CURRENT HOURS: Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–4p.m.
Living History Farms tours connect to and reflect the standards in the Iowa Core:
Grade | Social Studies Standards Theme | Tour connections |
| K | Space and Place | Impacts of geography on farming and daily life in town |
| 1st | Communities and Culture | Connections between people living in Iowa |
| 2nd | Choice and Consequence | How decisions people make impact Iowa’s history |
| 3rd | Immigration and Migration | Why people move into, out of, and around Iowa |
| 4th | Change and Continuity | Technology on the farm, in the home, and at the workplace |
| 5th | Rights and Responsibilities | Examples over time in Iowa |
| 6th | World Regions and Cultures | Iowa’s historical connections to the world |
| 7th | Global Studies | Iowa’s impact on global issues in history |
| 8th | U.S. History and Civics | Iowa’s place in the history of America |
| High school | (Depends on subject) |
Find a detailed explanation of the curriculum connections LHF_School_Tours_&_Iowa_Core_Social_Studies.
“Living history” is the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations that bring history to life. Students and their teachers are encouraged to use their senses when touring Living History Farms. Just remember to ask before you touch.
“Historic interpreters” are Living History Farms staff and volunteers. Many will be dressed in clothing that represents the time period of their site. These historic interpreters re-create the daily activities of these time periods. The staff are not acting as if they live in that time period; rather, they know that it is 2022, and can answer all your questions.
“Historic Interpretation” is the dialogue between museum staff and guests, including your students. This interaction will help students to understand what is going on and why it is important.
Since 2011, Living History Farms has modeled Character Counts®!
How teachers, students, and chaperones can model the 6 Pillars of Character Counts! | How Living History Farms staff might model the 6 Pillars of Character Counts! |
| TRUSTWORTHINESS | |
| Finish what you start. Follow through on a task, project, or assignment. If you need help, it is OK to ask. | Information in the program will be accurate and presented in a way that is age-appropriate. |
| RESPECT | |
| Be respectful of other people, and of the buildings, objects, and animals at the museum. Listen when others are talking. | We will treat all participants as we wish to be treated—with respect. When a student asks a sincere question, we will provide a sincere answer. |
| RESPONSIBILITY | |
| Be responsible for your belongings. Follow all safety guidelines and instructions given by the program staff. | Staff will be on time and ready to go! We will provide a safe learning environment. |
| FAIRNESS | |
| Allow everyone to participate by taking turns. When looking at an object or asking questions, give everyone a chance. | We will treat all equally. We will involve all, to the best of our ability. We will adapt what we do to the best of our ability to make the program accessible to all, regardless of ability. |
| CARING | |
| Be careful when picking up an object. It is best to ask first. If you see someone who needs a hand, ask them if you can help. | We will strive to make your experience the best it can be by having a positive and open and helpful attitude. |
| CITIZENSHIP | |
| Take care of the environment by putting trash in trash cans and recycling what you can. | We will use resources wisely, helping to care for the environment. We will protect the people, animals, objects, and buildings at the museum. |
Learn more about Character Counts! and the 6 Pillars here.
Living History Farms has a “Code of Conduct” for guests at the museum. Read it here.
Before you visit, here are some ways to get your students excited:
You will receive a link to a survey where you can evaluate your experience. Tell us how we did, please! What went well, and what are your suggestions for the future?
Extend the learning back to the classroom. Connect your visit to modern agriculture through Living History Farms’ online exhibit: Learning Fields.
Do you know an outstanding teacher who brings learning to life for their students? If so, nominate them for the Living History Farms Teacher of the Year award. The teacher must be a K-12 teacher in Iowa and utilize a tour or program offered by Living History Farms.
The winning teacher receives a commemorative plaque, free admission to Living History Farms’ Farmstasia gala, and a gift certificate for a field trip.
Learn more or nominate a teacher here.
Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale, IA 50322, (515) 278-5286
THANK YOU TO OUR 2022 PREMIER PARTNERS:
National Endowment for the Humanities | Bravo Greater Des Moines
John Deere | Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
