Historic Beverly offers educational programs for students from grades 3 to 12.
Historic Beverly is proud to offer several school programs that offer exciting and engaging educational opportunities for students. All programs can be adapted for older or younger students and can be brought into the classroom or done at one of our three historic properties. All programs incorporate the updated Massachusetts Curriculum Framework standards. We are happy to work with teachers to create custom programs or add unique elements to classroom presentations.
Fees: In-class programs are available for $150/class. If three or more in-class programs are booked for the same day, the cost is $125/class.
Field trips are available on site at all three of our historic properties (seasonally at the Balch House); in some cases, classes may need to be divided into multiple groups.
Field trips are $150 for up to 25 students. Additional students are $6/student.
Please note that 1 teacher/chaperone for every 10 students is required.
Teachers and chaperones are always free.
Black History in Beverly
Set at Liberty
Students will explore the remarkable stories of Beverly’s citizens, both black and white, who fought against the unjust system of slavery. Students will gain a general knowledge about the history of the enslaved people of Massachusetts as well as Beverly-specific stories throughout Beverly’s history and the fight for freedom all the way up to the Civil War.
Through hands-on activities and historical analysis, they will examine the transatlantic trade—also known as the “triangular trade”—and critically assess whether that term accurately represents its complexities. Students will engage directly with history by analyzing self-liberation ads and handling fabric samples and clothing inspired by these historical records. They will also learn about Black Revolutionary War soldiers, exploring how they were treated, what they carried into battle, and even handle some replicas from this important time in history.
Pre-visit materials, including primary and secondary sources, will provide essential context to prepare students for this immersive exploration of Beverly’s past. A full curriculum is available for select grade levels.
Historic Era: Colonial-Civil War
Recommended Grades: 3rd-5th, 8th, US History I
Recommended Property: The Cabot House
MA Frameworks: 3.T1.2; 3.T2.2; 3.T5.3-5; 3.T6.2-4; 3.RI.1-10; 3.W.2,6; 3.SL.1,3,4,6; 4.T1.4-5; 4.T3.1; 4.T4a.5; 4.RI.1-10; 4.W.3,8,9; 4.SL.1,3,4; 5.T1.5-7; 5.T2.4-6; 5.T4.4; 5.T5.1-7; 5.RI.1-10; 5.W.3; 5.SL.1,3,4,6; 8.T2.1,5; 8.T4.4; 8.T5.2,3; USI.T1.1,4-6; USI.T3.2-4; USI.T5.5
Length of program: 1 hour
Archaeology Program
Digging Up the Past
Students will be archaeologists for the day, uncovering the methods, tools, and discoveries that shape our understanding of the past. They will explore what archaeology is, what archaeologists do, and the tools they use to unearth history. Hands-on learning takes center stage as students conduct their own controlled dig and record their findings just like professional archaeologists. The program culminates with students presenting their discoveries to their peers, practicing the skills of observation, analysis, and interpretation that archaeologists use every day.
Historic Era: Pre-colonial-Colonial
Recommended Grades: 3rd-5th
Recommended Property: The Balch House (Seasonally), Hale Farm
MA Frameworks: 3.T1.2; 3.T2.1-3; 3.T5.1-5; 3.SL.1,3,6; 4.T2.3,4; 4.T4a.4,5; 4.SL.1,4; 5T1.1; 5T2.1
Length of Program: 1 hour
Maritime History
The Growth of the Republic
Students will explore the global scope of Massachusetts maritime trade in the 18th and 19th centuries. Beverly, Salem, and other Coastal towns sent ships loaded with salt cod, lumber, rum, and other goods to ports across the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and Africa, returning with products for the domestic market. Students will also explore the role that some Massachusetts merchants had in the Transatlantic Trade of Enslaved Africans.
Pre-visit materials including primary documents such as bills of goods, letters, and newspapers, as well as interactive activities will be provided.
