School Tours

Crab Orchard Museum offers a variety of tours focusing on themes related to the history of Southwest Virginia & Appalachia.  The unique setting of the Pioneer Park gives visitors, both children and adults alike, an opportunity to become immersed in
the stories of the past and learn what life was like for those who were here before us.

 

Pioneer Life Experience

(All Seasons Tour - Available Year Round)

Live like the pioneers on the frontier in this interactive tour doing laundry, making bread and butter, and milking a cow. Students will also enjoy playing pioneer games such as sack races and graces.

Spring Planting

(Available Yearly - Spring Season ONLY)

During spring planting tours, students discover the life cycle of plants, through demonstrations, games, planting, and just plain fun! Kids learn about the water cycle, the way we use plants, and take a plant to care for at home. This tour enhances your students' knowledge about science, and nature, as well as history.

Native American Life

*Not Available - Fall 2022

Explore the Woodland Indian period, when Native Americans inhabited the Pisgah site in Tazewell County. Discover the various customs and traditions of Native Americans, including how they made fire, arrowheads, wigwams, tools, and clothing. Hear a Native American story, participate in a Native American game, and enjoy the hands-on activities in the life size replica of a wigwam.

Pioneer Christmas

(Available Yearly - December ONLY)
In the mid 1800s, Christmas was a time for family and friends, feasting, music, decorating with greenery, and dancing. In this tour, children gather around the kitchen fire to hear Christmas story and sample cookies, make a craft, dance the Virginia Reel, and sing carols to prepare for the holiday in pioneer fashion.

One-Day-Only Tours

Spring 2023

These special, single day tours offer a more in-depth look at the topics and themes presented in our regularly offered guided tours.  With an emphasis on participation, students enjoy an active learning experience and gain valuable insight into the
history and stories of our region.

Life on the Frontier Education Day

Students experience first hand how our pioneer and Native American ancestors lived as they participate in hands on skills such as shooting a bow, black powder demonstrations, rolling cartridges, singing songs, churning butter, hide tanning, fire making, games, wood work, and cooking over an open fire. 

School Tour Admission: 

$10 per student
$5 per parent/chaperone
Teachers & Bus Drivers are FREE

Minimum of 10 visitors required for guided group tours

Every tour includes a trip through the museum grounds, the Pioneer Park,
and the Lucie Greever Gallery, which explores the history of Southwest Virginia through the early 20th century.

Frequently Asked School Tour Questions

Got questions?  We've got answers!
Click here to find out more.

For directions and parking information, click here.

Museum Shop

Students may shop during school tours - a museum shop stop is included in all tours - or gift bags may be ordered in advance.
Click here for details and more information or visit the shop page on our website.

Ready To Schedule Your Tour?

Contact Laura Mallory, Education Director, at 276-988-6755 or lmallory@craborchardmuseum.com
or click the button below to fill out our tour request form.

Please remember that all tour requests must be approved by museum staff.  We'll be in touch with you to confirm your tour.
Thank you!  We look forward to seeing you!