How long can I rent the Portable Education Program?

The rental period lasts two weeks from the date you receive the kit, after which it must be returned to avoid additional fees.

Are the materials shipped nationwide?

Yes, the DAR Museum ships these educational kits anywhere in the United States, with return shipping the renter's responsibility.

Can the kits be used by children?

Absolutely! The programs are designed for learners of all ages, making them very family-friendly.

What topics are covered in the Portable Education Program?

Four main themes are covered: Money and Jobs, Food and Clothing, School and Play, and Colonial Household management.

Are there any digital or virtual components?

The program focuses on physical, hands-on materials rather than digital content for a more tactile learning experience.

What should I do if parts are damaged during my rental?

Contact the DAR Museum immediately to report any damage. Careful handling is recommended to avoid this.

Explore Colonial America Anywhere with Portable Education Program Rentals

Step back into 18th-century Colonial America without leaving your home or classroom with the Portable Education Program (PEP) Rentals offered by the DAR Museum in Washington, D.C. Designed for learners of all ages, these immersive, hands-on kits bring pivotal aspects of Colonial life to you, turning history from textbook content into a tangible experience. Whether you're a homeschooling family, educator, or history enthusiast, PEP offers four distinctive modules that explore the foundations of everyday life in Colonial America with compelling detail and engagement.

The location behind this innovative program, the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum, is a cornerstone in Washington, D.C.'s historical landscape. With these rentals, it extends its educational outreach beyond traditional boundaries, inviting participants nationwide to handle authentic replicas of Colonial currency, craft textiles, or experience the learning styles and play of Colonial children.

Each Portable Education Program offers a unique glimpse into different aspects of 18th-century life. The "Money and Jobs" kit introduces renters to the complex currency system used during the era, including shillings and Spanish dollars, alongside demonstrations of key Colonial professions like blacksmithing and weaving. This module not only educates about economic history but also provides hands-on mathematics practice using authentic period money.

The "Food and Clothing" box immerses users in Colonial culinary and clothing practices. Participants can try period recipes and learn textile creation processes like spinning wool and weaving linen—crafting skills that highlight the resourcefulness required to thrive during this time.

For younger audiences or those young at heart, the "School and Play" program uncovers educational practices and leisure activities of Colonial children. Slates for writing, arithmetic exercises, historically accurate games, and music all allow families to understand how children’s lives blended work and play centuries ago.

Lastly, the "Colonial Household" program offers adult learners a deep dive into the skills needed to manage a household in the 1700s, from fabric identification for laundry to budgeting using period currency.

Packed in durable, wheeled cases weighing 25–30 pounds, these programs ship directly to your door for a two-week rental, bringing the museum’s rich educational resources directly to you. Ideal for bringing history alive during home schooling or as a unique group activity, these rentals provide a hands-on, tangible connection to America’s past that few educational tools can match.

About DAR Museum

DAR Museum, located in Washington, District of Columbia, offers focused educational programs and museum experiences that connect visitors to family history and American life. The museum presents guided tours, youth badge programs, monthly online talks, and portable education rentals for schools and community groups. Featured offerings include the Brownie Girl Scout Badge program, the Junior Girl Scout Badge program, guided exploration of the period rooms, the Tuesday Talk lecture series, and Portable Education Program (PEP) rentals. These programs use storytelling, object-based learning, hands-on crafts, and role-play to engage learners of varying ages and backgrounds.

The Brownie Girl Scout Badge session invites families to explore ancestry, play storytelling games, create diaries, and build a simple family tree while earning the “My Family Story” badge. The Junior Girl Scout Badge program transports participants to 1913 to recreate a suffrage parade, craft a “Votes for Women” sash, and prepare brief speeches while working toward the “Playing the Past” badge. Guided Exploration of the Period Rooms offers tours of historically furnished rooms that illustrate domestic life across different eras. Tuesday Talk provides monthly online presentations focusing on the history of Black craftsmanship and regional artisans. Portable Education Program Rentals supply themed, hands-on curriculum stations covering currency and jobs; food and clothing; education and play; and household management. Each offering supports educational goals and group learning in a museum setting.

Programs are suitable for families, school groups, scouts, and community organizations; bookings and details are available through the museum's program listings, and seasonal special events.