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History Player in the Classroom

History Player Looking for a field trip alternative? Our History Players come to you! Using props and artifacts, costumed History Players engage students in their memorable life stories. Book programs at your school, join with another school or gather your homeschool group. Teacher's packet with pre- and post-visit activities included. Maximum class size 60.

Participating Schools Receive:

  • A lively 45-minute lesson. A costumed interpreter from the Minnesota Historical Society leads your class in an enjoyable interactive lesson.
  • A background packet for teachers. Includes a character biography, a timeperiod overview and activity objectives.
  • A pre-visit activity. A set of cards asks students to compare their lives to the History Player's life, providing historical context for the visit. When the teacher tapes the cards together, the character's image is revealed.
  • A post-activity booklet for each student. The booklet encourages students to write, draw, compare and imagine as they make connections between their lives and the past!

History Players

History Center Players

  • Harriet Bishop (1817-1883), St. Paul's first public school teacher
  • James Goodhue (1810-1852), editor of Minnesota's first newspaper, The Pioneer
  • Maud Hart Lovelace(1892-1980), author of the Betsy-Tacy series of children's books
  • George Nelson (1786-1859), fur trade clerk for the North West and Hudson Bay Companies
  • Virginia Mae Hope (1921-1944), World War II Women Airforce Service Pilot
  • Thomas Lyles (1843-1920), African American community activist and entrepeneur

Mill City Museum Players

Program Cost

Fees apply to presentations on the same day at the same location. Additional fees for mileage and lodging may apply to travel outside the Twin Cities metro area. Cost-savings tip: Perhaps a nearby school, class or group would like to coordinate with you. If you have suggestions, contact us. We'll do our best to meet your needs! History Players are also popular with adult groups and homeschools.

  • $250 for one 50-minute presentation (includes pre- and post-visit materials and hand-outs)
  • $125 for second presentation (same building, same day)
  • $75 for third presentation and materials (same building, same day)
  • $50 for the fourth and all additional presentations (same building, same day)

Recommended class size for each presentation is 20 to 40 students. Maximum number of students per presentation is 60. Grades K-8 only.

Scheduling

To arrange a visit by a History Player, contact:
History Center Players: 651-259-3412 or HPIC@mnhs.org
Mill City Museum Players: 612-341-7556
NOTE: History Players must be scheduled at least six weeks in advance. Availability of specific characters may be limited and is subject to change. Additional fees for mileage and lodging reimbursement apply to travel outside of the Twin Cities metro area.

“From the moment that the students walked into the room they were facinated with her. Throughout their visit with 'Harriet Bishop' they remained enthralled with her and all the information she had to share.”
        (Teacher reaction to “History Player” program)