Welcome to Beyond the Blackboard

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Beyond the Blackboard is a grassroots network of curriculum-based educators serving the London community. The 13 members include experts and professionals from 9 Museums, 2 Art Galleries and 2 local Conservation Authorities. Teachers, let us share our resources and expertise to help you plan your next field trip or in-class session!
 
The following museums and organizations participate in the Beyond the Blackboard program:
 
Banting House Logo
Banting House
 
Recognized as the site of the defining moment in the discovery of insulin,
Banting House National Historic Site of Canada celebrates the life and
career of Sir Frederick Banting. Exhibitions include: the story of the
museum, the discovery of insulin, his involvement in both World Wars and
life as a student of AY Jackson.

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Canadian Medical Hall of Fame
 
The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF) was established in 1994 through the efforts of a forward-thinking group of business and health care leaders in Canada. The Hall features a distinguished laureate portrait gallery, three feature exhibits (The Brain & Mind, The Vital Flow and Mother & Child), an inspiring laureate quotation wall, a display of stamps from Canada Post reflecting the history of medicine and health care in Canada, and a media theatre.
 
Through our educational programs, CMHF fosters future generations of medical heroes. We encourage young people to learn more about Canada's rich medical history and to explore the exciting career options that are available to them in medicine and the health sciences.
 
Our three educational programs are: TD Discovery Days in Health Sciences, London Museum School Program, and The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame / Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life Scholarship Program.
 

 



Eldon House
 
Explore Eldon House, London's oldest residence. Virtually unchanged since the last century, this historic home contains family heirlooms, furnishings and priceless treasures of the Harris family as well as a re-created 19th century garden.

Built in 1834 for Captain John and Amelia Harris, the house remained in the Harris family until 1959 when it was given to the city complete with family furnishings and priceless treasures.
 
Although surrounded by the city today, the house amid its recreated 19th century gardens, is a place of beauty and tranquility. Tours of the house are available throughout the year but are especially popular at Christmas time when the house is festooned with the decorations of the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

During this age of elegance wealthy homes were furnished with exquisite antiques and historic treasures from exotic places. Life was made possible by domestic servants always on call in London's oldest surviving mansion.

Eldon House was the center of social life in early 19th century London with its library the setting for lively evenings. Today it remains a charming reflection of the city's past.
 

 
Elgin County Pioneer Museum Logo
Elgin County Museum
 
The former Elgin County Pioneer Museum renamed itself in 2006 and moved from the historic Duncombe House on Talbot Street to the 4th floor of the Elgin County Administration Building where expanded and greatly improved facilities have allowed for the development of a vibrant exhibition schedule combining traveling shows with exhibits based on the museum’s 10,000 plus collection of artifacts. Highlights of the collection include 19th century domestic life, agriculture, fine art and collections relating to early settlement, St. Thomas industry, Col. Talbot and Jumbo the elephant.

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Fanshawe Pioneer Village Logo
Fanshawe Pioneer Village
 
Southwestern Ontario’s past brought to life!  Fanshawe Pioneer Village offers students and visitors the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in interactive historical experiences.  Fanshawe Pioneer Village tells the story of rural communities in the former townships of Westminster, London, North Dorchester, Delaware, West Nissouri, and Lobo in Middlesex County from 1820 to 1920 and the founding and development of the City of London up to 1940. 
 

 
London Children's Museum Logo
London Regional Children’s Museum
 
The London Regional Children’s Museum is a special place for children and their grown-ups to play and learn together. Come and visit us for a special program, field trip, workshop, day camp, birthday party – or just for fun! It’s filled with hands-on, interactive exhibits that encourage children from infancy to twelve to explore and discover science, arts, heritage and more.
 

 
Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority
Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA)
 
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority offers outdoor learning, curriculum-based, hands on environmental discoveries for elementary and secondary levels.
 
 
 

 
McIntosh Gallery Logo
McIntosh Gallery
The McIntosh Gallery is a public art gallery which serves the university and surrounding community. Built in 1942 with a bequest from the Estate of Wilhelmina Morris McIntosh, it presents a continuous program of contemporary and historical exhibitions which explore themes and issues of our time. Artworks from the Collection are also on view throughout the campus.

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Museum London Logo
Museum London
 
Museum London was established in 1940 and operated from the London Public Library until 1980 when architect Raymond Moriyama was commissioned to design its current home at the forks of the Thames River in downtown London, Ontario. In 1989, the then London Regional Art Gallery amalgamated with the London Historical Museum and the historic Eldon House and Gardens creating what is known today as Museum London.
 
