The fourth grade class from Westhaven Elementary visited Bacon's Castle in February 2012. Though the property was closed to the public, the volunteer staff opened it for their field trip. The tour guides provided knowledgeable tours of the grounds, slave quarters, gardens, and house. Standing in an abandoned slave quarters was particularly impactful. Each student received an activity book as a souvenir. When asked which field trips they wanted, Bacon's Castle was the top choice, as it was an ideal experience for their Virginia Studies curriculum on colonial life.

1. Westhaven Elementary
3701 Clifford Street
Portsmouth, VA 23707
Mr. Todd Ballance
PRESERVATION VIRGINIA
465 Bacon's Castle Trail
Surry, Virginia 23883
October 3, 2012
Dear Mr. Ballance:
On February 7, 2012 the fourth grade of Westhaven Elementary had the
privilege of traveling to Bacon’s Castle on a field trip. The students were excited
to see a colonial house from early Virginia, and to be able to walk on the grounds
of an actual plantation. Even though the property was not open to the public, the
volunteer staff opened the house and prepared for our visit.
The tour guides were extremely knowledgeable and accommodated all of
our requests to include SOL specific information. Our trip included a walking tour
of the grounds, slave quarters, and gardens, a tour through the house, and a lesson
in the kitchen. Standing in an abandoned slave quarters was the most awe
inspiring part of the trip for me. Seeing how the slaves of Virginia lived left me
speechless. At the conclusion of our adventure, each student was given a high-
quality activity book as a souvenir.
When I asked my team which field trips they wanted to pursue this year,
Bacon’s Castle was at the top of the list. By the way, our fourth grade goes on
about 10 field trips each school year. This was the ultimate trip to experience
Virginia Studies SOL 4 which covers Everyday Colonial Life in Virginia.
Sincerely,
Laura Ellis
Fourth Grade Teacher
Westhaven Elementary
2010 District Teacher of the Year