Students are never too young to learn civics! This program introduces simple community and civics concepts by encouraging early elementary students to ask what it means to be a hero and to think about heroes in their communities. Students will learn about real heroes throughout our state’s history as they explore Connecticut’s Old State House and discover all the ways people of all ages can be heroes for their communities!

Step inside this former Connecticut State Capitol and take on the roles of Governor, Legislators, Judge, and Jury in the historic Courtroom, House, and Senate Chambers! This program immerses students in the functions of our state government through roleplay and hands-on activities that demonstrate how each branch works and how we can take an active part in our democracy.

Note: Grades 3-5 & Grades 6-8 have different topic offerings.

Explore the Old State House as a museum educator shares the stories of the historic events that have shaped both state and national history. Students will examine the building’s use throughout its 230-year history and learn about the Amistad trials, Prudence Crandall, and other key stories from its past.

This program has students explore how Connecticut’s provisions, people, and ideas helped win American independence. Students examine primary sources — including George Washington’s correspondence with Governor Jonathan Trumbull — and leave having identified their own role an engaged citizen today.

Each year, NHD selects an Annual Theme that serves as a lens for exploring an historical topic. This workshop delves into this year’s theme, and helps  students consider how ideas, events and actions can be considered through the lens of Innovation in History: Impact, Influence, Change. Students can brainstorm topic ideas with staff and discuss how they align with the 2027 Theme. This workshop will be most effective if offered early in the year, before students have settled on their topics.

Take a journey through time as you explore CT’s Old State House and learn about key points in our state’s voting history. Watch election results change as history progresses through your tour and consider all the ways that change can be enacted. Students will then participate in a group discussion about what civic participation means to them and the ways that they can take active roles in shaping the future.

This program places students in the Senate Chamber and Courtroom where the Amistad case first unfolded. Through the words of the captives and their contemporaries, students explore their experiences, legal representation, and the meaning of justice and freedom.