Education Programs

Overview

Discover the hard work and experiences of the many diverse peoples who called this land home between 1800 and 1949, including Indigenous peoples, Settlers, and Immigrants. In the 1800s, large waves of new people arrived in this region, forever changing both the lives of the people who called this place home and the environment. As we explore the history of Slate River and area, students will begin to understand how new communities developed and how people’s experiences varied in the 1800 & 1900s. The village was a busy and productive place. Our education program offers students the opportunity to experience the hard work expected of children and villagers in the past. OPHP’s programs are delivered in the setting of the Village to create an immersive experience. Students will leave with an understanding of how diverse communities in this region have changed over time.

Trip Planning

We ask that all programs are booked 2 weeks in advance
A minimum of 4 days notice is required to make any changes to a booking. All groups will be charged on the day of arrival for their confirmed numbers or actual numbers, whichever are greater.
Teachers and support workers for individual students are admitted free. School groups are encouraged to bring as many teachers/supervisors (adults) as needed to ensure that kids are safe and well supervised. Please check your board/organization’s supervision requirements or aim for our recommended minimum supervision ratios.
Cancellation Note: Groups cancelling less than 24 hours in advance will be charged a $50.00 cancellation fee unless they rebook. Our programs run rain, snow or shine- unless weather becomes extreme or busses are cancelled.
All programs include a 30 minute lunch break. Students and chaperones must provide their own food and water.
Please consider travel time. We are located 13 KM passed the Airport south n Hwy 61.
Do you have participants who require accommodation? Please let us know at booking and we will work with you to ensure a great experience!
All our programs are available for home school groups as well. Contact us for more details.

Pre-Arrival Information

We are an outdoor museum. Our programs take place outdoors and in a variety of heritage buildings that do not have air conditioning or modern heat. Please ensure participants dress for the weather. Appropriate footwear is important at the Village.
- Our rural setting often means different weather conditions than in the city of Thunder Bay. Check the weather before your visit. Please encourage your group members to dress for the weather, and protect themselves from the elements. All programs run rain or shine.
Please remember if anyone in your group is not feeling well or is potentially contagious please have them stay home. We want to ensure the well-being of all our participants, visitors, volunteers, and staff.

Arrival Information

Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of your program to ensure time for payment, washroom breaks, and group organization to allow for a prompt program start.
Any delays may reduce the duration of your booked program.
Accessible washrooms are available in our Train Station, Duke Hunt Museums and Russ’s Garage.
Lunch will be held at the Patterson Pavilion if the weather is not cooperating we will eat in the School House and Church dependant on group size

Programming

Tours are typically 2 hours in length with a half hour reserved for a picnic lunch.

Students will be divided into three equal groups with each group starting in a different area of the park. Our tours can be tailored to focus on either pioneer life (typically for students grade 2-6) or transportation history (typically for students grade 7-12).

For the pioneer life focused tour, students will tour the Duke Hunt Museum and Village (School, Teacher’s House, Church, Train Station, General Store, Village Square, Walter’s Garage, and Woodcarver’s Shop).

For the transportation history focused tour students will tour the whole site (with more emphasis placed on the Train Station and Walter’s Garage) as well as Russ’s Garage.

Postsecondary School: College & University

We can accommodate post-secondary tours, specialized workshops, and/or multi-day projects. Our staff can work with you to create a unique and experiential program that suits your student’s interests and needs.