Intergenerational Education - preserving history,
one tale at a time

Years ago, did children really walk to school six miles each day, up hill both ways? Bringing young and old together to sort fact from fiction has been a timeless goal at Cedar Community. Through Ye Olde School and Heritage House, children are able to experience history first-hand and interact with older adults to develop a greater understanding and appreciation of the past.

“ … I was one of the 3 rd Grade parents (on a recent field trip to Ye Olde School) and I would like to say it was great! You had the kids’ attention with your wonderful stories and very descriptive details on how life was in 1917 – it was really something to see. They talked about it all the way home and my daughter still talks about it today. They remember the entire day and retold the stories exactly like you did. Mission accomplished!

“I miss a lot of quality time with my girls so I try to go on as many field trips as I can. This by far was the best. Keep up the good work! Kids notice.” -- Mark M., Lomira

Ye Olde School
The perfect setting for intergenerational education came to Cedar Community in 1982, when West Bend's former Oak Knoll School was donated. An authentic 1917 schoolhouse, Ye Olde School now hosts youth for a day of dip pens, slates, schoolmarms and connected desks. Enthusiastic adult volunteers lead discussions of their experiences as pupils or teachers, comparing 'old-fashioned' values with today's changing society.

A costumed schoolmarm hosts this step back in time, immersing the children in our nation's history. "Who's the president of the United States?" she asks, and anyone naming a president since Woodrow Wilson is met with a confused, "Who's that?!" Students receive lessons on the 'three Rs' using authentic 1920s curricula and tools.
 
Programs are particularly suitable for grade-school children, but all are welcome. Groups up to 34 people are scheduled by appointment, year 'round. For details, contact Barbara Hoel or Barbara Zyvoloski at 262.338.4625 or yos@cedarcommunity.org

Heritage House
The former homestead of Cedar Community's original benefactor, William Koehl, Heritage House was built in 1865. Today, it preserves both the furnishings of a bygone era and the daily experiences of a turn-of-the-century farm family. Visitors relive history, playing an 1884 pump organ in the parlor, learning about pumping cistern water and using homemade soap to hand-wash and line-dry laundry. They make butter, grind coffee, listen to a crank telephone and work a Victrola. Volunteers enhance learning by sharing an oral history of their experiences fetching water from a spring, working the fields, weaving fabric and sleeping on rope beds.

Heritage House also hosts public events such as ice cream socials, re-enactments, holiday open houses, demonstrations, tastings and speakers.

Visit our Calendar of Events for upcoming dates. For details or tour information, contact yos@cedarcommunity.org