Photograph by Thomas Drasdauskis Students and teachers alike can experience Barkerville history through our established Barkerville School Program. Visit Barkerville for the day, or stay overnight in the area to experience several enriched days of history lessons at their best. The Barkerville School Program revolves around six core elements, described below. In addition, gold panning and stagecoach rides are available at a special rate for those participating in the school program. Theatre Royal also presents a half hour spring show designed for school children and timed to fit into your visiting schedule. Many other Barkerville merchants replicate activity on the creek during the gold rush era.
Core Elements Early Justice: Early Justice is a mock court that takes place in the Methodist Church. Judge Matthew Baillie Begbie presides over a one-hour trial, with the assistance of his court clerk, Mr. Bushby. Each trial is based on one of two actual cases in Cariboo history. Students are assigned roles before the court convenes, and are encouraged to participate. Grades 4-12 are appropriate for this program. The court can accommodate up to 30 students at a time. Participants must arrive 15 minutes early to receive instructions and get their role cards. Map#7. Schoolhouse: The Schoolhouse program takes place in a building similar to the original Williams Creek Schoolhouse, and can accommodate up to 30 students at a time. A schoolhouse marm will give the students lessons pertaining to school life in the 19th Century. Desks and other artifact replicas from an 1870s classroom are used. Map#13. Mining in Barkerville: The Mining Demonstration involves a highly entertaining 45-minute to 1-hour presentation of our famous Cornish Water Wheel. Dating to Roman times, the wheel was used extensively by miners during the Cariboo Gold Rush and it comes alive in Barkerville. Miners and investors guide students through the history of mining tools and techniques, as well as the properties of gold. See the water wheel in operation and learn the geology of gold mining. The demonstration can accommodate up to 50 students, weather permitting. Map#83. Wendle House: The Wendle House Program offers insight into the experience of domestic life as it existed in Barkerville in the 1870s. The Wendle House can accommodate a maximum of 15 students at a time. Map #18. Blacksmithing in Barkerville: The Cameron and Ames Blacksmith Demonstration will allow students to see a real blacksmith in action and discover the fine art of this trade. Maximum 20 students at a time. Map#20. Chinese Tour: Take an in-depth tour of one of Canada’s oldest Chinatowns. Learn about the important role that the Chinese community played in the development of Barkerville and the Cariboo region. Maximum of 30 students. Meet on the street in front of the Lung Duck Tong. Map #63. Booking and Payment Schools must book and pay in advance to reserve their booking. Fees must be paid by mid January of the year you are attending. The Theatre Royal requests a 50% deposit for groups attending their shows. This should be mailed with the payment for the school program to Barkerville Historic Town. Groups must provide an adequate amount of supervisory adults for visiting students. For more information and to book your school’s visit call Barkerville at 1-888-994-3332 Ext. #29 or email judy.mooring@barkerville.ca.
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