Children will have a tour of the slave cabin, and hear the history of one family who lived there, the Kane family. Using a hands-on activity, children will learn about soil stratigraphy and some of the guidelines for archaeological excavation. They will then view artifacts found at Sotterley's slave cabin during recent archaeological digs, and have an opportunity to "hypothesize" the meaning of these artifacts relative to slave life.

Colonial Plantation Life - (Grades 4-6)

What is a day in the life of a Colonial child like? Students will find out through hands-on activities and tours of Sotterley's, outbuildings, and garden. Classes have the opportunity to try on Colonial clothing, examine every day tools, "attend" the plantation school, and practice the manners of the day.  A detailed perspective of Colonial life is presented while learning about the role of tobacco in the plantation economy, and the importance of the river for transportation, communication, and trade. A small craft project is made for all groups to take with them.

Dig This! An Archaeology Field Day for Teens - (Grades 7-12)

Students are introduced to African-American culture at Sotterley in the 19th century up to and including the Civil War. The principles of archaeological excavation are introduced. Students have an opportunity to work with a grid, excavate, sift, wash and record artifacts and will be guided in the identification and interpretation of artifacts as they pertain to slave life.

Slavery to Freedom - (Grades 7-12)

Students have an opportunity to work with Sotterley's primary historic sources (slave statistics, agricultural census, inventories, etc.) as well as biographies, oral histories and artifacts. A field study at Sotterley provides a tour of the Slave Cabin and outbuildings through the eyes of a slave. A number of hands-on activities help to bring to life the real stories of one family enslaved at Sotterley Plantation during the 19th century. In addition, students learn the principles of archaeology and put those principles to use by participation in an archaeological dig.

Riverways - (Grades 3-6)

This program is designed to give students an historical overview of colonial activity along the Patuxent River. They will learn about how the river and its natural resources contributed significantly to the settlement of the region and how it shaped the social and economic activity that occurred in the 1700s. Students will take part in a nature walk and will participate in a Triangle Trade and artifact activity at Sotterley's port. The impact of man's history on the waterways will be explored.