Interpretive and Educational Programs

Interpretive Programs

Guided tours are available of Watkins Woolen Mill and the Watkins family home. The mill is a National Historic Landmark and is the only 19th-century textile mill in the country with its original machinery intact. The visitor center offers an introduction to the Watkins family and their many business ventures.

During the summer months (April through October), the historic site's Living History Farm Program offers visitors a glimpse into the life of a family in the 1870s. Costumed staff and volunteers give demonstrations on cooking, gardening and other period activities.

Natural history programs are offered throughout the summer months in the campground.

April through October

Visitor Center, Museum Exhibits, Grounds (free admission):
Monday-Saturday	9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday	10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Tours of Watkins Woolen Mill and the Watkins House:
Monday-Saturday	10 a.m. - 4 p.m.	Mill tours are given on the even hours (10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m.) and house tours are on the odd hours (11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.).
Sunday	11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Fees for tours:
Adults	$2.50
Children ages 6 through 12	$1.50
Children under 6	free
Family rate	$12

Tours begin on the hour. Mill tours are given on the even hours (10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.) and house tours are on the odd hours (11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.).

Visitors must be with a tour guide to enter the house or mill. Tours are limited to 15 people per group.

Pets are not allowed in the visitor center, on the grounds of the historic site or in the historic buildings.

November through March

Visitor Center, Museum Exhibits, Grounds (free admission):
Monday-Saturday	9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Sunday	10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Tours of Watkins Woolen Mill and the Watkins House:
November	Monday-Saturday	10 a.m. - 3 p.m.	Mill tours are given on the even hours (10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m.) and house tours are on the odd hours (11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.).
	Sunday	11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
December - February	Friday-Saturday, holiday Mondays	10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
	Sunday	11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
March	Monday-Saturday	10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
	Sunday	11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Fees for tours:
Adults	$2.50
Children ages 6 through 12	$1.50
Children under 6	free
Family rate	$12

November and March: Guided tours of the historic buildings are given daily.

December through February: Guided tours of the historic buildings are only given on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and holiday Mondays.

Tours begin on the hour. Mill tours are given on the even hours (10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.) and house tours are on the odd hours (11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.).

Visitors must be with a tour guide to enter the house or mill. Tours are limited to 15 people per group because of space and floor load.

Pets are not allowed in the visitor center, on the grounds of the historic site or in the historic buildings.

Educational Programs

The historic site offers a variety of education programs. Contact the office 816-580-3387 for further information.

Tours

Tour fees are $.75 for students ages 6-12 and $1.50 for older students and adults. The tour fee includes both the mill and house. Tours must be scheduled for weekdays at least two weeks in advance.

Woolen Mill

The one-hour guided tour includes the engine shed and the first, second and third floors of the mill.
The maximum group size is 64 persons, including adults, per day.
Contact the historic site at least two weeks in advance.
Mill tours are limited to fourth-graders and above.
At least one adult for every 15 students, please.
Tour fee: 75¢ for students ages 6-12; $1.50 for older students and adults.

Theme
Grades fourth through sixth: Emphasis is on the types and uses of machinery; mill workers; working conditions; the role of the woolen mill in Missouri history.

Grades seventh through twelfth: Emphasis on types and uses of machinery; production of goods; mill workers; working conditions; industrialism in the United States during the 19th century; and the role of the woolen mill in Missouri history.

Watkins House

The 45-minute guided tour includes the house and outbuildings.
The maximum group size is 64 persons, including adults, per day.
Contact the historic site at least two weeks in advance.
House tours are limited to first graders and above.
At least one adult for every 15 students, please.

Theme
Grades first through sixth: Emphasis is on the furnishings and use of rooms; 19th century living conditions; the Watkins family; the farm, the orchard and livestock.

Grades seventh through twelfth: Emphasis is on the furnishing and use of rooms; 19th century living conditions; the Watkins family; food preservation; the farm, the orchard, and livestock.

Audio-Visual Programs

Video - Missouri Confronts Industrialism

A 26- minute video; recommended for all age levels.
The video is available to view and/or purchase at the visitor center.
The video is also available for loan through Mid-Continent Public Library.

Slideshow

A 50-minute slideshow tour of the woolen mill, with taped narration, is available for viewing at the visitor center.

Museum Activities

Museum Scavenger Hunt

Developed to help students gain a better understanding of the museum exhibits.
Teachers should request a copy of the scavenger hunt prior to visiting the historic site.
Teachers are responsible for making their own copies.
There are two scavenger hunts available: one for grades 1-6, the other for grades 7-12.

Museum Hands-On Table

Developed to help students learn through hand-on activities.

Franklin Academy School Program

Groups may reserve the Franklin Academy school building on a day-to-day basis; please make your reservation at least two weeks in advance.
1870s-era lesson plans are available on request from the historic site office.
Supplemental information to help you plan your visit to the school is also available.
Copies of McGuffey’s Readers and the Ray’s Arithmetic Series are available for use, but must be requested prior to your visit.
There is no charge to use the schoolhouse, provided all materials are returned and the building is left in good condition.

Other Programs

Off-Site Presentations

The presentations can cover topics for past lectures or a program can be developed for your needs. Topics we have presented in the past are Missouri history, Watkins family letters, wool processing demonstrations, the woolen mill, 19th century rural life, 19th century clothing, heirloom vegetables, gardens and flowers, and an 1870s Christmas.
Availability depends on staffing and location. Call for further information.

Walk-About Program

This is a self-guided program that focuses on the grounds of the historic site. Entrance to the Woolen Mill and Watkins’ house is not included with this program. An informational brochure on the Watkins family, structures, farm, etc., can be obtained at the visitor center.
There is no charge for this activity; however, please call two weeks in advance to let staff know you are coming.
No more than 60 students per visit, with at least four adult monitors, please.

Reservations

The above offerings apply to public, private, parochial and home school groups only. These programs and activities are not available on weekends or holidays. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the office at 816-580-3387.