Education & Entertainment
Online Resources
Let us give you free, fun things to do when you're not exploring the museum. Activities range from personality quizzes, puzzles, coloring sheets, to a blacksmith demonstration video and math problems. Great for adults who want to relax, teachers, and bored kids.
Manatee History Day
Students make the past come alive!
Click here for a list of our 2020 Manatee History Day winners!
Manatee History Day is a local affiliate of National History Day (NHD), a nationwide contest designed to interest students in history and encourage them to learn about history through primary research. Instead of reading a textbook, students are asked to do research for information during that time period. Students use sources such as newspapers, diaries, letters, photographs, government records, and oral history interviews to answer questions about the past. Students present their findings in a creative way by making their own exhibit boards, dramatic performances, documentaries, websites, or research papers. Middle School and High School students may participate as individuals or in groups of up to 5 students and might advance to State or National competitions if they choose to compete.
Like & Follow our Facebook page for the Manatee History Day Club: https://www.facebook.com/manateehistoryday/
For information on participating as a student or teacher in Manatee History Day, volunteering as a judge, or becoming a sponsor, visit: https://www.manateeclerk.com/departments/historical-resources/manatee-history-day/
Field Trips
We are currently developing new school programs for students of various ages and needs. School teachers must make a reservation in advance by emailing us at manatee.village@manateeclerk.com.
Field trips typically take place August through March.
Field trip applications for the 2020-2021 school year will be posted on August 3, 2020.
Teachers are urged to make their reservation early in the school year.
Traveling History Trunk
The Life of a Civil War Soldier traveling trunk outreach program is designed to provide students with experiential learning opportunities that enhance the core history curriculum. It generates student interest in American history through the exploration of artifact reproductions, documents, photographs, and other resources.
Stay tuned for our next Traveling Trunk themes!
The trunk is available from the Manatee Village Historical Park with support from donations and the Manatee County Historical Commission. There is no fee to use it, and teachers may keep the trunk for maximum two weeks. For more information, please contact us at manatee.village@manateeclerk.com
Guest Speakers
Looking for a speaker for your local club or organization? Staff can give informational talks on Manatee Village Historical Park, Manatee County History, and Manatee History Day. Availability varies based on upcoming events and staff schedules. To check availability, email manatee.village@manateeclerk.com or call (941) 749-7165.
Download the Speaker Request form
Group Tours
Group Tours are provided for groups of 10 people or more.* The cost is $5.00 per person. Reservations must be made at least 14 days in advance by calling (941) 749-7165.
*Group tours may be provided for groups of 10 people or fewer, but the minimum cost of $50.00 will still apply.
Download our Group Tour Application