School Tours

"Discover Your Past" at Belle Grove

Belle Grove's exciting learning adventure uses hands-on activities to bring history to life. Combining interactive learning experiences, the tour provides an understanding of how inhabitants of Belle Grove lived and worked over two hundred years ago.  Belle Grove is a time machine, offering a look back through the extensive history of Virginia's northern Shenandoah Valley. The journey reflects the economic, social, and political development of the region over more than 200 years. Closely modeled on the Virginia Standards of Learning and the West Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectives, the “Discover Your Past” Tour brings classroom lessons to life. Belle Groves makes history come alive, offering the sights, sounds and activities of the past. During the tour, small groups rotate between locations on the property and participate in interactive learning experiences.

The Manor House
On Belle Grove's front porch children learn about the early settlement of the Shenandoah Valley. The Hite family, who built Belle Grove, were among the first pioneers to settle in the Valley of Virginia.  From the porch, young visitors look out across farm fields that are still used today, but in 1864, were transformed into battlefields when the Civil War Battle of Cedar Creek swirled around the Manor House. Students can even see and touch original bullet holes in the porch columns. Once in the Manor House, students will learn about life on the plantation for both the free and enslaved inhabitants. During the tour, students come into contact with figures in American history such as James Madison, "Father of the Constitution," who was a frequent guest and Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independance, who was asked to help design the Manor House.

The Winter Kitchen
Sitting in front of an open hearth in the plantation’s Winter Kitchen, young visitors encounter slave life at Belle Grove. Children learn that 103 slaves, including a skilled cook named Judah, lived and worked at Belle Grove.  They are also asked to compare Belle Grove’s kitchen with their own kitchens and note the important technological differences. In place of electric stoves and ovens, students learn about spider skillets and reflecting ovens.  

Unearthing Enslaved Lives Archaeology Exhibit
On the lower level of the Manor House, students will learn about techniques archaeologists used when excavating the area where the enslaved community at Belle Grove lived. This interactive conversation includes discussion on what is known about the lives of the 270 people enslaved at here and how archaeology is used to asnwer questions when written histories are not available. Then students then have an opportunity to identify some objects found in the archaeology.  

The Historic Landscape
If time allows, after touring the Manor House, young guests may have a chance. Children see the original Meathouse and Ice House, dating from 1820, and learn the methods used to preserve ice and food. They may also visit the blacksmith forge, garden, and enslaved burial ground. Students also may have time to play with reproduction toys or try writing with with a quill pen and making a wax seal to gain a greater understanding of the lives children led two hundred years ago.  

Belle Grove offers programs for young audiences all year.  After touring the Manor House groups may enjoy lunch on picnic tables on Belle Grove's lawns.  Please let us know if your group would like to visit the Museum Shop, which carries reproduction 18th and 19th century toys, games and books as well as Belle Grove souvenirs (we would be pleased to provide you with a price list before the tour). 

School Tour Admission Rates
Students: $6
Lead Teacher: Free
Teachers and Chaperones: $9

Belle Grove requires one teacher/chaperone for every ten children. A $30 non-refundable deposit is required when reserving a date for a tour. The balance is due on the day of the visit. Payments may be made by credit card or checks (made out to Belle Grove, Inc.).

If you would like additional information about the "Discover Your Past" Program, or if you would like to book a tour at Belle Grove, please contact us at 540-869-2028 or by email.

Presentations on this material are also possible virtually or as in-classroom visits, contact us for further information.