Historic Era: Colonial-Early Republic
Recommended Grades:3rd-5th, US History I
Recommended Property: The Cabot House
MA Frameworks: 3.T1.2; 3.T5.4-5; 3.T6.1; 4.T4.4-5; 4.T4a.5; 5.T1.5-7; 5.T4.4; USI.T1.4,6; USI.T3.2,3
Beverly's Involvement in the 1692 Panic
The Beverly Witch Trials
While the Salem Witch Trials are often associated with Salem, Beverly played a significant role in the events of 1692. Beverly residents served as witnesses in multiple trials, were involved in the investigations, and several individuals were accused of practicing witchcraft themselves. Reverend John Hale, Beverly’s minister at the time, was deeply involved in the trials and later wrote one of the most detailed firsthand accounts of the hysteria—his book was even written in one of the houses students may visit during this program. Through primary sources and historical locations, students will explore Beverly’s connection to the trials and uncover the real stories behind the accusations.
Pre-visit materials such as court records, testimonies, and letters, will assist students in learning about the events that led to the trials, the impact on local communities, and the broader cultural and historical context. They will also examine how fear, superstition, and social dynamics fueled one of the most notorious chapters in American history.
Historic Era: Colonial
Recommended Grades: 3rd, 5th,US History I, High School English Classes
Recommended Property: Hale Farm
MA Frameworks: 3.T1.2; 3.T5.1-5; 3.RI.3,7,10; 3.SL.1-4,6; 5.T1.1,2,5
Step Back in Time
Colonial Life
Step back in time and experience daily life in colonial Beverly. Students will explore how the colonists farmed, worked, cooked, and played through hands-on activities such as the flax-to-linen process, interactive kitchen objects, and even colonial games. In addition, students will be able to explore different parts of Colonial Beverly society like the role of the Puritan religion and how it shaped the community. Whether exploring historic houses or bringing history into the classroom, this immersive program allows students to connect with the past through touch, movement, and discovery.
Recommended Grades: 3rd, 5th
Recommended Property: The Balch House
Historic Era: Colonial
MA Frameworks: 3.T1.2; 3.T2.3; 3.T3.1,3; 3.T5.1-5; 3.RI.1,7; 3.SL.1-4,6; 5.T1.1,2,4,5
The Debates of the Independence
Pave Your Own Road to the Revolution: To Sign or Not to Sign
Students will step into the heated debates of the Second Continental Congress, where revolutionaries wrestled with the decision to declare independence. Through a close reading and analysis of the Declaration of Independence, they will explore the process of drafting this historic document, the concerns and objections raised by some of its signers, and the immense weight of their choice.
In a series of critical thinking exercises, students will put themselves in the shoes of the delegates, considering the risks, consequences, and ideals at stake. Would they have signed the Declaration? What might have held them back?
Pre-visit materials will introduce students to the historical context, setting the stage for a dynamic and thought-provoking exploration of one of America’s defining moments.
Recommended Grades: 3rd, 5th, 8th, US History I
Recommended Property: The Cabot House
Historic Era: Revolutionary War
MA Frameworks: 3.T6.3; 3.RI.1,7; 3.SL.1-4,6; 5.T2.1b-d,3-6; 8.T1.5; 8.T2.1; 8.T4.2,4; USI.T1.1,3-5
The Revolution at Sea
Pave Your Own Road to the Revolution: The Hannah and the Nautilus
Step aboard and set sail into history as students uncover the story of the first naval battle of the American Revolution, fought right off the shores of Beverly at Independence Park. The clash between the Hannah—a small merchant vessel turned warship—and the powerful British naval vessel, the Nautilus, set the stage for America’s fight for independence at sea.
Students will explore what life was like as a sailor during the Revolutionary War, from the daily challenges aboard a ship to the dangers of battle. Through interactive games and hands-on activities, they will experience the skills, strategies, and hardships faced by those who fought on the open water.
This immersive program brings history to life, allowing students to engage with the past in a dynamic and memorable way.
