Digital programming
Let us bring history to you! Engage your students from home or in the classroom with Virtual Programs from Discovery Harbour. Students will learn about Discovery Harbour’s rich history as the original British naval and military base in Penetanguishene, built to safeguard access to Upper Canada after the War of 1812. This program will introduce students to the life of a sailor and soldier in 19th century Upper Canada.
Schedule your virtual school program
Below you will find the program content, grade suitability, program length, and fees for our virtual education program.
Contact our Tour Coordinator: reservationshhp@ontario.ca
Please indicate the name of your school, your preferred date and time, the number of students participating and their grade.
Live streamed Q & A session:
(via Microsoft Teams or Google Meet):
- Days: Tuesday to Friday
- Times: 9:30 am or 1:00 pm
- Duration: 45-60 minutes
Cost and payment:
(Payment methods are listed further below)
- $90 per program, per class (up to 35 students)
- Payment is due within 7 days of your program date
- Cancellation: 7 days prior to your scheduled program
Program overview:
Students will experience the vast history of this British naval and military establishment with a three-part educational program, which includes an introductory video, offering students an overview of the time period following the war of 1812 and the importance that this wilderness outpost, a live question and answer session with a Discovery Harbour Program Staff, and follow-up activities to further the educational experience beyond the live session.
Students will learn about Discovery Harbour’s rich history as the original British naval and military base in Penetanguishene, built to safeguard access to Upper Canada after the War of 1812. This program will introduce students to the life of a sailor and soldier in 19th century Upper Canada.
Please note: While the War of 1812 is referred to in broad terms, this program does not focus on specific events from that or other previous conflicts. This program is only available in English at the moment.
This flexible, curriculum-linked virtual field trip is available for in-class or remote learning and is recommended for grades 7 and up. It is available on Microsoft Teams or Google Meet.
Program components:
The program starts with an online look at Discovery Harbour
- Discover the intriguing story of the original 19th century British naval and military outpost built to defend Upper Canada after the War of 1812
- Teachers are provided with a limited use link to the virtual tour video to be watched in advance of your live Q&A session
- Watch the program video together with your class or share the link with students who are learning from home
Your students can further explore specific topics by connecting with a history expert
- Schedule a live video conference with one of our Program Staff for a more in-depth discussion about our historic site and the time period covered (post war of 1812)
- This is a great opportunity for your students to ask questions about the sailors, soldiers, and officers who worked at the isolated base
Prepare for your livestream Q&A Session with these helpful resources
- A pre-virtual program overview on what to expect
- A program discussion guide with helpful hints
- Optional (pre or post) activities: Access to student activity sheets and other resources
- Have a specific request? Contact us!
Ontario curriculum links:
History and Geography, grades 7 and 8
Grade 7: Strand A. New France and British North America, 1713–1800
Grade 7: Strand B. Canada, 1800–1850: Conflict and Challenges
This program is best suited to students in grades 7 and up
- We customize the depth, focus and delivery style of this program to the grade and learning goals of your class
- Please reach out to us if you have a specific topic you would like to address related to our historic site or the time period post war of 1812, during your live session
Capacity is limited to one class (maximum 35 students) per program
- Small groups ensure greater engagement between our presenters and students
- Please make a separate reservation for each class
- Spaces are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis
The program is available on Microsoft Teams and Google Meets
- Connect with us if you have specific audio-visual concerns or would like to schedule a test call
- Due to restrictions from school boards, you will need to send your classroom link to our presenters the day before the start of your live session or at least 30 minutes prior
- Instructions on how to invite presenters on Google Meet will be sent to teachers. Please take the time to review them.
After making your reservation, you will receive a confirmation letter with payment instructions and other important details.
- Please notify us of any cancellations or changes at least 7 days prior to your confirmed Q&A session
- Programs cancelled within one week of the session will not be refunded but may be rescheduled for a later date, subject to availability.
Payment must be received within 7 days of your live Q&A session
- Please quote your reservation number from the confirmation letter you received, when contacting us or sending your payment
- Our preferred payment method is by Visa or Mastercard over the phone by calling: Matt Kelly at 705 433 1730
- Other payment options include P.O. or cheque payable to: MINISTER OF FINANCE
- Our mailing address: Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, 16164, Highway 12 East, P.O. Box 160, Midland, Ontario L4R 4K8
- If you booked several programs close in date, payments may be combined to minimize transactions
Please note: Virtual school programs are new for Discovery Harbour and part of our commitment to developing high-quality educational programs for all students. The programs are only offered in English at the moment, and are subject to change at any time. They may be delivered by staff in training, under supervision of a senior staff member. We appreciate the flexibility and collaboration of teachers in helping us develop new exciting programs.
We welcome your feedback!
After your session, you will receive a short survey to tell us how we did and make suggestions on how we could improve on the program