Hildene Home Study

Register now for Springtime Scenes: Plants, Vernal Pools & Goats.


Program fees (per program): Member: $12 per child, Nonmember: $15 per child.

These programs are designed for students in grades K-4. Children must be accompanied by an adult during programs. A minimum of five students is needed for a program to run.

Younger children may attend with their siblings but may not be able to fully participate in all activities. They do not need to be formally registered.

Programs fees are refundable if cancellations are made at least 5 days before the date of a program. Otherwise, programs fees are not refundable, regardless of reason. In the event Hildene has to cancel a program, pre-registered participants will receive a full refund.

Hildene - The Lincoln Family Home

The Greenhouse Ecosystem

April 14th
10:00 am - 11:30 am

Students investigate Hildene’s warm and cold houses to discover how thriving plants are grown year-round. While learning about pests and beneficial insects of a greenhouse, students perform “plant health checks.” They also plant, harvest and enjoy one of our most popular greenhouse crops, microgreens, while looking closely at plants' structure and function.

This program will be held at Hildene's Educational Greenhouse. 1550 River Rd. Manchester, VT.

BIG IDEAS: Structure and Function; Cycles; and Interdependence. NGSS

Hildene - The Lincoln Family Home

Vernal Pools: Unique Amphibian Nurseries

April 28th
10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Students explore the important role vernal pools play in supporting amphibian life. Through close observation of live amphibians in their habitat, they experience firsthand how these temporary spring wetlands provide food, shelter, and protection. Students become familiar with some of the “obligate” vernal pool species and learn why these pools are called the “hatchery of the forest.”

This program will be held at the Youth Education Building, 1007 Hildene Rd,
Manchester, VT.

BIG IDEAS: Interdependence; and Systems. NGSS

Hildene - The Lincoln Family Home

Curious About Curious Goats

May 12th
10:00 am - 11:30 am

Students interact with the does and kids at our goat dairy, while exploring the life cycle, adaptations and behavior of goats. Students also learn about the process of milking, feed the goats and help with other chores, as well as identify goat products.

This program will be held at Hildene Farm at the Goat Dairy, 371 Hildene
Rd, Manchester, VT.

BIG IDEAS: Cycles; and Structure and Function. NGSS

Lunch, Trails, & Farm Animals

Families may bring brown bag lunches to eat in our picnic area and are also welcome to explore our walking trails. Interpretive signs along the Goat Dairy/Farm Trail highlight trees, shrubs, ferns and other natural features. This trail loops through Hildene Farm with our herd of goats and dairy facility.

Please note we are a pet, smoke, and idle free campus. Thank you for your understanding.


Contact Us

For more information on Hildene's Home Study program, please contact Lisa Maggio, Education Director, 802-367-7965 or click to email. 

Hildene - The Lincoln Family Home