The Heritage Explorers Fest brought the pioneer era to life on Oct. 25 at the Vinton County Fairgrounds outside of McArthur on the edge of Hocking Hills.
Designed specifically for homeschooling families, this event provides an opportunity for children and teens to learn about history in an engaging, interactive way.
This year’s Heritage Explorers Fest focuses on the Pioneer Era, a fascinating period in United States history that shaped the nation
The event included:
- Interactive Classes and Story Time: Kids dove deep into the daily lives of pioneers through classes on homesteading, fire starting, wilderness first aid, knot tying, fishing, folk art, candle making, and more. Children stepped into the shoes of early American settlers and learn how they survived and thrived in a new land.
- Heritage Village: Visitors mingled with costumed historic interpreters and journey back to the sites, sounds, smells and tastes of America during the 1800s.
- Petting Zoo: At the Explorers Barnyard, guests pet and fed the animals, and learned about livestock kept by our pioneering ancestors and modern homesteaders, farmers, and ranchers. They also learned how a sheep is sheared and took a turn milking a dairy goat.
- Off-Site Amish Farm Tour and Wagon Ride: Guests experienced the simplicity and hard work of Amish life with an exclusive tour of a nearby Amish farm. This tour included a charming wagon ride that offered a glimpse into the Amish community’s way of life, values, and traditions.
The event was held for children ages 4 and up. Children under 4 attend free of charge. The venue is primarily stroller-friendly and includes handicap-accessible restrooms with baby-changing stations.
As a special bonus for homeschooling families, each ticket purchase was accompanied with a downloadable Pioneer America homeschool unit. This 90-page resource is designed for preschool through teen learners, making it perfect for multi-age teaching. The unit includes historical facts, activities, crafts, and a bonus 14-page Pioneer Toys and Games section.
For more information, visit https://heritageskillsusa.com/lady-steaders-gathering.
You can also learn more here.
