Outreach Programs

Bring the Higgins to you!

As an alternative to a field trip or as a precursor to your Museum visit, you may choose to host one of our historical interpretations as an Outreach Program at your institution. These in-depth programs are presented by an Education Interpreter who uses reproduction arms and armor in a dynamic presentation with hands-on opportunities for audience members. The one-hour presentation is appropriate for school groups, families, and general audiences ranging in size from a classroom to an auditorium.

All programs are aligned to national history standards. For more information, refer to the Teacher Resources Page.

See bottom of page for fees and requirements.

Program Descriptions

A Knight's Tale

From the emergence of the knightly class following the Fall of Rome to the flourish of chivalric romance in the 16th century, A Knight’s Tale describes the evolution of arms and armor from the mail hauberk of Charlemagne to the full plate tournament armor at the court of Maximillian I. This program provides an excellent introduction to the history of arms and armor in Western Europe.

A Roman Legionary

Recommended for 5th Grade & Up
Spanning from the Roman Republic to the end of the Empire, this program follows the evolution of a Roman Legionary's arms and armor. Learn about the changes in the Roman military by viewing examples of period equipment and participating in hands-on demonstrations.

14th Century Knight

Recommended for 7th Grade & Up
The 14th Century was a time of change in the world of arms and amror. At the beginning of the century, knights clad mostly in mail were a common site. By the end of the century, most knights could cover themselves in suits of overlapping articulated steel plate. Explore the reasons for these changes both in the equipment and in the men who used them through demonstration and audience participation.

Gothic Knight

Recommended for 5th Grade & Up
The 15th Century battlefield witnessed both the emergence of the fully armored knight and the introduction of the handheld firearms that eventually brought about the knight’s demise. During A Gothic Knight, participants will witness how weapons of the period functioned and were used. Includes hands-on demonstrations of historical combat techniques.

Pike and Shot: The Decline of Armor

Recommended for 7th Grade & Up
The 17th Century would see the final decline in the usage of armor on the European battlefield and the birth of modern warfare. Explore the wide variety of equipment used through demonstration and participation, from elite armored cavalrymen to the common solider armed with pike and musket. Much of the equipment used would have been commonly seen by William Shakespeare, who featured arms and armor in many of his plays.

Program Fees and Requirements

Each Outreach program is $375 for one performance and $275 for any additional performances booked on the same day and at the same location.

Travel expenses are $.85 per mile, roundtrip. An additional $50 is charged for locations beyond 250 miles roundtrip from the Museum. Lodging and meals may be requested for locations beyond 300 miles roundtrip from the Museum.

Site requirements: two, eight-foot tables and a private changing area for the presenter depending on the program. For the 14th Century Knight and Gothic Knight programs, the presenter may need assistance getting into the armor before the program.

Written directions to the site should be sent immediately upon receiving an invoice and confirmation. Payment is due in full two weeks before performance.

Please book early as dates fill quickly. Reservations must be made at least four weeks in advance of the program date.

Please note: The cost of travel expenses and accommodations may be split among several institutions that are in close proximity to one another should they all have programs scheduled on the same day. Alternatively, an institution can choose to pay the exact amount to have the equipment shipped out to them, and the presenter flown out to their location.

Contact

Rhonda Houle
(508) 853-6015, ext. 20
e-mail: rhoule@higgins.org