The program is designed to engage local fourth-grade students in the history of skiing in the White Mountains through immersive, hands-on learning experiences. It aligns closely with the New Hampshire fourth-grade curriculum, covering local history, STEM, and social studies, providing students with a dynamic, real-world connection to their academic studies.

The centerpiece of the program is a field trip that includes the first two elements:

1. Conway Scenic Railroad Ride & Historical Reenactment

Students ride the Conway Scenic Railroad and travel to North Conway, participating in a re-enactment of the 1939 arrival of Hannes Schneider. Local figures, including Hannes’ grandson, Christoph Schneider, Hannah Schneider, George Cleveland, and Tom Eastman, provide students with a vivid lesson on regional history and culture while riding the train.

2. Rotating Learning Stations

·       Ski Museum Scavenger Hunt & Discussion: Aligned with history curriculum standards.

·       STEM Activities: Students engage in a hands-on STEM lesson that connects science, technology, engineering, and math with real-world applications in skiing, supporting the state’s learning objectives in these subject areas.

·       Meet the Legends: Students meet local ski celebrities such as Olympians Tyler Palmer, Leanne Smith, and Sue Long Wymess, who share personal stories and Olympic memorabilia.

3. Student Exhibits

Following the field trip, students create their own exhibits based on personal interests, tying their learning experience to project-based learning.

The program is offered free of charge to all 4^th Grade students and teachers from SAU 9 and 13, including schools in Conway, Jackson, Bartlett, Madison, and Freedom, plus the Northeast Woodland Chartered Public School. Every year, 100-150 students participate.

The 4^th Grade Ski History Program aligns with several key components of the New Hampshire fourth-grade curriculum:

·   Social Studies: Local and regional history, understanding cultural and historical perspectives, and connecting past events to present-day communities.

·   STEM: Real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, and math through engaging activities that complement classroom learning.

·   Project-Based Learning: The creation of student exhibits reinforces critical thinking, research, and presentation skills, while promoting self-directed learning.

The New England Ski Museum has historically underwritten the entire cost of the 4th Grade Ski History Program, which totals more than $4,000 annually. This funding covers transportation, activity materials, and the extensive staff hours required to plan, coordinate, and deliver an engaging educational experience for 150 students and teachers over two days. By covering these expenses, the Museum ensures that the program remains free and accessible to all participating schools.

In 2024, we received generous support from the Conway Scenic Railroad, which donated train rides for the students. Additional program costs are offset by private donations and community support.

Significant past contributors to the program include Susan Fox, who underwrote the entire train ride in 2021, and Ken Corrock who donated $3,000 to the program in 2024 and $1,500 in 2025.

The 4th Grade Ski History Program offers students a meaningful way to connect their classroom learning with local history. Through hands-on activities, historical reenactments, and site-based learning, students discover how skiing has shaped the economy, culture, and identity of northern New England communities.

The success of the program depends on approximately 30 dedicated New England Ski Museum volunteers who help plan and run the event. In addition, local community members and historical reenactors contribute their time and talents to bring history to life at interactive learning stations.