This August Step Into the 18th Century at Glebe House Hands-on History brings Colonial Life to Kids

In a time when children are surrounded by screens, packed schedules, and digital distractions, the summer programs at the Glebe House Museum in Woodbury offers something refreshingly different: a chance to slow down, step into history, and learn through experience. 

For more than 36 years, the Glebe House Museum’s Summer Experience programs have invited children to discover the past in a way that is both educational and memorable. Designed for children ages 6–12, these programs go far beyond traditional classroom learning. Instead of simply reading about colonial life, campers get to live it.

 

Two Unique August Programs

This August, the museum is offering two special camp opportunities.

 

The first program runs August 3–7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. During this week, children will explore the treasures of the Glebe House Museum through colonial crafts, candle making, butter churning, historic games, and nature-based activities. Children will also visit the Gertrude Jekyll Garden, learn about herbal remedies and kitchen gardens, and create nature-inspired art.

A second, newly expanded program will take place August 10–12, from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. In partnership with Flanders Nature Center and Land Trust, this immersive experience places children in the daily lives of people who lived during the American Revolutionary War. In a year when the nation is commemorating its 250th birthday, the program offers a timely and engaging way for young people to understand the realities of colonial life.

 

Set in the historic Glebe House, built in 1750, these programs focus on the practical skills needed for survival and comfort in the colonial era. Under the guidance of historical interpreters, children will use period-appropriate tools and techniques to better understand how people worked, lived, and adapted in a very different world.

 

Beyond the historical learning, these programs provide something equally important: a safe, enriching environment where children can build confidence, creativity, and independence.

 

With support from the Ion Bank Foundation, the Glebe House continues to offer programs that nurture both minds and imaginations. The museum’s approach combines education with play, making the summer experience valuable for children and reassuring for families.

 

For parents looking for a program that blends history, nature, creativity, and hands-on discovery, the Glebe House camp offers a compelling option. It is a chance for children to step away from the noise of modern life and into another world—one filled with learning, exploration, and wonder.

 

Registration Information

For details or to register, visit http://www.glebehousemuseum.org, or contact the museum at 203-263-2855 or office @glebehousemuseum.org Early Bird pricing through June 30.

 

About the Glebe House & Garden 

Nestled in the scenic Litchfield Hills in the heart of historic Woodbury, the Glebe House Museum offers a unique look at Revolutionary War-era Connecticut. The restored 18th-century farmhouse, once home to Reverend John Rutgers Marshall and his family, is furnished to reflect daily life during the American War for Independence. Opened to the public in 1925, the Glebe House is one of the nation’s earliest historic house museums and has welcomed visitors for over a century. Its restoration was led by Henry Watson Kent, a leading figure in American decorative arts. Gertrude Jekyll, one of the most influential garden designers of the 20th century, designed the museum’s garden in 1926. This classic English-style garden features 350 feet of vibrant mixed borders and is the only surviving example of Jekyll’s work in the United States. The garden is now in its fourth year of full restoration.