School tours

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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.

Cost

$7 per student

$3 per adult chaperone

Free for teachers

Find out more

History Sandwiched-In

Join us on the second Friday of each month for an hour-long casual lecture about the history of crafts, the Florida Panhandle, and a variety of other topics! These events are always free, and no registration is required. Attendees are encouraged to bring 

13 September

Florida's Trouble with Treasure

12pm - 1pm

Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida

+ Event Details

13 September

Florida's Trouble with Treasure

Mike Thom from the Florida Public Archaeology Network - Northwest Region joins us for "Florida's Trouble with Treasure." As always, bring a lunch, a drink, and a curious mind!


Mike Thomin is the manager of the Florida Public Archaeology Network’s Destination Archaeology Resource Center and a Research Associate at the University of West Florida. He received his B.A. in history and M.A. in history/public history from the University of West Florida. Mike has spent over a decade working as a museum professional in public archaeology, is a Certified Guide with the National Association for Interpretation, and has worked on a variety of heritage interpretative and heritage tourism projects across the state. Most recently he is working on a multidisciplinary and collaborative project to designate the Florida Panhandle into a National Heritage Area. He also currently serves on the Trail of Florida Indian Heritage Board of Directors as vice president, St. Michael’s Cemetery Board of Directors, and the Gulf Coast Science Festival Advisory Committee. Mike has a passion for maritime history and is a certified computer nitrox/scientific diver. His research interests include public history, maritime history, public archaeology, museum studies, and heritage interpretation. His published articles have appeared in Legacy, Interdisciplinary Journal of Maritime Studies, Museum Review, and the Journal of the American Revolution.

12pm - 1pm

Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida

11 October

Tombstone Tales

12pm - 1pm

Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida

+ Event Details

11 October

Tombstone Tales

It's the spookiest time of year, and our October History Sandwiched-In will tap into some of our local lore and mysteries. The talk will be led by  the Florida Public Archaeology Network.

12pm - 1pm

Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida

8 November

Quirky Science History

12pm - 1pm

Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida

+ Event Details

8 November

Quirky Science History

Diane Fraser, the Director of the Emerald Coast Science Center, will share with us some quirky science history. You won't want to miss this talk!

12pm - 1pm

Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida

+ Event Details

It's the spookiest time of year, and our October History Sandwiched-In will tap into some of our local lore and mysteries. The talk will be led by  the Florida Public Archaeology Network.

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.

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Basket weaving

$55 | $50 for members

 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:

14 September

19 October

9 November

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Watercolor

$45 | $40 for members

 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


27 September

16 November

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Hand Quilting series

$130 | $120 for members

In anticipation of the Thanksgiving holiday, we're offering a six-class hand quilting series with Kathy Everett on Fridays from 10:00-12:00! She'll show you all the steps involved from start to finish to make your own table runner, table topper, or pillow using autumnal fabrics. Students should plan to attend all six classes.


11 October

18 October

25 October

1 November

8 November

15 November


Register online or call (850) 678-2615 to reserve your space today!

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Pine needle basket making

$60 | $55 for members

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:

4 October

21 December

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Introduction to wood turning

$66 | $61 for members

 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 

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Introduction to blacksmithing

$85 | $80 for members

 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

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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. Please contact us for more details and to reserve your space!

Cost

Students -  $10 each | $8 for members

Parents - first is free, additional are $3 each

Upcoming dates and topics

We're taking a break from homeschool lessons for the summer, so check back in August for dates, lessons, and more information. You'll be able to sign up by calling us or reserving your spot right her eon our website!