Booker T. Washington National Monument provides age-appropriate field trip programs for students in Grades K-12, aligned with current Virginia Standards of Learning. During visits to the reconstructed cabin, barn, and outbuildings of the Burroughs plantation, students examine the challenges Booker T. Washington faced as an enslaved child and assess how these experiences influenced his development as a prominent American leader.
Booker T. Washington emphasized the importance of education in overcoming adversity and injustice. School groups are encouraged to deepen their historical understanding by visiting the site of Washington’s childhood and emancipation.
Grade Level - Kindergarten and 1
Duration - 60 minutes
Students will compare Booker T. Washington's life as an enslaved person to their own lives today. As they walk, they are encouraged to use their five senses. They will learn about the challenges Washington faced as a child and the resilience he developed in response.
Let Freedom Ring
Grade Level - 2 and 3
Duration - 60 minutes
Booker T. Washington experienced significant hardship as an enslaved child and later accessed education and expanded opportunities following emancipation at this site. Students explore the difficulties Washington faced and examine the value of freedom.
War on the Homefront
Grade Level - 4 and 5
Duration - 60 minutes
The Civil War transformed daily life for both enslaved individuals and the Burroughs family at this plantation site. Students study national debates on slavery and regional differences between the North and South. The program includes analysis of primary sources, such as the Emancipation Proclamation, and discussion of its impact on Washington and his family. Students also compare Washington's family's experiences to those of other newly freed families after the Civil War.
Cast Down Your Bucket
Grade Level - 6 to 8
Duration - 60 minutes
Booker T. Washington believed Black Americans would achieve equality through opportunity, education, and democracy. Students identify the significance of his achievements at Tuskegee University and his impact on the United States. They use examples from his life to explore the value and challenges of American ideals such as democracy, education, entrepreneurship, and equal opportunity. Students develop critical thinking by reading and discussing primary sources and preparing written responses.
Clash of the Titans
Grade Level - 9 to 12
Duration - 60 minutes
As early leaders in the civil rights movement, Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois both opposed poverty and racial injustice, yet debated the most effective strategies to achieve their objectives. Students analyze primary sources by Washington and Du Bois, compare their differing reasoning and perspectives, and identify how their backgrounds—enslaved in the South versus free in the North—influenced their lives. The program examines the effects of industrialization, public education, sharecropping, segregation, and racial violence on Black Americans. Students participate in collaborative discussions to evaluate the beliefs of Washington and Du Bois within historical context and develop informed perspectives on the roles of education, industrial training, civic activism, and self-determination in advancing the public good.
Booker T. Washington emphasized the importance of education in overcoming adversity and injustice. School groups are encouraged to deepen their historical understanding by visiting the site of Washington’s childhood and emancipation.
Program Overview
- Program Length: 1 hour.
- Program availability: The program is available year-round, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Programming on Monday and Tuesday is offered, subject to staffing availability.
- Cost: Free to the public. No fee is required.
- Parking: Up to four busses can park at the Visitor Center.
- Amenities: Accessible restrooms and an outdoor picnic area with eleven benches are available.
How to Schedule a Field Trip
To schedule a field trip, call the park at (540) 682-0173 or email us. Please provide the following information to schedule your visit:-
School and district
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Teacher’s name
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Teacher’s email address
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Grade level
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Number of students
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Preferred date of visit
Field Trip Programs
The Farm Through Booker’s EyesGrade Level - Kindergarten and 1
Duration - 60 minutes
Students will compare Booker T. Washington's life as an enslaved person to their own lives today. As they walk, they are encouraged to use their five senses. They will learn about the challenges Washington faced as a child and the resilience he developed in response.
Let Freedom Ring
Grade Level - 2 and 3
Duration - 60 minutes
Booker T. Washington experienced significant hardship as an enslaved child and later accessed education and expanded opportunities following emancipation at this site. Students explore the difficulties Washington faced and examine the value of freedom.
War on the Homefront
Grade Level - 4 and 5
Duration - 60 minutes
The Civil War transformed daily life for both enslaved individuals and the Burroughs family at this plantation site. Students study national debates on slavery and regional differences between the North and South. The program includes analysis of primary sources, such as the Emancipation Proclamation, and discussion of its impact on Washington and his family. Students also compare Washington's family's experiences to those of other newly freed families after the Civil War.
Cast Down Your Bucket
Grade Level - 6 to 8
Duration - 60 minutes
Booker T. Washington believed Black Americans would achieve equality through opportunity, education, and democracy. Students identify the significance of his achievements at Tuskegee University and his impact on the United States. They use examples from his life to explore the value and challenges of American ideals such as democracy, education, entrepreneurship, and equal opportunity. Students develop critical thinking by reading and discussing primary sources and preparing written responses.
Clash of the Titans
Grade Level - 9 to 12
Duration - 60 minutes
As early leaders in the civil rights movement, Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois both opposed poverty and racial injustice, yet debated the most effective strategies to achieve their objectives. Students analyze primary sources by Washington and Du Bois, compare their differing reasoning and perspectives, and identify how their backgrounds—enslaved in the South versus free in the North—influenced their lives. The program examines the effects of industrialization, public education, sharecropping, segregation, and racial violence on Black Americans. Students participate in collaborative discussions to evaluate the beliefs of Washington and Du Bois within historical context and develop informed perspectives on the roles of education, industrial training, civic activism, and self-determination in advancing the public good.
Last updated: February 23, 2026