Camp will be taking a break for 2023.

Phelps-Hatheway Summer History Lab – Suffield, CT

Exciting discoveries await those who venture into secret spaces! Explore the house and grounds of the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden this summer with our Summer History Lab, and utilize the property as a historical research platform! Campers will participate in a variety of activities, including: collecting herbs, creating silhouette portraits, making flower paper, and learning how wooden spoons are made. Our final day will be devoted to all things chocolate! We’ll trace the history of cocoa and discuss how it became the favorite snack of many since the 17th century.

Participants should bring a snack and water bottle each day.

Walking Tour

I Spy Suffield’s Main Street Walking Tour

Children learn about the history of Main Street and its buildings as they enjoy an interactive guided tour of Suffield’s town center. Students search for architectural features along the way to complete an I Spy worksheet. The tour highlights three centuries of private, public, and civic architecture and public monuments.

Time: 60-75 minutes

Grade Level: 3-6

Hands-on History Activities

What about Wallpaper?

How was wallpaper made in the 18th century? Children examine the Phelps-Hatheway’s two hundred year old French wallpaper and create their own wallpaper with stamps and paint. Children should bring paint smocks or old clothing for this activity.

Weathervane Activity

What’s the wind doing? After viewing the collection of historic weathervanes located in the Hatheway barn, participants make their own weathervane to color and assemble.

Create a Streetscape

Students paint their own version of Suffield’s Main Street. Participants choose an image of one of the historic buildings to recreate. Offered in conjunction with the walking tours.

Activity lengths: 45-60 minutes

Grade Level: 3-6