An official website of the State of Georgia.
Ranger-Led Programs
To book a field trip, please call 478.986.5172.
Group Rate: $5.50 for adults, $4.00 for youth (6-17), $1.50 for children (5 and under). The group rate requires an organized group of 15 or more with advanced notice.
100 Years of Farming History – Grades: K-12
A ranger-led tour offers a deeper look at more than a century of Georgia history including life in middle Georgia from the time of the Muscogee Nation to the height of cotton farming, the Civil War, emancipation of slavery, the industrialization of farming at the turn of the 20th century, and the arrival of the cotton boll weevil. Students will explore two historic cotton farms and more than 20 authentic 19th- and early 20th-century plantation buildings and structures typical to middle Georgia agriculture and lifestyle dating back to 1847. The homes and work buildings contain all original furnishings and equipment made and used by the Jarrell family from 1847 to the 1940s.
Available Demonstrations & Hands-on Activities:
Separating Cotton Seed from Lint – activity and discussion on the significance of cotton as a cash crop in Georgia, the labor involved in cotton production, and the invention and importance of the cotton gin and how it changed Georgia’s economy by the 1850s.
Farm Animals – meet our animals at the barnyard and discuss the significance of different animals and what they provided to farm life.
Butter Churning – activity and discussion on separating cream into butter and the science behind the process.
Spinning and Weaving – discussion on turning raw materials into usable and sellable products with demonstration of spinning wheels and hands on drop spindle and weaving activities.
Old Fashioned Toys and Games – a look at the similarities and differences in play from the 1800s and today.
- Program Length: 1.5 hours
- Program cost: $4.00 for students, $5.50 for adult chaperones
- GSE: SS4E1, SS4G2, SS5H1, SS5H2, SS5H3, SS5G2, SS8H5, SS8H6, SS8H8, SS8G1, SS8E1, SS8E2
Ranger-Led FAQ:
Q: What comes included with the program cost?
A: Schools are offered a guided tour of the site and both historic houses, hands-on activities based on available time, and a picnic area for lunch once the field trip is over.
Q: Do you offer a discount to Title 1 schools?
A: We offer a discounted group rate for all school field trips.
Q: How do these programs relate to what I am teaching?
A: Each of these programs were designed to align specifically around the grade-specific standards outlined by Georgia’s Standards of Excellence.
Q: Is there a cost or limit for chaperones?
A: There is no limit for the number of chaperones that can come on a ranger-led program. The admission cost is at our reduced group rate for adults.
Q: How early in advance do I need to book our program?
A: We require at least a two-week notice to book any ranger-led programs. In order to book your ranger-led program either call the Visitor Center at 478.986.5172.
Ranger-Led Additional Information
- Educators and group leaders will be responsible for the behavior of their students at all times.
- Groups larger than 50 students will need to be broken up amongst multiple days.
- Please be on time for your scheduled program. If running late, call to let us know. We try to keep to schedule so that you may return to school on time. Occasionally, we have groups scheduled back-to-back and late arrivals may either shorten or possibly forfeit their program.
- Rain dates are available. We still present the program outdoors in misty rain or cold weather, so please have your students dress accordingly.
- If you have any questions regarding ranger-led program reservations, please call the Visitor Center at 478.986.5172.
Self-Guided Explorations
Educators and group leaders have the opportunity to experience Jarrell Plantation on a self-guided basis. Jarrell Plantation offers a half-mile history trail with interpretive panels showcasing our two historic farms and more than 100 years of Georgia history. The Visitor Center features exhibits on farm life from 1850 to 1940 and a short film on the plantation’s history. Admission is the same as our group rate for organized groups of 15 or more: $5.00 for adults and $3.50 for youth (the group rate requires an advanced notice of at least two weeks).
Other Information
For any questions, visit the Visitor Center or call us at 478.986.5172.
