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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. 

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.

Request a virtual school program

Teaching materials

Get ready for your visit

Review our teaching and activity guide with your students before your visit.

Teaching and activity guide

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.