The President James K. Polk State Historic Site

The President James K. Polk State Historic Site

About the Site:

The President James K. Polk State Historic Site is located on land once owned by the parents of James K. Polk, the 11th U.S. president. The Site features a visitor’s center with exhibits on the history of Mecklenburg County, social life during Polk’s lifetime, and significant events from Polk’s presidency. In addition, two historic cabins on the site are opened during tours for visitors to gain an authentic feel for what life during Polk’s formative years would have been like. Visitors may also enjoy the offerings on the grounds, including a picnic area, nature trail, cemetery, and early-20th century stone monument.

Educational Offerings:

Our school programming opportunities range from a standard tour of the cabins and museum, to STEAM-based learning, and even opportunities for live demonstration of historical skills like long-rifle firing and spinning. We welcome students of all ages and are happy to tweak our programming to match the needs of your students. In addition to on-site programming, we also offer travelling trunks with resources you can use in your classroom or we are happy to discuss in-school residency programming to suit your skills.

Primary Education Contact: 

Kate Moore, Historic Interpreter III | kate.h.moore@ncdcr.gov

Additional Site Staff: 

Scott Warren – Site Manager – scott.warren@ncdcr.gov
Kate Moore – Assistant Site Manager – kate.h.moore@ncdcr.gov
Adrienne Nirde – Historic Interpreter II – adrienne.nirde@ncdcr.gov
Rochelle Welsh – Historic Interpreter

EDUCATOR CONTACT INFO

polk@ncdcr.gov

http://www.jameskpolk.net

  12031 Lancaster Highway, PO Box 475

Mecklenburg

704-889-7145

Traveling Trunk Programs - In-Class Resources

Program description

The President James K. Polk State Historic Site offers three traveling trunks to supplement the educational needs of teachers. Each trunk comes with a collection of reproduction artifacts, lesson plans, activities, and primary or secondary resources to use with the lesson.

Early Settlement of Mecklenburg County (1740s-1770s)

This trunk highlights four themes integral to the settling of Mecklenburg County: (1) Geography & Settlement of the Piedmont (2) Catawba Indians (3) The Great Wagon Road (4) Early Settlement of Charlotte. Recommended for 4th and 5th grade classrooms, the trunk includes an extensive resources notebook, complete with lesson plans, classroom activities, and additional supplementary materials.
19th Century School Day

This trunk illuminates 19th century education, and encourages students to compare and contrast the present-day classroom with the classroom of the 1800s. Recommended for Kindergarten through 4th grade classrooms, the trunk includes an extensive resources notebook, complete with classroom objectives, lesson plans, classroom activities, and additional supplementary materials.

Life on the Farm

This trunk illustrates daily life on a late 18th to early 19th century farm. Students will learn about children’s’ roles and responsibilities on the farm, and understand how communities worked in tandem to make farm living as sustainable as possible. Students will be encouraged to compare and contrast their modern-day roles and responsibilities with that of past farm children, and grasp how people worked together to build their communities. Recommended for 3rd through 5th grade classrooms, the trunk includes an extensive resources notebook, complete with classroom objectives, lesson plans, classroom activities, and additional supplementary materials.

See our educator packet at www.jameskpolk.net/education for more information.

Booking / scheduling contact

Kate Moore

   704-889-7145

 kate.h.moore@ncdcr.gov

Program detail
Artistic discipline: Multi-discipline
Cultural Origin: American, European, Multicultural, Native American
Program type:
Population served: Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Kindergarten
Subject: English, Language Arts, Literacy, Social Studies / History, Visual Arts
Bilingual: No
Available dates:

Throughout the year.

Available times:

Pickup: Trunks may be picked up on Friday or Saturday. For an additional fee, trunks may be delivered directly to your school.
Return: Trunks should be returned by the following Friday.

Location(s):

The President James K. Polk State Historic Site, 12031 Lancaster Hwy., Pineville, NC 28134

Fees / Ticketing:

Rates: $10.00 a week, $15.00 for two weeks
Security Deposit: Refundable deposit of $20.00 is due at trunk check out. Deposit void if trunk is returned more than three days late.

*NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED IF USING ASC FUNDING*

EDUCATION STANDARDS

NC Standard Course of Study:

SL.1 – Participate in collaborative conversations wiht diverse partners about grade level topics and texts with peers and adults in small and large groups.

WS.1 – With guidance and support, select a familiar book and use drawing, dictating, or writing to state an opinion about it.

RI.1 – Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.

 

NC Essential Standards:

K.H.1 – Understand change over time.

1.C&G.1 – Understand the importance of rules.

2.H.1 – Understand how various sources provide information about the past.

 

Qualifications

Conducts educational programming for 2 or more years: Yes
Performs criminal background checks on staff with youth contact: Yes
Maintains general liability insurance (Individuals and organizations listed in this Directory can provide proof of insurance upon request. ASC does not hold copies of current documentation for providers): Yes
Three letters of recommendation / references available: Yes
Provides study guides for teachers and or students: Yes
Connects to State and or Common Core Curriculum Standards: Yes
Provides tools to assess student learning (workshops and residencies): Yes
Provides scholarship and reduced fees: Yes
Conducts ongoing assessments of program quality: Yes
Cancellation Policy

No fee will be incurred for the cancellation of a trunk’s reservation prior to pick-up.