School Programming
Welcome teachers and students!
Step into the Story!
Looking for a trip back in time? Join us at the Kilby Historic Site.
A range of year-round On-Site and In-Class programs will complement your curriculum and create an unforgettable classroom adventure. Led by a costumed educator, British Columbia’s early rural history is brought to life as students immerse themselves in hands-on learning.
On-site programs provide a unique opportunity for classes to explore the Kilby General Store (built in 1906), lively farm, and heritage orchard. In-Class programs bring history to you through engaging and fun learning experiences.
Minimum charge, 20 students. Teachers, no charge. One chaperone free per 5 students.
Little Farmhands | Kindergarten
$11/student plus GST (90 minutes) – Launches September 2025
Explore a day in the life of a rural child by participating in activities on the farm. Collect eggs, stuff a scarecrow, play a game, and sample a cookie!
Junior Merchants | Grade 1 – 3
$11/student plus GST (90 minutes)
Step into an original 1906 General Store and Hotel to uncover the role it played in early communities. Students will become junior merchants and help fill a grocery order. Hands-on learning at its best!
Harrison Homesteaders | Grade 4 & up
$15/student plus GST (2 hours)
Experience a day in the life of a homesteading child. Step into the role of a child from 1906 where there is always work to be done. From tin piercing to biscuit shaping and butter churning, these hands-on activities will illustrate the challenges in the everyday lives of children living in Harrison Mills. Classes are encouraged to dress up in period clothing. *Additional adult helpers are required.
Guided Heritage Tour | All grades
$11/student plus GST (90 minutes)
Bring your curriculum to life. These 90 minute guided tours are customized to align with your learning objectives and to provide your students with the most meaningful experiences. Tour focus can include farm animal care, flooding and dykes, and fun group building activities.
Add-on Experiences (all grades)
$4/student plus GST (each class must choose the same activity)
Ice Cream Making (Year-Round) | 30 minutes
Roll up your sleeves and get ready to make the freshest ice cream ever! Everyone helps churn cream and sugar into a tasty treat. This fun and interactive activity is great for all ages and the reward for their hard work is a sample of their freshly churned ice cream!
Butter Making (Year-Round) | 30 minutes
Using an original butter churn, all hands are needed to turn heavy cream into delicious butter. Fresh bread and self-made butter complete this program.
Apple Cider Pressing (September to October) | 30 minutes
Students try their hand at turning apples into juice using our century-old Apple Press. Stories and samples are the reward for their hard work.
Can’t make it to our Site? Let us bring history to YOU!
In-Class programming: minimum charge, 20 students.
Timeless Fun and Games | Grade 1-6
December only. $10/student plus GST (90 minutes)
Toys and games have been used for centuries to educate and entertain. Students rotate through activity centres experimenting with optical illusions, gravity toys, and table-top games. Students will make or colour their own take-home toy.
Additional help is required. Mileage may apply.
New! Gold Fever! | Grade 4
$40/student plus GST (90 minutes)
An immersive, in-class experience focusing on the Cariboo Gold Rush. Students learn how prospectors sought their fortunes. Poke making, panning, food samples, and stories. The Gold Rush comes to life! 5 in-class visits.
Payment details:
Payments are processed the day of the visit to allow for any absentees. We will invoice you after your visit. Cheque or credit card accepted.
Kilby Historic Site facilities:
We have many picnic tables on the grounds which are great for having your own packed lunch. The museum is within walking distance of Kilby Park on the Harrison River. Some school groups choose this area to have lunch or enjoy a walk to the beach. A third option is to have lunch indoors, in the Orientation Barn, should you experience inclement weather during your visit.
We look forward to booking your class tour!
Our digital collection, useful to teachers, students, and history enthusiasts of any age can be found here.
Contact us!
Contact:
Kilby Historic Site
215 Kilby Road, Box #55,
Harrison Mills, BC
V0M 1L0
Phone: 604-796-9576 Ext 101
Fax: 604-796-9592
Email: info@kilby.ca