Living History Field Trip

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Step Into the Past at The Heritage Ranch

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Approx. 2 Hours

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Welcome & Introduction (10–15 minutes)

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Students are welcomed to The Heritage Ranch and introduced to the San Dieguito Heritage Museum. Together, we’ll discover how artifacts, historic buildings, and hands-on experiences help tell the story of our local communities.

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This opening provides an opportunity to get settled, meet the docent, and prepare to step back in time.

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Guided Living History Tour (30–40 minutes)

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Students explore the museum’s exhibits and historic buildings while learning about the people, cultures, and events that shaped the San Dieguito River region.

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Highlights include:

• Native American history and the first inhabitants of our region

• The Rancho era and early California ranch life

• Pioneer families and settlement

• Historic buildings and artifacts throughout The Heritage Ranch

• Local history from the San Dieguito communities, including Leucadia, Encinitas, Olivenhain, Cardiff, Solana Beach, Del Mar, and Rancho Santa Fe

 

Our docents encourage questions, discussion, and interactive learning throughout the tour.

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Hands-On History Rotations (45–60 minutes)

Students rotate through three engaging activities that bring history to life.

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Native American Experience

• Visit the traditional grass hut

• Learn about local Kumeyaay traditions and daily life

• Native American storytelling

• Create a sand painting

• Explore the grinding stone and discover how acorns became food

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Pioneer Skills

• Make butter the traditional way

• Learn how early settlers traded goods through bartering

• Discover everyday life on the California frontier

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Historic Exploration

• Explore additional museum exhibits and historic buildings

• Examine artifacts and learn how historians use them to understand the past

• Seasonal or curriculum-based activities may be incorporated when available

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Activities may be adjusted based on grade level, curriculum needs, and group size.

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Closing Reflection (10–15 minutes)

Students gather to reflect on their experience and share something they learned about the people and cultures who helped shape our community.

The program concludes with questions, discussion, and a memorable look back at life in early San Dieguito.

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Program Costs

• $250 for up to 15 participants

• $390 for up to 30 participants

Participants include students, teachers, parents, and siblings.

A $100 deposit is required to save the date

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Program Details

• Available Tuesday–Thursday

• Start time: 9:30 a.m.

• Approximately 2-hour program

• Designed to support California 3rd Grade Social Studies Standards

• Also appropriate for 1st, 4th, and 5th grade classes

• Maximum of 30 participants

• Larger groups may be accommodated over multiple sessions

 

Teachers and group leaders are encouraged to contact us to customize the experience for their students and curriculum goals.

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To book a field trip please contact Jay at jayadair@yahoo.com

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For farmyard specific field trips please contact natalie@olivenhainfarms.com