School Programs

Civics Squared: Grades 9-12

Using a new, state of the art 3D scan of the house, the Education team will offer livestreamed, guided tours to high school classrooms in Marion County, IN – free of charge. Civics Squared tours focus on the legacy of 23rd President Benjamin Harrison and use original Harrison family artifacts as primary sources to narrate a larger story about American History and the state of Indiana.

Each tour can be timed to fit the length of a class period and adapted to focus on specific topic areas according to teacher preference. Tours can lean into Government & Civics, Cultural History of the 1800s, Art History, and more. Tours can also be scheduled for groups outside of Marion County at cost. Contact us for more information about booking.

• Class size limit: None
• Length: Flexible according to class period
• No cost for public accredited high schools in Marion County, IN thanks to generous support from the Kiwanis Foundation of Indianapolis.

THE HARRISON WAY: GRADE 4

Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the US. From the founding to the present: The Harrison family’s legacy reveals itself at some of the most significant moments in American History.

From Benjamin Harrison V, who signed the Declaration of Independence, to 9th President William Henry Harrison, to the only Hoosier President, #23, Benjamin Harrison – students will travel through time to embark on The Harrison Way in a new field trip opportunity for Indiana fourth graders.

Students will begin with the nation’s founding, reviewing primary sources that formed the pillar of our American system of self-government including the Declaration of Independence. Then, students will work together as a class on the museum’s most popular hands-on activity: Settlers and Surveyors. During this program, participants step into the shoes of early Indiana pioneers who built new communities and learn about the unique way that Indiana was surveyed to make public education accessible to all Hoosiers. Finally, students will get a chance to be up close and personal with American History as they tour the 150-year-old historic home of President Benjamin Harrison and First Lady Caroline Harrison. The museum hosts over 11,000 original artifacts – each with a story to tell about the history of the United States, Indiana, the presidency, and life in the 19th century.

• Class size limit: 60 students (no “flip-flop” available for this experience)
• Length: 2.5 hours
• Cost: $8 per student (includes full house tour and two program components)

4th grade 4.H.3 , 4.H.4 , 4.H.6 , 4.H.7 , 4.H.15 , 4.C.1 , 4.C.2 , 4.C.3 , 4.C.4 , 4.E.1 , 4.E.2 , 4.E.4 , 4.E.5 , 4.E.6 , 4.E.7

Banner Year: Grades 4 & 5

Campaigning for the U.S. presidency once was an activity of subtlety and craft. Victorians participated in the political process in greater numbers than today. Why is civic participation still crucial to our political system? Students use Victorian techniques to support their favorite issues.

• Class size limit: 60 students
• Length: 1 hour
• Cost: $5.00 per student

4th grade  4.H.6* |  4.H.7 |  4.H.9 |  4.C.5 | 4.C.6 | 4.E.7*

5th grade  5..C.4 |  5.C.5* |  5.C.6 |  5.C.7 |  5.C.8

Settlers and Surveyors: Grades 3 & 4

William Henry Harrison, grandfather of Benjamin Harrison, was the first Governor of the Indiana Territory during its early settlement. Using a colorful floor map, students learn how the pioneer settlers chose properties for businesses, schools and homes. The role playing aspect of this program makes it popular among students and teachers.

• Class size limit: 60 students
• Length: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cost: $5.00 per student

3rd grade  3.H.1* |  3.H.2 |  3.H.4* |  3.H.6 |  3.C.1* |  3.G.1 |  3.G.3* |  3.G.4* |  3.G.7 |  3.G.8 |  3.E.1 |  3.E.2* |  3.E.3 |  3.E.4 |  3.E.6* | 3.E.8

4th grade  4.H.2* |  4.H.3* |  4.H.4 |  4.H.13 |  4.G.1 |  4.G.6 |  4.G.7 |  4.E.1 |  4.E.3 |  4.E.4 |  4.E.6

Wooden Soldiers: Grades 1 & 2

Since Benjamin Harrison was the first president to celebrate the holidays by decorating a tree in the White House, it is fitting that students see the home’s Victorian seasonal decorations. Harrison used wooden soldiers on his tree to honor those who served with him in the Civil War; each student makes a similar ornament. This program is offered only during the month of December.

• Class size limit: 60 students
• Length: 1 hour
• Cost: $5.00 per student

1st grade  1.H.1 |  1.H.3 |  1.E.1* |  1.E.3

2nd grade  2.H.2 |  2.H.3 |  2.H.4 |  2.C.4 |  2.E.1* | 2.E.3*

The Signing: Grade 5

Benjamin Harrison V, great-grandfather of Benjamin Harrison, was one of the signers of The Declaration of Independence. Students take a leap backward to 1776, become colonists, and sign The Declaration of Independence with quill pens, which they take home as reminders of their visit to the Presidential Site.

• Class size limit: 60 students
• Length: 1 hour
• Cost: $5.00 per student

5th grade  5.H.7* |  5.H.8 |  5.H.9 |  5.H.10* |  5.H.11* |  5.H.13 |  5.C.3*

Coming to America: Grade 3 & 4

Ellis Island (1892-1954) served as a significant entry point for immigrants seeking to contribute to the American economy and society. Established during President Benjamin Harrison’s administration, it processed over 12 million individuals. Students will examine the immigration procedures of that era, understanding the rigorous processes that ensured lawful entry and the importance of maintaining national security and economic stability through regulated immigration.

• Class size limit: 60 students
• Length: 1 hour
• Cost: $5.00 per student

3rd grade  3.H.7* |  3.H.8* |  3.C.2 |  3.G.1 |  3.E.6*

4th grade  4.H.7 |  4.H.9 |  4.H.10 |  4.H.13 |  4.G.8 |  4.G.9

A Pledge and a Promise: Pre-K, Grades 1 & 2

The Pledge of Allegiance was written during Benjamin Harrison’s presidency in 1892, but what is a pledge and what makes this one so special? Students learn that a promise is more than a set of words; it is an intention to do something and a plan for the future. They also learn about the American flag as a symbol.

• Class size limit: 60 students
• Length: 45 minutes to 1 hour
• Cost: $5.00 per student

Pre-K

ELA1.1 Demonstrate receptive communication 

ELA2.3 Demonstrate awareness and understanding of the concept of print 

SS2.3 Demonstrate awareness of the foundations of government or authority 

SS5.1 – Begin to describe the reciprocal relationship between people and their community and the responsibility as citizens to care for it 

SS5.1 Demonstrate awareness of citizenship.

1st grade  1.H.2 |  1.H.3 |  1.H.4* |  1.C.1* |  1.C.2 |  1.C.3 |  1.C.4* | 1.C.5

2nd grade  2.H.3 |  2.H.4 |  2.C.1* |  2.C.2* |  2.C.3 |  2.C.4 |  2.C.5.

Let Us Come to You!

Nothing can replace the awesome effect of bringing students into this crown jewel of Indianapolis, with 80 percent original artifacts!  However, we know that not all local schools have the ability to visit the Presidential Site due to transportation issues or other concerns.  Most of our programs can be brought to you as in-class activities.

If interested, please contact VP of Education, Roger Hardig at rhardig@bhpsite.org or (317) 631-1888 for program availability and pricing, which varies depending on your location and needs.

Field Trip Assistance

If your accredited public school has a population of 75% or more students enrolled that qualify for the federal free and reduced cost lunch program during the 2025 calendar year, you may be eligible to take a field trip to the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site free of cost, and a stipend to cover partial travel expenses. Please contact rhardig@bhpsite.org for more information. These field trips are made possible because of generous support, and are available to schools on a first-come, first-served basis until all funding is utilized.