Museum London provides young people with the unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage of their community, and to discover the visual arts. Through original artwork and historic artifacts, students participate in one-of-a-kind experiential learning opportunities outside of the classroom. The educational impact of experiential learning and the value of the visual arts have been well documented. Museum London offers a unique setting where education is meaningful and fun!
 

 
Museum of Ontario Archaeology Logo
Museum of Ontario Archaeology
 
The Museum of Ontario Archaeology is a non-profit research centre and data base resource for studies in Ontario Archaeology. The museum houses over 2.5 million artifacts for analysis and maintains the public gallery for the interpretation of the 12,000 year occupation of Southwestern Ontario. Adjacent to the museum is the Lawson Provincial Heritage and Archaeological Dig Site. Identified as an area occupied around 1475 - 1500 AD by approximately 2000 'Neutral' Iroquoians, the excavated portion of this semi-permanent village hosts reconstructions of the palisade, earthworks and one of nine fully excavated longhouses. The site was strategically situated for defensive purposes and access to fresh water, plants, fish, wild game and other natural resources necessary to the traditional lifeways of Ontario's early inhabitants. Located within London's city limits, beside Medway Heritage Valley, this rich ecological environment and historically significant area transports you to 15th century Ontario.
 
Students can explore the history of Canada’s First Nations while learning how real-world archaeologists piece together our past. Museum staff will work with you to design a program tailored to your specific curriculum needs. Educators can choose to incorporate existing programming - including on-site archaeological digs and tours of the Lawson Iroquoian village - with a variety of craft and cultural workshops.
 

 










London Museum School
 
The LONDON MUSEUM SCHOOL PROGRAM is a collaborative of six museums and two school boards: Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, Fanshawe Pioneer Village, London Regional Children’s Museum, Museum London, Museum of Ontario Archaeology, Woodstock Museum National Historic Site, Thames Valley District School Board and London District Catholic School Board.
 
Museum School provides elementary students with a valuable week of learning and discovery. This innovative approach to education allows teachers to move their classroom to a museum setting for a full week of curriculum-based experiential learning. Daily journal writing and drawing are integral parts of each day as they allow students to slow down, observe, reflect and make connections to the world beyond the classroom. This interactive, Award Winning Program enables students to develop their writing, problem solving and critical thinking skills.
 

 
Elgin County Railway Museum Logo
North American Railway Hall of Fame
 
The Canada Southern Railway Station, located in St. Thomas, Ontario, is presently under restoration. It was completed in 1873 in the Italianate style and was the largest train station in Southwestern Ontario. It will become the location of exhibitions and education programs related to the interpretation of rail history in St. Thomas and region. At one time, the Canada Southern (later Michigan Central Railroad and New York Central) was the largest regional employer.

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Ska-Nah-Doht Village and Museum
 
Ska-Nah-Doht Village and Museum is located in the beautiful surroundings of Longwoods Road Conservation Area, Mount Brydges, just 30 km. west of London. Ska-Nah-Doht features a full size village with 3 longhouses, palisade with maze and 15 more structural exhibits to make the past come to life. The Museum offers displays of artifacts, First Nations culture and a hands-on activity room with puzzles and games. Ska-Nah-Doht Village and Museum offers both Museum/Village Tours and Full Day programming to compliment Ontario Curriculum.

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Secrets of Radar Museum Logo
The Secrets of Radar Museum
 
During WWII, nearly 6000 Canadians from all walks of life were recruited to work on radar, and were held to an oath of secrecy that was not lifted for fifty years. The Secrets of Radar Museum is dedicated to preserving the history, stories and experiences of all men and women who have helped to build, operate, maintain and defend radar stations here in Canada and abroad.
 

 
UTRCA
Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA)
 
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in the Province of Ontario. Our area of jurisdiction, the upper watershed of the Thames River, covers 3,432 square kilometres in southwestern Ontario and is home to approximately 485,000 people. The Thames is a Canadian Heritage River. Our mandate is to ensure that the rivers, lakes and streams are properly safeguarded, managed and restored; to protect, manage and restore woodlands, wetlands and natural habitat; to develop and maintain programs that will protect life and property from natural hazards such as flooding and erosion; and to provide opportunities for the public to enjoy, learn from and respect our natural environment.