Different Something at the Village

Experiential learning is all about doing something new and different, leaving a lasting impact on your students’ education. We invite you to disconnect from the modern world and embark on a captivating journey to Black Creek Pioneer Village!

Step back in time as you and your students explore a meticulously recreated 19th-century village. From the rustic buildings to the bustling streets, every detail provides an authentic glimpse into the lives of early settlers. Watch as costumed historians bring history to life, sharing stories, trades, and traditions from the era. Your students will be captivated by sights, sounds, and smells of a bygone era.

Recognizing the importance of highlighting marginalized voices, the Village is changing the narrative and “re-storying” the past. Students hear stories of real marginalized individuals living in the Toronto region and surrounding areas in the 19th century. Every student visits the traditional Objibwe wiigiwaam built under the guidance of Indigenous elders and knowledge-keepers, located next to the homes of a settler family to remind us of all the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples on the land. A visit to the Village encourages students to view the past through many lenses and consider how all peoples created the region we live in today.

The Village’s newest education program, “Invented: Propelled by Imagination,” includes a visit to our brand-new interactive exhibit focused on scientific innovation and science fiction in the 1800s. Discovering how the doers and dreamers of the era changed their world, students are challenged to solve real-world problems and empowered to see how they can make a difference to our world today.

At the Village, education is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that true understanding comes through active participation. That’s why our field trips offer hands-on activities and interactive demonstrations. Students can try their hand at a selection of 19th century sports and games, artifact discovery, nature walks, spinning and weaving wool, and much more. By actively engaging in historical tasks, they’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges and triumphs of early settlers.