The Eastside Heritage Center Education Department functions in a variety of ways. Besides offering an education-based perspective for EHC exhibit and collections development, education staff interface with schools, historic organizations and eastside communities.
Education staff develop theme-based, hands-on kits, called Treasure Boxes, that relate to eastside history. Many of the treasure boxes have been developed as the result of grant funding, and are aligned with the Washington State Social Studies curriculum standards. They are rentable and effective learning tools for classrooms, senior centers, scout groups and public programs. Education staff schedule, rent, and maintain the treasure boxes and slide shows.
They also develop and deliver classroom programs, field trips to specific sites, senior programs and public programs for all ages. The department circulates an Education Programs brochure to several local school districts to notify them of updated offerings.
Rent the Eastside Heritage Center's Treasure Box kits to experience hands-on activities that bring Eastside history to life! Use as a program enrichment opportunity. Each kit includes artifacts, photographs, literature and suggested activities. Appropriate for all ages. Renters are responsible for pick up and return of kits to the Eastside Heritage Center.
- FEE: $30 per kit for two weeks and $10 each additional week.
NOTE:
Optional 45 minute Classroom Presentations are available with Treasure Boxes.
- FEE (in addition to TB rental fee): $50 per presentation ($25 for EHC Members)
Optional (2 hour maximum) Field Trips are available with selected Treasure Boxes (see 'FT' designation). Your group supplies bus.
- FEE (in addition to TB rental fee): $75 ($37.50 for EHC Members)
Note: Click on the subject titles below to view more information.
Includes artifacts, activities, photographs, video and literature. Developed in 1997 in partnership with Lake Washington School District's Ben Rush Elementary School students and teachers. Suggested for Grade 4.
*Click here for full description and sample activities.
Focuses on the history of schools in Bellevue, Kirkland and Redmond. Includes teacher/student versions of the story "The Little Red Schoolhouse" (the oldest schoolhouse building in Bellevue that has since burned), photographs, activities, background information and students' artwork. Developed in 1998 in partnership with Bellevue School District's Ardmore Elementary School teachers and students. Suggested for Grade 2.
*Click here for full description and sample activities.
Contains historical and modern artifacts that begin with each letter of the alphabet. Includes a descriptive card for each item, activities that promote an understanding of historical collections and involve users in the process of exhibit development.
*Click here for full description and sample activities.
Users can compare current and historic kitchen utensils and recipes as they discover how these have changed over time. Includes background information, photos and suggested activities.
*Click here for full description and sample activities.
This kit includes Local Salish Native American stories, audiotapes, games, artifacts, background information packet and suggested activities. Developed in partnership with Bellevue School District's Ardmore Elementary School teachers and students in 1998. Suggested for grade 4.
*Click here for full description and sample activities.
Logging, blacksmithing, shoemaking and measuring tools are featured in this kit that represents occupations of early days on the Eastside. Includes artifacts, photos, stories and interactive activities.
*Click here for full description and sample activities.
Depicts the life of a young girl in the late 1880's and early 1900's. Includes school lesson plans, slate, dresses, shoes, games and photographs.
*Click here for full description and sample activities.
Compares agricultural and architectural styles in Bellevue using the sites at Larsen Lake and Mercer Slough. The kit traces the early geology of the area and origins of various inhabitants. Maps and artifacts included. Developed in 2005 in partnership with the Bellevue School District's Cherry Crest Elementary teachers and students. Suggested for Grades 1-4
*Click here for full description and sample activities.
Education Department History Props Kits For Rent
Items included in the History Props Kits are not found in the Education Department’s Treasure Boxes. They come from the Education Department’s collection of non-accessioned and acquired items. The purpose for offering these items for rent is to make them available for special occasions such as birthday parties, history fairs, theatre productions, and more.
*Click here for full description and rental fees.
Historic Larsen Lake Cabin at the Lake Hills Greenbelt
Historic Winters House at the Mercer Slough Nature Park
These 45-minute guided tours are offered in cooperation with the City of Bellevue Parks and Community Services Department. Tours take place inside and outside two of Bellevue's historic buildings. The tours provide visitors with the opportunity to be immersed in Bellevue's past and present.
FEE: $30 per group (Max. 15 people per group)
Tour reservations are required at least three weeks in advance of your intended visit. Contact the Education Department to set up the date, time, and tour details.
The Eastside Heritage Center has a variety of multimedia options that can be rented.
FEE: $20 per program for 2-week rental, $10 each additional week
Reservations required at least two weeks in advance. Renters will need to pick up and return materials at the Eastside Heritage Center.
Note: Click on the subject titles below to view more information.
This 75-minute video features 1860s-1960s coal mining geology, tools and life-styles at
Newcastle/Coal Creek, WA, as told by a mine engineer, park manager and mine mechanic. The three sections can be played independently. (See related Treasure Box: Eastside Coal Mining History) Ages: 10 and up.
A 20-minute program depicting developments in transportation from early Native American
footpaths to the 1990s. Includes written narrative and suggested activities. Ages: 6 and up
Quilts from the Eastside Heritage Center's historic collection are featured in this 10-minute program. Includes written script, suggested activities and bibliography. Ages: 5 and up.
This is a 20-minute program chronicling the early development and history of the Eastside. Includes written script. Ages: 8 and up.
A 25 minute slide show program chronicling the early development and history of the Eastside. Includes written script. Ages: 3rd grade and up.
