As an alternative to a field trip or as a precursor to your museum visit, you can 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.

While the collection is moving in 2014, your outreach in 2013 will still provide educational memories for a lifetime! More information about the Higgins' integration with the Worcester Art Museum.

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, this program describes the evolution of arms and armor from the mail hauberk of Charlemagne to the full plate 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 fifth grade and 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.

Celtic Warrior vs. Roman Soldier (recommended for fifth grade and up)

Two ancient cultures, two ancient enemies, two very different ways to get the job done: one a warrior, one a soldier. Learn what made each one a mighty fighting force. How were they different? How were they alike? What inspired each to fight the other, often to the death? (Note: Limited availability; requires two staff and costs an additional $50 per performance.)

Celtic Warrior (recommended for fifth grade and up)

Find out how an ancient Celtic warrior fought in this exciting and interactive demonstration. Who were the Celts? Did they really paint themselves blue? What the heck is a "carnyx"? Who was Queen Boudica? Find out the answers to these and many other questions about how an ancient Celtic Warrior fought in this exciting and interactive demonstration!.

14th-Century Knight (recommended for seventh grade and up)

The 14th century was a time of change in the world of arms and armor. 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 fifth grade and 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. Participants will witness how weapons of the period functioned and were used. Includes hands-on demonstrations of historical combat techniques.

Arming a Knight

Knights in movies are often clumsy. Did you know fighters in full suits of chain mail or plate armor can do cartwheels, leap up from the ground, and even sprint? Discover how armor was worn and used in this interactive demonstration as we arm our own knight, from the inside out. (Note: Limited availability; requires two staff and costs an additional $50 per performance.)

Pike and Shot: The Decline of Armor (recommended for seventh grade and up)

The 16th century would see the final flowering of chivalry even as the changes in warfare would cause the decline in the usage of armor on the European battlefield and the birth of modern warfare by the 17th century. Explore the wide variety of equipment used through demonstration and participation, from elite armored cavalrymen to the common solider armed with pike and musket. William Shakespeare, who featured arms and armor in many of his plays, would have commonly seen much of the equipment used

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 $.55 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.

Book early as dates fill quickly. Reservations must be made at least four weeks in advance of the program date.  Book now to assure the date of your choice.

Call (508) 853-6015, ext. 20, or e-mail higgins@higgins.org.