The Campbell House offers a variety of education programs and tours, which can be adapted to fit most any age group and curriculum.
Read more about the Museum's newest educational initiative, the Urban Museum Collaborative.
Flexible appointments for these programs and tours are available every day of the year except national holidays. The cost for groups of 10 or more is $5 per person. For groups of less than 10 the cost is $7 per person. Teachers and drivers are free. Groups of up to 50 people can be accommodated.
Weather permitting, the Museum's garden can be used to eat bag lunches. There are also numerous restaurants within walking distance of the Museum. Buses are authorized to park in front if the building without paying the parking meter.
Please contact the Museum for more information.
Primary Documents Workshop
Get a unique look at the 19th Century by using Campbell family primary documents to answer a set of questions. For middle and high school students and adults.
St. Louis Geography and History:
Why is St. Louis Here?
Explore St. Louis' physical landscape and how this landscape has evolved into our present-day city. This lesson plan was developed for elementary school children in kindergarten through 5th grade.
What Makes a Neighborhood?
Study the Lucas Place neighborhood by examining your own. This lesson plan was developed for elementary school children in 3rd through 5th grades.
These programs have been created with a grant from the Whitaker Foundation.
Educational tours are designed to incorporate a variety of topics and themes. Some suggested topics are listed below, and we welcome any topics not listed. Visitors are welcome to choose one or more topics to be incorporated into the general tour.
History
The Campbell family lived in St. Louis at a time of great industrial and social change. Robert Campbell made his fortune in many business expenditures, including steamboats and hotels. He obtained the greatest success from his involvement with fur. Historical tours concentrate on a variety of subjects:
- Campbell Family history
- Employment (see also Economics)
- General overview of St. Louis history
- Changes in economy (see also Economics)
- Changes in society (see also Humanities)
- Immigration
Humanities (Sociology and Anthropology)
These tours look closely at the people of St. Louis, their relationships, everyday living and how society was affected by the many changes taking place in America/St. Louis.
- Roles of women, men and children
- Old Money vs. New Money, the joy and consequence of economic success in St. Louis
- Societal structure (the class system in America)
- Societal rituals, parties and other social gatherings, material culture, such as furniture and dress/fashion (see also Art and Architecture)
- Roles of servants (maids, butlers, cooks, etc.)
- Shopping and Entertainment
Economics
The Nineteenth century witnessed dramatic economic changes throughout America
- Steamboat industry
- Fur trade in Missouri
- Industrial Revolution
Geography
St. Louis was built as a river town, but as the town's dependence on rail and auto travel increased, her dependence on the river lessened.
- St. Louis landscape, how cities change over time
- Flight and blight, changes in city landscape based on societal and economic perspectives
Science
The Campbell House restoration provides an excellent opportunity to see science in action.
- Conservation techniques and Restoration methods
- Environmental and health issues
- Nineteenth century medical practices
The Museum's unique buildings house an unparalleled collection of original Campbell family decorative arts.
- Development of American residential architectural styles
- Victorian decorative arts and interior design (including furniture, painting, sculpture and fabrics)
Miscellaneous
- Teaching the Teacher: How can Teachers use museums to supplement classroom learning?
- Foundations of museum Curatorship
