School Programs

"The way to be great now, lies thru books and not thru battles"

Discover Harriet Beecher Stowe -- an important icon of American literature, culture and social activism. Stowe (1811- 1896) published more than 30 books, but it was her best-selling anti-slavery novel Uncle Tom's Cabin that catapulted her to international celebrity and secured her place in history.

Stowe gave public voice to her convictions, turned the tide of public opinion against slavery and became the most influential American woman of the 19th century. Stowe's many works explored the themes of family, domestic life, national identity, religion and social justice.

Connect your students to the life and work of this accomplished woman with a Stowe Center program. The Stowe Center's programs connect historic content to contemporary issues, promoting civic engagement and encouraging vibrant dialogue. All programs are interactive and tie to Connecticut Curriculum Standards in social studies, language arts or science. Programs are also available in the classroom. Every program includes a writing activity.

CALLING ON THE STOWES (Grades K-5) Students discover what life was like in the Stowe household during the 1870s in Hartford's historic Nook Farm. Learn the story of the author of Uncle Tom's Cabin and see how life has changed since her days in Hartford and how it has also stayed the same during this interactive program. Students will create their own Harriet Beecher Stowe activity journal.

NOOK FARM NEIGHBORS (Grades 3-5)A JOINT PROGRAM WITH THE MARK TWAIN HOUSE & MUSEUM. Harriet Beecher Stowe and Mark Twain were authors who changed the world with their words. Students will tour both the Stowe and Twain homes to explore the everyday activities of their households, through hands-on learning with artifacts and primary sources, as well as try their hand at some expository or narrative writing. (This program is 3 hours. Fee: $14 per student, $18 per chaperone, teachers are free)

INSPIRATION TO ACTION (Grades 3-5)This program introduces students to the multi-faceted life of Harriet Beecher Stowe and reinforces the message that one person can make a difference. Through hands-on activities students will explore the life and impact of Stowe and discover ways they too can create positive change. Focus your experience on Stowe the writer, the activist, the artist, the gardener, or learn a little about all 4 facets of her life! Also available as a multi-week after school program.

STOWE AND THE CIVIL WAR (Grades 3-7)Students will explore Harriet Beecher Stowe's connection to the American Civil War. Discover why President Abraham Lincoln may have called Stowe "the little woman who started the great war" and find out how the war impacted the everyday lives of the Stowe family. Students participate in a writing activity featuring Stowe's own letters.

PATHS TO CHANGE (Grades 4-8)Students tour both the Stowe House and the Butler-McCook House (just minutes apart in Hartford) to explore the social activism of Stowe (anti-slavery) and Rev. John James McCook (homelessness). With Stowe and McCook illustrating that one person can make a difference, Paths to Change encourages students to take action for positive change. (This program is 3 hours. Fee: $10 per student, 1 chaperone is free per 10 students, $7 each additional chaperone, teachers are free) Scheduling: 860-247-8996 x21 (CT Landmarks)

HER WORDS CHANGED THE WORLD (Grades 6-12) Stowe's Victorian Gothic Revival home introduces students to Stowe, the most famous American woman of the 19th-century. Students will learn about Stowe's life and family, her work and the impact of Uncle Tom's Cabin as well as the roles of women and African Americans in 19th-century society, local history and the Civil War. Students will create their own action plan for change, focusing on contemporary social issues.

LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL (Grades 8-12) How has the promise of America been fulfilled since the American Civil War? Students will explore connections between Harriet Beecher Stowe, her antislavery novel Uncle Tom's Cabin, and the Civil War. What role did Stowe play in 19th century abolition and emancipation and where do we stand today on these issues? Students participate in a writing activity examining various arguments for and against Stowe's controversial novel.

STOWE AND HER NEIGHBORS (Grades 7-12) Explore Nook Farm, the 19th century hub of Hartford's literary and political worlds with a guided walking tour. "Meet" the writers, abolitionists, suffragists and actors who called this part of Hartford home. Students will determine what community means to them and create a plan for their own ideal neighborhood.

SALONS BY STOWE (Grades 6-12) This 21st century parlor conversation, facilitated by a Stowe Center educator, will connect issues important to Stowe with the contemporary face of those issues. Students will participate in vibrant discussion and be inspired to take their own action. "Activist Tool Kits" will be provided to each student to encourage civic engagement in their own communities. Available topics include: human trafficking and issues of race, class and gender (including economic, educational and social inequities. Email ARoy@Stowe Center.org to inquire.

STOWE AND TWAIN: EFFECTING SOCIAL CHANGE (Grades 7-12) A JOINT PROGRAM WITH THE MARK TWAIN HOUSE & MUSEUM. Students tour the homes of both Stowe and Twain, and gather for a program and discussion of the authors and their novels Uncle Tom's Cabin and Huckleberry Finn. (This program is 3 hours. Fee: $14 per student, $18 per chaperone, teachers are free.

Do you have students with a research project? Schedule a Library Tour

For more information or to make a reservation: Call 860.522.9258 x317 or email SchoolPrograms@StoweCenter.org.

Please have the following information on hand:
      Date you would like to visit (with an alternate date)
      Selected program or tour
Student and chaperone count
      Grade level and interests of your students
Time of arrival
      Any special needs
      Any other questions

Programs are $6 per person, unless otherwise noted.

A combination of any two programs is $8 per person.

Teachers are free.

One adult chaperone is complimentary for every 10 children. Additional adults pay child rate.

There is a minimum of 10 students for each program; we can run programs for groups of less than 10, but the charge would be the same as for a group of 10.

A $40 deposit is required to secure your reservation.

Programs at the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center are generously supported by:
Allstom Power Inc,; Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism; Connecticut Humanities Council; Ensworth Charitable Trust Foundation; Lincoln Financial Foundation, NewAlliance Foundation and Travelers Connecticut Foundation.