Book a Little Red Schoolhouse Program Tour

Little Red Schoolhouse Program Tour Schedule

Monday-Friday: $60/class (up to 25 students)     Ages: Elementary & Middle School

Virtual Tour option available – contact Program Coordinator Barbara Smyth

Little Red Schoolhouse Program classes visit the 1826 Downtown District one-room school,
the c. 1740 Governor Fitch Law Office, and the 1835 Town House, including the new exhibit
“Norwalk’s Changing Communities: 13,000 BC–1835.”

Admission for teachers and adult chaperones is complimentary.*

*One adult chaperone is required for every 10 students. Chaperones must remain with students at all times and actively supervise the visit.

What do students experience on the Tour?​

Step into the mid 1700s in the Law Office of Governor Thomas Fitch. Explore everyday life in the colonial era with a visit to the home’s kitchen, cellar, and attic bedroom. What did people eat? How did they make sure their food did not spoil? What did a bedroom look like?

Register soon! Dates fill up quickly!

Email Program Coordinator Barbara Smyth at the link below, or call 203-846-0525.

Book a Tour
A teacher dressed as a period schoolmaster introduces a visiting class to the 1826 Downtown District Schoolhouse.

The second half of the tour will take place in the 1826 one-room schoolhouse. Learn about a typical school day in the mid 1800s. What subjects did the children learn? What did their school supplies look like? How did they have fun during recess?

Classes will also explore the exhibit, “Norwalk’s Changing Communities: 13,000 BC–1835.” Select which section of the exhibit you would like the tour guide to focus on:

• The End of the Ice Age

• The First People After the Ice Age

• European Exploration and Contact with Indigenous People

• English Settlement to Seaside Village

• The Battle of Norwalk and its Aftermath

During a Little Red Schoolhouse tour, students experience a school day in the 1820s and explore mid-1700s life in the Governor Fitch Law Office.

CLICK TO ENLARGE
1826 Downtown District Schoolhouse Interior
A teacher dressed as a Colonial schoolmaster
Practicing arithmetic on a slate with chalk
Explaining how a trundle bed works
Practicing arithmetic on a slate with chalk
Practicing writing with a quill pen
A teacher dressed as a Colonial schoolmaster
Practicing Colonial era school tasks
Learning about the Gov. Fitch Law Office kitchen
Practicing colonial era school tasks
Learning about food storage in the Gov. Fitch Law Office cellar
Learning about the Gov. Fitch Law Office kitchen
Practicing writing with a quill pen
Name tags for visiting Schoolhouse Tour students
A class learns about the 1779 Burning of Norwalk
Learning about 1700s food storage in the Gov. Fitch Law Office cellar
1700s food storage in the Gov. Fitch Law Office cellar
1700s food storage in the Gov. Fitch Law Office cellar
1700s food storage in the Gov. Fitch Law Office cellar
1700s food storage in the Gov. Fitch Law Office cellar
Punched tin lanterns in the Gov. Fitch Law Office cellar
Learning about a Colonial American kitchen in the Gov. Fitch Law Office
Learning about a Colonial American kitchen in the Gov. Fitch Law Office
Learning about a trundle bed in the Clerk's Bedroom of the Gov. Fitch Law Office
Learning about a trundle bed in the Clerk's Bedroom of the Gov. Fitch Law Office
A trundle bed in the Clerk's Bedroom of the Gov. Fitch Law Office
Learning about the original 13 Colonies of America
A class learns about the history of Norwalk area indigenous peoples

Norwalk History Resources for the Classroom

The guidebook contains lessons and activities to assist with teaching about:

  • Native Americans in Norwalk
  • European Contact & Early Norwalk Settlers
  • Revolutionary War
  • Burning and Battle of Norwalk

The guidebook also includes pre- and post-visit activities for the Governor Fitch Law Office & the Downtown District one-room School House.

Download Guidebook

Docents

Are you enthusiastic about local history and education? Contact us about becoming a docent for our popular Little Red Schoolhouse Program. Learn about this exciting program and the important role a docent plays in making history come alive for students.  We provide docent training and a stipend.

Please call Diane Jellerette, NHS Executive Director at 203-846-0525 to find out how to get involved.

Sponsors

We welcome sponsors to support the Little Red School House program.  Please contact Diane Jellerette, Executive Director at 203-846-0525 to discuss opportunities.