Basic Programs: 

A. Plantation Life
This program explores the dynamics of a 19^th century backcountry plantation.  Plantations often functioned as a community, with each person performing his or her own role.  Some of the roles discussed include a plantation master, mistress, overseer, and slaves (skilled artisans, field hands, house servants.)  Included in the program are tours of the plantation house, cook house, and slave cabin.

Approximate Tour Length: 1- 1.5 hours (depending on group size)
Cost: $4.00 per person
(This basic program is free to the assigned 3^rd Grade CMS Schools) 

Competency Goals Met: Kindergarten- Goals 3.02, 3.03, 6, First- Goals 1, 3.01, 3.02, 6.02, Second- Goals 3.02, 3.03, 3.04, 4.03, 7.02, 7.03, Third- Goals 2, 3.01, 5.02, 5.03, 5.04, 5.05, 5.06, Fourth- Goals 2.04, 3.05, 4.01, Fifth- Goals 3.01, 3.03, 3.04, 4.01, 4.03, Eighth- Goal 3.04 

B. Life on the Farm
This program looks at the life of a yeoman farmer (subsistence farmer.)  Yeoman farmers represented the majority of North Carolinians during the 19^th century.  The program includes a tour of the barns, outbuildings, cabin, and animals (with a focus on the importance of animals to 19^th century survival.)

Approximate Tour Length: 1-1.5 hours (depending on group size)
Cost: $4.00 per person

Competency Goals Met: Kindergarten- Goal 6, First- Goals 6.01, 6.02, 6.03, Second- Goals 3.02, 6.01, 6.02, 7.02, 7.03, Third- Goals 2.02, 2.03, 5.01, 5.02, 5.03, 5.05, 5.06, Fourth- Goals 2.03, 2.04, 3.01, 3.05, 5.03

 C. Civil War Soldier’s Life
This program examine the times and lives of the American soldier during the American Civil War from 1861-1865.  Taken from a viewpoint that neither favors nor discredits, this program discusses the political, social, and military aspects of this tragic conflict.  A costumed interpreter will demonstrate the life of a Civil War soldier through a living history presentation that includes camp life, military equipment, uniforms, medicine, food, and military tactics.  The loading and firing of a Civil War era musket is included in this demonstration.  The program also includes a tour of the plantation house.

Approximate Tour Length: 1-1.5 hours
Cost $4.00 per person

Competency Goals Met: Fifth- Goal 4.05, Eighth- Goal 4, Eleventh- Goals 2 and 3

 D. Back of the Big House
This program, centered around the African American Experience Cabin, teaches students about slave life in the Carolinas through the stories of enslaved African Americans who lived at Latta.  Topics explored include slave culture, work, family life, and survival.  Students will play a game, and make an herb bracelet to take with them.  This program is presented by African American interpreter, BeeJay Caldwell, a Huntersville, NC native. 

Approximate Tour Length: 1-1.5 hours (depending on group size)

Cost: $5.00 per person 

Competency Goals Met: Kindergarten- Goals 3.02, 3.03, 6, First- Goals 1, 3.01, 3.02, 6.02, Second- Goals 3.02, 3.03, 3.04, 4.03, 7.02, 7.03, Third- Goals 2, 3.01, 5.02, 5.03, 5.04, 5.05, 5.06, Fourth- Goals 2.04, 3.05, 4.01, Fifth- Goals 3.01, 3.03, 3.04, 4.01, 4.03, Eighth- Goal 3.04 

Additional Programs:

   These programs can be added on to the basic program for a fee of $1.00 each per student.  Several of the programs are hands-on and created to enhance the students’ experiences.

Available All Year:
A. 19th Century Schoolhouse
Students will learn about 19th century schools and how they compare to modern learning experiences.  Children get to use hornbooks, slates, and more as they go back in time for an educational experience they will not forget! 

B. Farm Animal Tour (already included in Life on the Farm tour)
Students will meet our heritage farm animals and learn about what each animal contributed to farm life.  Most of these animals are now considered rare or endangered breeds.

C. Woodworking Demonstration
Students will learn about primitive woodworking techniques, see examples of period tools, and see an actual woodworking demonstration.

Available Fall/Winter:
D. Candle Dipping
Each student will have the opportunity to dip a ‘birthday size’ candle to take home.  During this program, the children will learn how candles were hand-dipped in the early 1800s.

E. Open-Hearth Cooking Demonstration
While in the cook house, the students will be able to observe cooking as it was done, over the open fire. 

F. Cotton Picking and Processing
Students will be able to go to the field and pick a small amount of cotton, then learn about the process from planting to ginning.  Only available when cotton is ripe, generally late September through early December.

Available Spring/Summer:
F. Cornhusk Doll Making
Students have the opportunity to make cornhusk dolls to take home.  This opportunity allows the students to make toys as children did in the 19^th century.

H. 19^th Century Games
The students will participate in outdoor games that were played by children 200 years ago.

I. Corn Shelling and Grinding
Students will learn about the importance of corn to 19^th century survival, and participate in the shelling and grinding process.

*All tours are subject to the availability of supplies and or tour guides.  Please notify us if you have any special requests.

*With each additional program, the length of the program will be extended or the basic tour will be reduced to accommodate your schedule.