Quicksilver Mining Museum School Program
Discover the rich history of local mining through engaging in-person or virtual school field trips at the Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum.
In-person
Quicksilver Mining Museum – mercury mining and California Gold Rush
Class information
Location: Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum
Grade level(s): 3rd and 4th
Maximum number of students: 35
Program duration: 2 hours (10:00am-12:00pm Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays)
Program fee: Free
Overview
Students explore the history of mercury mining, its importance to the gold rush, and the power of community to achieve a goal through a brief museum tour and hands-on activities indoors at the Casa Grande.
In-person program registration is open. Sign up below to request an in-person field trip.
Virtual
Quicksilver Mining Museum – mercury mining and California Gold Rush
Class Information
Location: Virtual
Grade level(s): 3rd and 4th
Maximum number of students: 35
Program duration: 1 hour (Tuesdays at 1:30-2:30pm)
Program fee: Free
Overview
Students will join a Park Interpreter to explore the history of mercury mining, its importance to the gold rush, and the power of community to achieve a goal. Students will engage in a virtual tour of the museum, exploration of key community members, and a PowerPoint presentation featuring maps and historic photos.
Virtual program registration is open. Sign up below to request a virtual school program.
Teaching materials
Get ready for your visit
Review our teaching and activity guide with your students before your visit.
After your field trip
Explore additional post-field trip videos. Check out our Play Like A Miner video series and work on the activity booklet. Watch our Mercury Minute video series for an even deeper dive into the history of the mines and the park.
Traveling Trunks
Bring mining museum activities to your classroom. Check out a Traveling Trunk.
Volunteer docents
Programs are led by interpretive staff and supported by volunteer docents. We are always looking for enthusiastic school program docents. If you're interested in becoming a docent, please visit our docent recruitment page to learn more and sign up.