School programs
Bellevue House National Historic Site
Bring your classroom to Bellevue House to experience, engage, and discuss life in the 1840s, Sir John A. Macdonald, his role in Confederation, and the impacts of his political actions. Immerse your students in guided conversations about Macdonald’s complex legacy and the continued impact on Canada today.
Recommended for Grades 4 to 12, and post secondary.
The site offers a basic 1 hour guided programs, extended 2.5 hour programs, or custom programs to align with your curriculum needs.
Fees can vary, please call for details
Bellevue and beyond (plus special activity)
This outdoor tour introduces the history and architecture of Bellevue House and its 1840s connection to John A. Macdonald. Students then explore the historic home’s interior exhibits with an interpreter, who provides insights on Macdonald’s life and career. The tour includes one of two activities selected at booking, with guided support offered throughout the visit.
Details
Special activities:
Bellevue and beyond plus special Front door/back door activity:
This dialogue-based activity engages concepts of class in Macdonald’s 1840s household and the Kingston community through facilitated discussion. An interpreter invites group members to enter the historic house through the front or back doors based on an assigned role.
OR
Bellevue and beyond, plus Victorian gardens:
This activity takes place after visiting the historic home. Through interactive garden-based activities, the group will explore and engage with the property’s natural and built environments and will learn about relationships with the home’s historic residents. An interpreter will present heritage plant uses and planting techniques, as well as introduce nineteenth-century composting and food management.
Adaptable for all ages and groups
Duration: 60 to 75 minutes
This tour aligns with Ontario curriculum units in:
- Environmental Studies
- Social Studies
- History
Call or email ahead to book a time that fits your schedule
Cost: Fees dependent age group and program selection and length, please call for details
The many voices of confederation
Puzzled about the history of Bellevue House and Sir John A. Macdonald? Engage your class with an immersive program which inspires participants to contemplate the history of colonialism in Canada. Learn about the life of Canada’s first prime minister and have conversations about the impacts of his complex legacy.
Details
Grades 5 to 8
Duration: 90 to 120 minutes
Curriculum Connections: This program has a focus on Macdonald, his career, and the communities affected by his political actions.
- Grade 5 Social Studies, Strand A. Heritage and Identity: Interactions of Indigenous Peoples and Europeans prior to 1713, in What Would Eventually Become Canada
- Grade 6 Social Studies, Strand A. Heritage and Identity: Communities in Canada Past and Present
- Grade 7 History, Strand B. Canada, 1800-1850: Conflict and Challenges
- Grade 8 History, Strand A. Creating Canada, 1850-1890
Cost: Fees dependent age group and program selection and length, please call for details
Custom
classes
Bellevue House is a perfect location to provide you with inclusive experiences that link to your curriculum goals. Call to discuss customizing a guided tour to align with your students’ interests, specific curriculum goals, accessibility needs, and more.
Details
Adaptable for all ages and abilities.
Duration: 30 to 120 minutes
Cost: Fees dependent age group and program selection and length, please call for details
Learn more about the sites facilities and accessibility features.
Contact us!
Phone number: Phone number: 613-545-8666 ext. 208Email address: Email address: bellevue.house@pc.gc.ca
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