Victorian Lives - Museum Sessions

Key Stage 2, Half or Whole Day Visit "It was pitched just right, with a balance of listening and practical activities" Teacher, Maylandsea Primary School

Victorian Lives

Based on the 1881 census, Hollytrees dolls house gives children a unique glimpse into everyday life in Hollytrees. 

A close examination of the 1881 census provides evidence about the people living in the house and raises questions for them to investigage.

  • explore the status, fashion and materials as the group dress Mr and Mrs Round, from corset to top hat
  • handle mystery household objects to find clues about the lives of the people who used them.
  • write on a slate and experience what it may have been like to have lessons in your home
  • discover what was involved in doing the household's laundry and investigate the effect of changes of technology

A whole day visit provides an opportunity for children to explore the toys gallery to look at mechanisms and optical toys, then make their own zoetrope and experiment with early animation.