Fairfield, CT - As part of the new Social Studies curriculum, every child in Grade 3 in the Fairfield Public School system will visit the Fairfield Museum & History Center this spring. The third-graders spend the year studying the geography, government, economics and history of Connecticut and Fairfield, and their field trip to the Fairfield Museum is a memorable, hands-on way to supplement their in-class learning.
While at the Museum, students are able investigate many aspects of Fairfield and the area, including its early development and geography dating from the 17th century to today. Through scavenger hunts, gallery tours and activities, the students learn how people worked, lived, and built the community over time and how those developments have contributed to American history.
Christine Jewell, director of education at the Fairfield Museum, emphasized the importance of viewing objects in the Museum’s collection. “Collections can transport students to a different time by piecing together a story,” she said. In one activity on their field trips, students learn about ship captain Isaac Jennings, his family, and his travels at sea through a painting, actual letters, photographs, and his daughter Minnie’s doll. “Collections,” she said, “tell fascinating stories and prompt additional questions about how people lived in the past.”
The Fairfield Museum is grateful for the support of the Town of Fairfield, Fairfield Public Schools and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for making this field trip program possible. In addition, field trips to the Fairfield Museum are generously supported by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, William T. Morris Foundation, Bankwell, and Bigelow Tea/David and Eunice Bigelow Foundation.
About the Fairfield Museum & History Center
The Fairfield Museum & History Center and Museum Shop, located at 370 Beach Road, is open seven days a week, 10am-4pm. Members of the Museum and children under 5 are admitted free. For more information, call 203-259-1598 or visit Fairfieldhistory.org. The Fairfield Museum relies on funding from individuals, corporations, and foundations. The Museum is especially grateful for leadership support from the State of Connecticut, Town of Fairfield and Fairfield County’s Community Foundation.