School programs

Bellevue House National Historic Site

Bring your classroom to Bellevue House to experience, engage, and discuss life in the 1840s, Sir John A. Macdonald, his role in Confederation, and the impacts of his political actions. Immerse your students in conversations about how Macdonald’s complex legacy and the continued impact on communities to this day.

Recommended for Grades 4 to 12.

The site can offer basic 1.5-hour programs, extended 2.5-hour programs, or custom programs to align with your curriculum needs.

Fees can vary, please call for details

Bellevue and Beyond


Join us for an interactive tour of Bellevue House National Historic Site.  Experience the extensive grounds and gardens, then enter the house to further engage with the story of Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, and participate in conversations about his complex legacy and lasting impacts.

Details

Adaptable for all ages and groups

Duration: 60 to 75 minutes

This tour aligns with Ontario curriculum units in: 

  • Environmental Studies
  • Social Studies
  • History

Call or email ahead to book a time that fits your schedule

Cost: Fees can vary, please call for details

Pollinators to Prime Ministers


The heritage grounds of the historic Bellevue House offer a perfect setting to explore the relationship between people and natural and built environments. Investigate the people, plants, animals, and insects who have shaped Bellevue House, Kingston, and Canada.

Details

Kindergarten to Grade 4

Duration:60 to 90 minutes

Curriculum Connections:

  • Kindergarten Overall Expectations
    • 14. Demonstrate an awareness of the natural and built environment through hands-on investigations, observations, questions, and representations of their findings 
    • 26. Develop an appreciation of the multiple perspectives encountered within groups, and of ways in which they themselves can contribute to groups and to group well-being.
    • 29. Demonstrate an understanding of the natural world and the need to care for and respect the environment.
  • Grade 1 Social Studies, Strand B. People and Environments: The Local Community
  • Grade 2 Social Studies, Strand B. People and Environments: Global Communities
  • Grade 3 Social Studies, Strand A. Heritage and Identity: Communities in Canada, 1780–1850
  • Grade 4 Social Studies, Strand A. Heritage and Identity: Early Societies to 1500 CE

Cost: Fees can vary, please call for details

The Many Voices of Confederation


Puzzled about the history of Bellevue House and Sir John A. Macdonald? Engage your class with an immersive program which inspires participants to contemplate the history of colonialism in Canada. Learn about the life of Canada’s first prime minister and have conversations about the impacts of his complex legacy.

Details

Grades 5 to 8

Duration: 90 to 120 minutes

Curriculum Connections:

  • Grade 5 Social Studies, Strand A. Heritage and Identity: Interactions of Indigenous Peoples and Europeans prior to 1713, in What Would Eventually Become Canada
  • Grade 6 Social Studies, Strand A. Heritage and Identity: Communities in Canada Past and Present.
  • Grade 7 History, Strand B. Canada, 1800-1850: Conflict and Challenges. 
  • Grade 8 History, Strand A. Creating Canada, 1850-1890.

Cost: Fees can vary, please call for details

Crops, Compost & Colonization!


Join us on an outdoor investigation of the past and present use of the natural spaces of Bellevue House. Learn about the complexities of a large heritage kitchen garden, historic apple orchard and ornamental garden featuring heirloom species, and their place and interaction in a fragile urban ecosystem.

Details

Adaptable for all ages or grades

Kindergarten to Post-Secondary

This program is offered weather permitting.

Curriculum Connections:

  • Science: Biology, Conservation, Agricultural Ecology, Horticulture, Environmental Studies
  • Social Studies
  • History
Duration: 45 to 75 minutes 

Cost: Fees can vary, please call for details

Custom Programming


Let’s start the conversation with an inclusive approach to school group programs at Bellevue House. Call to discuss customizing a guided tour to align with your student’s unique interests, specific curriculum goals, accessibility needs and more.

Details

Adaptable for all ages and ability groups

Duration: 30 to 120 minutes 

Cost: Fees can vary, please call for details

Contact us!

Phone number: 613-545-8666
Email address: bellevue.house@pc.gc.ca

Date modified :