Education
Our Education Committee organizes tours and projects for many groups such as schools, scouts and senior groups. Educational Programs are offered to the general public through out the year.
WALKING TOUR OF GREELEY’S FARM Horace Greeley’s farm was 78 acres in what is now dowtown Chappaqua. The 75 minute tour starts at the Horace Greeley House and then heads south through Greeley Woods, and finishes back at the Greeley House. Comfortable walking shoes are suggested.
PROGRAMS WITH OUR LIBRARY
ANTIQUES & APPRAISAL SERIES Each year the New Castle Historical Society and the Chappaqua Library joined together to present a three part series in January. In the past, the series featured experts in vintage quilts and linens, clocks and watches, coins, paintings, lithographs and sculptures. The series started with Connie Brown Vintage Quilts and Linens of Norwalk, Ct. Connie spoke about quilts, their origins and care. Mark Reichbach, of Mark’s Time in Bedford Hills was our second specialist. Mark lectured on the history of recording and telling time. Many attendees brought watches and clocks to be appraised. Our third lecturer was Jack McCauliffe a dealer/collector specializing in European and American paintings and prints. Jack spoke about various types of print such as woodcuts (oldest method), etchings, seragraphs and lithographs. He described the difference between collectors value and decorative value and appraised various types of art.
OLD FASHIONED GAMES During the summer, the Historical Society and Chappaqua Library offers a fun filled evening of playing games from New Castle’s past and Colonial times. Blind-Man’s Bluff, Graces, old fashioned board games, and Statues are a small sampling.
THE VALENTINE’S TEA The Historical Society and Chappaqua Library offers a Valentine's tea with old fashioned Valentine card making opportunity for second and third graders. Horace Greeley's favorite hot chocolate and sugar cookies are served.
HOLIDAY CRAFTS Children and those young at heart learn to make old-fashioned holiday crafts including paper snowflakes, corn husk dolls, pomander balls, potpourri sachets, and paper chains. Everyone will make some to take home and a few to decorate the Horace Greeley House for the season.
PROGRAMS WITH OUR SCHOOLS
The Society develops programs with the Chappaqua schools. Representative activities include:
- A tour of the Horace Greeley House for second graders, as part of their town history program
- A tour for fourth and fifth graders of early New Castle and sites important in the American Revolution
- Independent research opportunities for high school students
- Eighth grade science – The History of Chappaqua and its Waters
- Historical content for historical and environmental research papers done by middle school students