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Discover the rich history of early Indiana in Vincennes. The home of the first Governor and the Capitol building of Indiana Territory, the muster point for the Battle of Tippecanoe and the location of the both the first Print Shop and the free public school in Indiana. Come and find out about the laws which still affect Indiana residents today, how the first newspaper was printed and about the active role Vincennes played in the American Revolution.
Call 812.882.7422 to schedule your field trip to Vincennes State Historic Sites.
Free Admission
Free for preregistered Indiana schools of 10+ K-12 students, teachers, bus drivers and one additional adult per five students. Additional chaperones pay the group admission rate of $8/person.
Free Admission
Free for preregistered groups of 10+ students, including one free adult per five students. Additional adults pay the group rate.
Pre-Registration
All field trips must be booked at least two weeks in advance. This ensures a personalized, engaging experience for your students.
Group Size
A minimum of 10 students is required for field trips.
Lunch
Guests are welcome to set up on the lawn, and there are nearby restaurants for students and chaperones.
Contact
Call 812.882.7422 or email [email protected] to schedule your field trip to Vincennes.
Take a look at our collected educator resources from across the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites.
Whether it’s at the site, outreach or virtual, we offer hands-on, exploratory and interactive programs on a variety of topics that provide your students a fun way to learn about Indiana’s people, places and things. All programs fulfill select Indiana Academic Standards for multiple grade levels. At site and outreach programs cost $4/student with a maximum number of 25 students. Travel fees are 30-60 miles: $20; 60-90 miles: $40; 90+ miles: $60. Program length is 45-60 minutes. Virtual programs cost $75/class with additional classes $100 for the same program. Program length is 45-60 minutes. See programs below:
The school group tour includes a guided tour of the Jefferson Academy, Territory Capitol Building and Elihu Stout Print Shop. Students will discover the early years of Vincennes and Indiana by learning about early education at the Jefferson Academy, the beginnings of Indiana law at the Territory Capitol Building and the art of printing at the Elihu Stout Print Shop.
Indiana Academic Standards: Social Studies K.1.1; K.1.2; K.1.3; 1.1.1; 1.1.3; 1.1.6; 1.1.8; 1.2.1; 1.2.2; 1.2.3; 2.1.1; 2.1.2; 2.1.3; 3.1.1; 3.1.2; 3.1.3; 3.1.4; 3.1.8; 3.2.3; 3.2.4; 4.1.2; 4.1.3; 4.1.4; 5.1.6; 5.2.7; 5.2.9; 5.4.1; 6.E.1; 8.H.1; 8.H.2; 8.H.3; 8.H.14; 8.E.1
Students will explore everyday life in the early 1800s through puppetry. Activities include singing, games, chores and other everyday routines for a child in the early 1800s. Themes include how life is different and the same today, jobs in the community back then and how each person—a teacher, a printer, a farmer—contributed to the community.
Available: At site, outreach and virtual
Indiana Academic Standards: Social Studies: K.1.1, K.1.3, K.3.6, 1.1.1, 1.1.3, 1.1.5, 1.1.6, 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.1.3
Get your class all charged up about electricity! In 1800, electrostatic generators were used in Vincennes for experiments and parlor amusements. Your science class will learn the hair-raising facts about a force they take for granted every day.
Available: At site and outreach
Indiana Academic Standards: Science: 4-PS3-4, 4-PS4-3
Tour the original Territorial Capitol, which is considered the oldest major government building in the Midwest. The “Red House” was one of three buildings rented by the legislature from 1805 to 1813 and was the meeting place of the legislature in 1811, after the Battle of Tippecanoe.
Visit the Jefferson Academy, which was the first school of higher learning in Indiana and the predecessor of Vincennes University, tells the story of early public education. Founded in 1801 by Governor Harrison, it was the first school of higher learning in Indiana. In 1806, it became Vincennes University.
Elihu Stout’s Print Shop represents the power of communication in westward expansion. As the country expanded westward, the distribution of information was crucial to the formation of states.
We look forward to welcoming your students to the Vincennes State Historic Sites. Call us at 812.882.7422 to book your trip or send us an email at the link below.
