Educational Programs

The MSA Museum offers a variety of educational activities for all school grades
and community groups. Programs are offered at both MSA Museum locations; Trethewey House Heritage Site and the MSA Museum Annex. Some programs, including kits, may be presented in your classroom.

Elementary Class 1917.

MSA Museum P48

CALL 604-853-3722
msaprograms@shaw.ca

Scroll down to see program selections under the following headings:

TOURS
SLIDE SHOWS
PROGRAMS
KITS
SPECIAL

Click here for current educational calendar
School Programs.pdf

TOURS
Tours are offered at both MSA Museum locations. The field trip may be expanded by adding a slide show or a program.

TRETHEWEY HOUSE TOUR (also available for ESL)
A visit to the 1920s home of local timber baron J.O. Trethewey provides an overview of local history that explains the development of Abbotsford's settlement and growth. Period rooms are furnished circa 1925.
MSA MUSEUM ANNEX TOUR
The permanent display features a pioneer home, general store and printer's office; a logging display and an exhibit of First Nations baskets and tools. In addition there are two temporary exhibit cases and a large Open Storage showcase which feature changing thematic displays. Augment your field trip with a visit to the Clearbrook Library.

SLIDE SHOWS
Enhance your museum tour with one of the slide shows listed below or book an in class presentation.

"TRANSITIONS"
This presentation illustrates the changes that have occurred in our community through a comparison of historic and present day photographs. It provides an excellent overview of and introduction to Abbotsford's rich history.
"LAND BENEATH THE LAKE"
Our show on the Sumas Lake Reclamation Project explains the development of one of the largest earth moving projects in the province's history. The draining of the lake resulted in the reclamation of 30,000 acres of high quality farmland.
"RIVER'S FURY - FLOOD OF '48"
When the dyke broke at Gifford on the morning of May 31, 1948, the Fraser River surged onto Matsqui Prairie! Abbotsford's strong community spirit allowed the area to triumph over this adversity.
"MILL TOWN TO MILL LAKE"
Discusses the development and impact of the milling operations on the early growth of Abbotsford. From an industrial development area, Mill Lake slowly made the transition to the recreational site we enjoy today. Enhance the experience by taking a walk around the lake. Copies of the MSA Museum's "Mill Lake Walking Tour" brochure will be provided to group leaders.

PROGRAMS
Programs are designed to meet curriculum requirements for certain grade levels. Specific programs are offered at both of the Museum locations and may be done in addition to a tour.

PIONEER LIFE
Grades two to four - MSA Museum Annex
An opportunity for students to take an in depth look at the chores and activities early settlers experienced in a realistic setting. Activities such as butter churning and laundry chores will be demonstrated by a costumed interpreter in the recreated rooms of a pioneer style home. Visit will include a tour of the General Store and News Office.
TO DRAIN OR NOT?
Grades four to six - Either Museum location or In-Class
A great opportunity for students to learn about one of the largest earth moving projects in the provinces' history which took place in this community. Students will view the slide presentation "Land Beneath the Lake" and then debate whether or not Sumas Lake should be drained. MSA Museum photo P428

THE GREAT CANDY BAR PROTEST
Grades six to eight- MSA Museum Annex
This program will provide students with basic research skills while learning about the history of their community. Students receive a slide show, archives orientation and access to an information folder on a local history topic. The mini Archives Resource Kit will go back to the classroom as a resource for students to produce a project or report that meets curriculum requirements. An excellent starting point for a Historica Fair project! MSA Museum Photo P1345
Topic Selection Includes: Sumas Lake, Clayburn Village, Abbotsford Lumber Company, Flood of '48, the Candy Bar Protest and much more.

ARTIFACT KITS
Kits are available for one or two-week loan periods. They include artifacts from the Museum's research collection, which allow students a hands-on experience with items from the past. All kits contain easy to follow activities and information for teachers:

PIONEER LIFE
Artifacts include a butter churn, sad iron, slate board, and spinning top. The kit features pioneer kitchen implements, school supplies, toys and more. Activity suggestions are included, photos and stories add a local history element.
CAMERA FUN
Explores the evolution of the camera from black and white to colour. With instructions to make working pinhole cameras.
CHRISTMASES OF YESTERYEAR
Includes examples of decorations, gifts, cards, and local traditions. Many craft ideas. Packed in a wicker hamper.

EAST MEETS WEST
This kit gives an introduction to the unique culture of a community that represents 15% of the Abbotsford population. Students will have a chance to try on traditional clothing, prepare and eat traditional food, make henna tattoos, play a game and explore the history of Sikhs in the community.
"WE ARE CANADIANS"
A learning resource designed to appeal to 11-14 year old students that emphasizes the experience of ordinary people throughout Canadian history. "We Are Canadians" provides individual, group and whole class activities that combine role playing, decision making and cognitive skills development.
HISTORICA MINUTES
Formerly known as "Heritage Minutes" these are the mini-movies seen on TV and in Canadian movie theatres. These short videos provide education through entertainment; each tells a dramatic story of a remarkable Canadian accomplishment or Canadian hero. The entire collection of Heritage Minutes, including a booklet of teaching ideas, can be borrowed for use in Abbotsford classrooms.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS
These programs may be offered at specific times only or are specific to curriculum requirements.

CHRISTMAS AT TRETHEWEY HOUSE
December - Elementary
Students tour Trethewey House furnished with seasonal decorations that reflect the 1920's period of the home and create a traditional Christmas craft to take home.

A MULTICULTURAL LOOK AT THE HOLIDAYS
December - Elementary - Annex
This program reflects Abbotsford's multicultural diversity with a look at winter celebrations from around the globe. Students will make an ethnic craft to take home.
HERITAGE STAMP CONTEST - sponsored by Abbotsford-Sumas Rotary
February-Grades two to nine-In class.
Using a provided template students will create a postage stamp that demonstrates their vision of Canadian heritage. An exhibit of student artwork will be displayed in the MSA Museum Annex
SYLVIA PINCOTT HABITAT GARDEN
April/May/June - Elementary - Trethewey House
There is more to nature than bird watching! An opportunity for students to observe a woodland garden and bog habitat in a city setting. The garden was created by members of the Pinegrove Garden Club in commemoration of their 50th anniversary. Based on Naturescape principles, as adopted by the City of Abbotsford, the garden provides wildlife with food, shelter and travel corridors.
WHAT IS A HISTORICA FAIR?
Grades four to nine-In class.
Find your place in history! Classroom presentation that introduces the National Historica Fairs program. Students create projects on Canadian heritage and participate in a School Fair. Delegates attend the two-day Fraser Valley Regional Fair in May. For more information about the Historica Fair program please click here: Historica Fairs
PUNCH UP YOUR PROJECT!
Grades four to nine - In class.
A special opportunity for classes who are participating in the Historica Fair program to help bring project backboards to a new level. A museum presenter will visit your classroom and introduce basic design elements to your students and discuss content on project backboards.

For more information, or to book these school programs,
please call the Museum Annex at 604-853-3722.