Gilfillan Farm Brings History to Life for Third Graders

The event was led by Pam Petrarca, Eisenhower teacher and elementary social studies curriculum leader, and Rachel Carlson, president of the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair. 

Each school’s third graders spent a full day exploring the farm through five interactive learning stations before enjoying a picnic lunch. Activities included touring the farmhouse, participating in a simulated one-room schoolhouse, and visiting the outdoor buildings—the springhouse, smokehouse, outhouse, and summer kitchen. Students also learned about the farm’s Dorset sheep and enjoyed recess with traditional 1800s games. To cap off the experience, students sampled honey produced right at Gilfillan Farm.

Mrs. Carlson noted that the sheep were a clear favorite among students.

“This year, Gilfillan Farm was excited to include Horses with Hope as a partner in this field trip,” she said. “Their involvement allowed students the opportunity to meet the Dorset sheep at the farm and learn a little about the history of sheep in Western Pennsylvania and about how the sheep can be used for therapeutic activities today.”

The visit aligns with the History of Pittsburgh social studies unit taught in third grade.

“Studying the history of Upper St. Clair is important because it gives our students something to connect with,” Mrs. Petrarca said. “It helps them develop a sense of belonging and pride in their community. When they understand how the area has grown and changed over time — from its early settlers on — they begin to see themselves as part of an ongoing story.”

Mrs. Carlson emphasized that the partnership between the school district and the Historical Society fulfills the legacy of the Gilfillan family.

“The Gilfillans believed in being a part of the community and in the value of education,” she said. “Part of the goal is to fulfill the wishes of Margaret Gilfillan that the property be used for education and part of the goal is to help bring history to life for students.”

Because of the farm’s prominent location along Route 19, the experience connects classroom lessons to students’ everyday lives. 

“We hope that by teaching history at a place that many students drive past on a frequent basis will make that history come alive for them,” Mrs. Carlson said. “And that each time they drive past or walk on the trail, they will remember some tidbit of history.”

The learning stations were facilitated by Upper St. Clair High School students from Interact, National Honor Society, and Student Council. As a volunteer run organization, Gilfillan Farm relies on these students’ help to host the annual field trips.

“It creates a special learning environment where the third graders get to learn from older kids,” Mrs. Carlson said. “Both years it has been an obvious favorite of the third graders.”

Mrs. Petrarca agreed that the cross-age collaboration is one of her favorite aspects of the experience.

“It is an awesome opportunity for both groups of students,” she said. “I am always so impressed by the high school helpers. They take the information they’re asked to share and really make it their own.”

High school faculty and staff who supported the trip included Laura Carlino, science teacher and Interact sponsor; Lexi Ostrowski, English teacher and National Honor Society sponsor; and Brooke Tarcson, Student Council sponsor and head of student activities. Each accompanied the high school volunteers on the field trip days.