Nestled within the grounds of the Cherokee Strip Museum, Rose Hill School offers a unique window into the past. This authentic one-room schoolhouse, originally built in 1895 near Perry, Oklahoma, transported students from first to eighth grade back in the day. Relocated to the museum in 1971, Rose Hill School retains its original charm, complete with a classic cast-iron stove and traditional wooden two-seater desks. Since 1988, it has become the vibrant setting for “A Day at Rose Hill School,” a living history program.
Rose Hill School is more than just a preserved building; it’s a dynamic space where history comes alive for young learners. Specifically designed for third and fourth-grade students across Oklahoma, this immersive program provides an engaging, hands-on experience of early 20th-century education. Children discover firsthand what school life was like for their counterparts in 1910, making history relatable and memorable. The program has enriched the education of countless Oklahoma students over the years.
Participating students enhance the experience by dressing in period attire and carrying syrup buckets as lunch pails, fully embracing their roles as “scholars” of the past. Crossing a symbolic “time bridge” over a creek on the museum grounds, they enter the world of 1910. A schoolmarm in traditional dress greets them, setting the tone for a day of learning in a bygone era. Inside, students engage in lessons using cursive writing, practice “cyphering” (arithmetic) on slate boards, and read from classic McGuffey’s readers. Their studies also encompass history, geography, and even traditional chores and games, offering a holistic glimpse into the daily lives of children a century ago.
To prepare students for their historical journey, participating schools receive hands-on boxes filled with resources. These materials cover topics like food, games, songs, personal hygiene practices, and even disciplinary methods of the 1910s, ensuring a well-rounded and insightful pre-visit learning experience.
Delve Deeper into Pioneer Education
For educators seeking comprehensive information, the A Day at Rose Hill Teacher’s Guide offers detailed resources to maximize the program’s educational impact.
Discover More
To explore the full details of this enriching program and plan a visit, please visit the Cherokee Strip Museum website dedicated to A Day at Rose Hill School.
