobby classes
Ever wanted to make your own basket, try your hand at blacksmithing, or make your own soap? Join us at the museum most Saturdays to learn all about these crafts! All costs include supplies. Sign up for our classes right here on our website.
Basket weaving
Join instructor Carol Dickson and learn how to make a basket! Each month features a new design, so there's always something new to try.
Students will be learn a new skill, experience an age-old tradition, and create something uniquely theirs!
Register today: Online, or call (850) 678-2615, or visit the Heritage Museum
Upcoming dates:
19 October
9 November
Watercolor
Join watercolor instructor Carol Dickson and create a beautiful scene using watercolor paints right here at the Museum. You will learn a new skill and create something uniquely yours that you will get to keep!
The class cost includes all materials.
Register today: Online, call (850) 678-2615, or visit the Heritage Museum
16 November
Pine needle basket making
Learn how to make pine needle baskets! Our talented instructors will show the process from start to finish, and you'll be able to go home with one of your very own.
Only 10 students per class
Register today: Online, call (850) 678-2615, or visit the Heritage Museum
Upcoming dates:
21 December
Introduction to wood turning
Come learn how to make your very own fine-crafted wooden pen. Students get to choose from a variety of wood samples to create a unique pen.
Join instructor Christopher, and make your own specialized pen! There will be two classes offered at 10am and 1pm.
Register today: Online, call (850) 678-2615, or visit the Heritage Museum
Introduction to blacksmithing
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at the forge? Bend and shape steel? Make something useful and enduring? Strike now! The iron is hot.
Students will learn the basic skills of the blacksmith including safety, tools and equipment, and the skills for drawing out, upsetting, hotcutting, bending and punching.
*Required: Wear sturdy shoes, long pants, and long-sleeved shirt
Children ages 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult
Only four students per class
Register today: Online, call (850) 678-2615, or visit the Heritage Museum
Homeschool Fridays
Homeschool Fridays
One Friday each month, guest speakers come to the museum to meet with homeschool students about various topics including the hammered dulcimer and archaeology. Register on our website or call us at (850) 678-2615 to reserve your space!
Cost
Students - $10 each | $8 for members
Parents - first is free, additional are $3 each
Upcoming dates and topics
October - "Falling" for Literature!
The Youth Services Department of the Niceville Public Library joins us for a Halloween- and autumnal-themed literature and writing lesson! Students will have the opportunity to share their story at the end of the lesson.