Recommended Grades: 3rd-5th
Recommended Property: The Cabot House
Historic Era: Revolutionary War
MA Frameworks: 3.T6.1-4; 3.RI.1,7; 3.SL.1-4,6; 5.T2.1,5,6; USI.T1.1,3,4,5
Beverly's Role in the American Revolution
Pave Your Own Road to the Revolution: Bev and the Rev
Beverly played a critical role in the American Revolution, from soldiers marching into battle to privateers launching daring raids at sea. But the war wasn’t just fought on the front lines—women on the homefront took on new responsibilities, supporting the cause in ways often overlooked.
In this immersive program, students will step into the shoes of Revolutionary War soldiers, privateers, and civilians to understand their daily lives and challenges through hands-on activities and. Students will unpack the life of a soldier–literally. They’ll explore the world of privateers and naval crews, learning how they communicated and strategized at sea. And finally, they’ll learn about the lives of those at home and the different kinds of revolts that happened here in Beverly.
This fast-paced, hands-on experience brings history to life, allowing students to connect with the choices, challenges, and courage of those who lived through the Revolution.
Recommended Grades: 3rd,5th, US History I
Recommended Property: The Cabot House
Historic Era: Revolutionary War
MA Frameworks: 3.T6.1-4; 3.RI.1,7; 3.SL.1-4,6; 5.T2.1,5,6; USI.T1.1,3,4,5
Historic House Tours: The Balch House
Students of all ages can get a feel for life in the past by visiting one of our three historic houses. Please allow 45 minutes per house.
The Balch House is one of the oldest houses in Beverly and was built in 1680 on land originally settled by John Balch. John Balch was one of the five original settlers of Beverly known as “the Old Planters” who came in 1636 when Beverly was still known as “the Bass River Side of Salem.” The Balch House was built along the Bass River and spanned over 200 acres. The land featured cattle, apples, corn, flax, and more.
Students will learn about life during the colonial period including home life, education, farming, and trade. Students will also learn about what was unearthed during the archeological dig that was done in the 1990s including remnants of the original Balch House built in 1636 and the Indigenous longhouse that dated to the 13th century, showing the much longer history that Beverly has.
Recommended Programs that could additionally be conducted at the Balch House: Colonial Life, Digging Up the Past, the Beverly Witch Trials
Note: groups over 15 will need to be divided at the Balch House and Hale Farm due to the small house size which may increase the time.
Historic House Tours: The Cabot House
Students of all ages can get a feel for life in the past by visiting one of our three historic houses. Please allow 45 minutes per house.
The Cabot House was the first brick house in Beverly and is currently home to Historic Beverly. It was built by merchant John Cabot in 1781. John Cabot and his brothers made much of their money during the Revolutionary War when many of their ships were used as privateering vessels. The Cabot brothers were also responsible for opening the first cotton mill in America.
Students will learn about different aspects of maritime trade and Beverly industries. Students can view an official copy of the Declaration of Independence while discussing Beverly’s role in the American Revolution and the early days of the Republic, including the opening of Beverly Bank in 1802. The Cabot House is also home to the Set at Liberty exhibit which features the stories of the enslaved people in Beverly’s history.
Recommended Programs that could additionally be conducted at the Cabot House: Set at Liberty, Growth of the Republic, Pave Your Own Road to the Revolution
Historic House Tours: Hale Farm
Students of all ages can get a feel for life in the past by visiting one of our three historic houses. Please allow 45 minutes per house.
Hale farm was built in 1694 for the first minister of Beverly, Reverend John Hale. Reverend Hale was heavily involved in the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. It was in this house that he wrote his book A Modest Enquiry into the Nature of Witchcraft which gave a first hand account and offered criticisms to how the panic trials out. Later, Hale Farm became a summer home during the “Gold Coast” years, when the wealthy folks from the city came to summer here.
Students will learn about the colonial period and Beverly’s involvement in the Salem Witch Trials from those who were accusers to the ones who were accused. Students will also learn about how the house and land changed over time and the other people who lived at Hale over the years, including the people who were enslaved. New to Hale: Students can be completely hands-on in our new completely interactive kitchen!
Recommended Programs that could additionally be conducted at Hale Farm: The Beverly Witch Trials, Colonial Life
Note: groups over 15 will need to be divided at the Balch House and Hale Farm due to the small house size which may increase the time.