TCHS has developed a 2.5 hour field trip with historical programming to introduce third graders to local history. The students arrive at the historical site and participate in five 20-minute sessions, led by TCHS volunteers in period dress.
The children experience a one room schoolhouse, learn about the Uses of the Bison, experience hands-on interactions with antique tools, complete a scavenger hunt in the museum, and play some children's games of the late 1800s.
The program qualifies for a grant from Freedom's Frontier to reimburse up to 75% of the transportation costs of the field trip. For more information on that program, click here.
To expand this program to a full day, contact the museum director for more information.
A hands-on exhibit of what a pioneer family would have packed to take with them in a covered wagon.
TCHS volunteers are available to present this trunk to a classroom in a 30-60 minute program.
Alternatively, a teacher may borrow the trunk to use in the classroom.
Everything in the trunk is meant to be touched by the students.
History Camp is a week-long camp for youth entering grades 4, 5 and 6 in the fall. Camp meets from 9am to noon for the week. Our volunteers create a fun space to learn, and we invite guest speakers and re-enactors to make history come alive.
In 2023, we explored topics in science and history, such as paleontology, water, communication, transportation, and farm chemistry. Along the way, we talked about the Kansas who contributed to these fields of endeavor.
In 2022, we looked at what life was like for the inhabitants of this area during the years 1850-1875. We looked at many aspects of life, from traveling to this area, medical diseases and treatments during the time period, and what life was like for a Civil War soldier.
In 2021, we spent one day on each of the broad groups who inhabited this area of Leavenworth County, Kansas before us - Prehistoric People, the Kanza People, European settlers, freed slaves, and the Delaware Nation.
TCHS funds an annual $300 scholarship to a USD 464 student who is pursuing a course of study related to history. Previous recipients may re-apply for additional awards.
DOWNLOAD Scholarship Rules (pdf)
DOWNLOAD Application Form (pdf)
DOWNLOAD Application Form (Word format)
Application form and essay can be emailed to TCHS Scholarship Committee at TCHSTonganoxie@gmail.com
OR mailed to TCHS, PO Box 785, Tonganoxie, KS 66086.
TCHS offers Student Internship to those who are interested in museums and history.
Previous interns have gone on to careers teaching high school history and working with the Kansas State Historical Society.
If you are a student ready to head for college or already there, talk to us about opportunities for both paid and unpaid internships.
