Homeschool Programs

2024 Programming

To register call 860-572-5331, email reservations@mysticseaport.org, or select the REGISTER HERE button following each class description.

Cornucopia of Curious Creatures

Mondays, September 16–October 28, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (no class Oct. 14)

Have you ever wondered how to tell the difference between a seal and a sea lion? Or more importantly, why would we even want to know? Humans have had an inclination toward learning the who, what, when, where, and why for all of time and there are few fields that illustrate that curiosity as well as the study of natural history. Natural historians were scientists who used art and scientific writing to share their findings, often sailing on ships and studying far off coastal ecosystems.

Join us this fall at the intersection of art, history, and the natural world as we take a gander at coastal and inland flora and fauna, animal classification and identification, historical naturalists, citizen science, observational drawing, Canada geese, and much more.

For ages 8 and up.
Maximum class capacity is 20 students.
Members $152 per participant | Non-members $190 per participant

Homeschool Sailing

Thursdays, September 12–October 24, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Students will learn how to sail in a friendly and fun environment on the beautiful Mystic Seaport Museum waterfront. The sailing class emphasizes the basics of sailing terminology, seamanship skills like knot tying and rigging, boat handling, and the enjoyment of sailing. On days where sailing is not possible, students will also have the opportunity to learn about river ecology, powerboating, and navigation.

For ages 8 and up.
Maximum class capacity is 20 students.
Members $152 per participant | Non-members $190 per participant

Homeschool Powerboating

Tuesdays, September 17–October 29, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

This is the US Powerboating (Safe Powerboat Handling–US Powerboating) 16-hour, hands-on, on-the-water course—intended for anyone who wants to learn how to safely operate a small motorboat and improve their boat handling skills. No previous experience or certification is required. The US Coast Guard and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) have approved this course which includes Connecticut-specific exam questions meeting the requirements for a State of Connecticut Boating Certificate. This class is taught by US Coast Guard Licensed Captains that are also US Powerboating Safe Powerboat Handling Instructors.

For ages 10 and up.
Maximum class capacity is 8 students.
Members $152 per participant | Non-members $190 per participant

Civics, Communities, and the Sea

Mondays, November 4–December 16, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (no class Nov. 11)

Each day will be focused on a different element of being a strong, productive citizen. We will discover your hometown history, share family immigration stories, learn about state symbols and town logos, vote on non-human candidates for local governments, hear the history of the Charter Oak, discuss 19th-century sailor impressment, and find out how a town’s local dispute can be settled in a town hall setting.

For ages 8 and up.
Maximum class capacity is 20 students.
Members $152 per participant | Non-members $190 per participant