Connect with the Stories that Shaped a Nation...
Book a Field Trip with Us
Empower Your Students to Experience the 18th Century!
The Powder Magazine is a small building with a BIG history! We offer a variety of educational programs for students and families, with some of the most fun and engaging field trips around! Guided tours of The Powder Magazine are offered during our normal hours of operation (Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 4:00pm and Sunday 1:00pm to 4:00pm).
K-12 field trips and other specialized educational programs for kids and families are scheduled with our staff. (A minimum of ten paying program participants is required for most field trips) To book your experience, review the options below and fill out a field trip request form using the links below.
In addition to our museum education programs, we also collaborate with the Old Exchange Building, the Heyward-Washington House and the Old Slave Mart Museum on multi-site field trips. Read below for more information on our field trip options!
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Young Colonials
(Grades 3rd-8th)
This engaging field trip includes a tour of The Powder Magazine and cannon yard. Students learn about the colonial history of 18th century Charles Town and get "hands-on" with cartridge rolling, a musket demo, and more!
Time: 30-45 minutes
Fee: $5 per student, $6 per adult, teachers are free
Minimum 10 students, maximum 40 students
STEAM Trunk
(Grades 4th and higher)
This exploration of The Powder Magazine comes with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM). Students will learn about the architecture and engineering that was used in the construction of this building in 1713 and why it still endures today. They'll learn about the composition of gunpowder and the chemical reactions that took place in 18th century weapons. Our cannon is a perfect example of a "simple machine" that illustrates concepts such as angles, and types of energy. Who knew the oldest public building in the Carolinas had so much to say about science and technology?
Time: 45 minutes
Fee: $5 per student, $6 per adult, teachers are free
Minimum 10 students, maximum 40 students
Rebels and Redcoats
*Our Most Popular Program*
(Grades 3rd-8th)
Multi-Site Field Trip: The Powder Magazine, Heyward-Washington House, and the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
It's 1781 and Charleston is under British Occupation. Your secret mission begins with fellow Patriot soldiers at the Old Exchange. See where prisoners are being held by the British in the dungeon and learn about the Declaration of Independence in the Great Hall. Then journey to the Heyward-Washington house where Mrs. Heyward will talk abut the daily life of her household and the difficulties in Charleston while her husband has been imprisoned by the British. Finally, sign up for the militia and prepare for battle as you learn about gunpowder, muskets, and cannons at The Powder Magazine.
You can view our Rebels and Redcoats FAQ sheet for more information about this program.
Time: 3 hours
Fee: $15 per student, $6.00 per adult, teachers are free
Minimum 12 students, maximum 120 students
Pirates, Patriots, and Powder
(Grades 3rd-8th)
Multi-Site Field Trip: The Powder Magazine, Heyward-Washington House, and the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
Start at the Old Exchange, exploring the British provost (dungeon) where American Patriots were kept during the Revolution. Learn about the Charleston Tea Party, George Washington's visit, and see where South Carolina ratified the U.S. Constitution. Next, your group will engage in a colonial/American Revolution themed scavenger hunt through Charleston's historic district, discovering locations and objects relevant to the early history of this city, state, and nation. Along the hunt, students will experience a tour of the Heyward-Washington House where they will learn about Declaration of Independence signer Thomas Heyward Jr.'s role during the Revolution, as well as the stories of other patriots. The scavenger hunt continues to the Carolinas' oldest public building, The Powder Magazine. There, your students will learn about how "Charles Town” was fortified as the only English walled city in North America, its early geography and inhabitants and why this colonial town's powder magazine was an essential part of its survival.
Time: 3 hours
Fee: $15 per student, $6 per adult, teachers are free
Minimum 10 students, maximum 80 students
Colonial Quest: Exploring the Colonial and Revolutionary City
(Grades 3rd-8th)
Multi-Site Field Trip: The Powder Magazine and Heyward-Washington House
A variation of the Pirates, Patriots, and Powder program minus the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon.
Time: 2 hours
Fee: $10 per student, $6 per adult, teachers are free
Minimum 10 students, maximum of 80 students
A la carte
We are happy to talk to you about tailor-made Powder Magazine field trips utilizing any combination of the above sites (Heyward-Washington House and Old Exchange Building), as well as the Old Slave Mart Museum. Call or email us to discuss!
Tina White, Education Coordinator
Phone: 843-722-9350
Email:tina@powdermag.org
