School Programs

Travel back in time for a unique learning experience at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village!

A range of year-round programs and hands-on historic activities will complement the curriculum and make a lasting impression on children of all ages.

Our award-winning open-air museum, authentic setting and costumed interpreters bring Alberta's history to life. Dynamic presentations and an enchanting environment offer a unique opportunity for active and experiential learning.

  • All programs must be booked in advance
  • Program bookings are subject to availability
  • Book early to ensure your selected date is available

Note: The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village remains closed to the public following a fire in 2025. However, school programs have been modified to safely work around the planning and construction of a new Visitor Centre. Students will still visit our historic buildings where history comes to life in an impactful way.

We are now accepting bookings for our winter school programs. Book by filling in our online booking form or subscribe to our email newsletter to receive updates on our school programs. Telephone registrations will not be accepted.

2025-26 Seasonal Programs (October to April)

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Rizdvo: Ukrainian Christmas (Gr 1-9)

Students experience customs and traditions for the entire Rizdvo or Ukrainian Christmas season as they are brought to life by costumed interpreters. In this full day of activities, groups will help with preparations for Rizdvo, learn how the holiday was celebrated, and experience traditions associated with the New Year and Iordan.

Dates: November 17 - December 18, 2025

Duration: 4 hours

Grades: 1-9

Cost: $14 per student

Program Activities

This school program aims to teach students the meaning and significance of the Christmas season to early Ukrainian-Canadian settlers in east central Alberta. As part of the program activities, religious themes and information will be presented to the students as they pertain to the Ukrainian Christmas traditions and activities students are learning about. This program also includes an educational visit to one of our museum’s consecrated churches. UCHV staff endeavour to create a learning atmosphere that is respectful and inclusive while educating students about these cultural beliefs and traditions. If you have any questions or concerns about the content and activities related to the Rizdvo-Christmas program, please feel free to contact us.

This program patterns Ukrainian settler lifestyle as it occurred during the festive season in east central Alberta prior to 1930. The program activities will span the Ukrainian Christmas cycle from the lenten period (pist), to Christmas Eve (Sviatyi Vechir), to post-Christmas celebrations of New Year’s Eve (Malanka) and Epiphany or the Feast of Jordan (Iordan). During the program, students will be involved in home and meal preparation, indoor and outdoor chores, and in learning about special religious customs and traditions like caroling. Through hands-on activities and interactions with costumed interpreters, students will acquire significant information and images of a Ukrainian Christmas in Alberta.

Program Duration and Delivery

Rizdvo begins at 10 a.m. and runs to 2 p.m. The program schedule includes a 30-minute lunch break for each group. Teachers will divide students into smaller groups for the program. Each group will have a different schedule to follow but will complete the same activities. 

Velykden': Ukrainian Easter (Gr 1-9)

The lifestyles of rural Ukrainian settlers, spring preparations, and Velykden' celebrations are brought to life for students by costumed interpreters. Through the program, students see the religious and cultural importance of Easter within the lives of early Ukrainian settlers in east central Alberta. A hands-on session provides students with the opportunity to learn about the symbolism of the traditional pysanky.

Dates: February 17 - April 2, 2026

Duration: 4 hours

Grades: 1-9

Cost: $14 per student

Program Activities

This school program aims to teach students the meaning and significance of the Easter season to early Ukrainian-Canadian settlers in east central Alberta. As part of the program activities, religious themes and information will be presented to the students as they pertain to the Ukrainian Easter traditions and activities students are learning about. This program also includes an educational visit to one of our museum’s consecrated churches. UCHV staff endeavour to create a learning atmosphere that is respectful and inclusive while educating students about these religious and cultural beliefs and traditions. If you have any questions or concerns about the content and activities related to the Velykden’-Easter program, please feel free to contact us.

This program patterns Ukrainian settler lifestyle as it occurred during the Easter season in east central Alberta prior to 1930. During the program students will be involved in home and meal preparation, indoor and outdoor chores, and in learning about special religious customs and traditions such as making pysanky and preparation of an Easter basket. Through hands-on activities and interactions with costumed interpreters, students will acquire significant information and images of a Ukrainian Easter in Alberta.

Program Duration and Delivery

Velykden’: Ukrainian Easter begins at 10 a.m. and runs to 2 p.m. The program schedule includes a 30-minute lunch break for each group. Teachers will divide students into smaller groups for the program. Each group will have a different schedule to follow but will complete the same activities. 

2026 Spring Programs (May to June)

We're currently working on the 2025-26 program schedule. Registration for bookings offered in May and June will start January 19, 2026.

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Self-Guided Discovery Visit

Step into the past with our Self-Guided Discovery Visit!  The Ukrainian Village offers an interactive and engaging environment to learn about life in Alberta in the early 20th century and the experiences of Alberta’s Ukrainian settlers.  Costumed interpreters will engage students in activities and demonstrations to create learning in a fun and experiential way.  Interaction with our interpreters will allow students to express their curiosity and discover what the past means to them. 

Teacher resources and student worksheets will help you plan and customize your visit to meet your needs and teaching goals.

Dates: TBC

Duration: As this is self-guided, your group has the flexibility to plan a visit that works best for your schedule and needs.  We recommend a minimum of 2-3 hours to best experience what our museum has to offer.  School program activities are offered 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on days when this program is available.

Grades: K-12

Cost: $14 per student

An optional Prairie Classroom program is available as an add-on to your Self-Guided Discovery Tour for up to 30 students per session, maximum two sessions offered per day. Please see program information listed below if interested.

Prairie Classroom

Complement your Self-Guided Discovery Visit with a half-day visit to one of our prairie classrooms!  Our teacher will welcome your class into his or her classroom and provide an immersive 1920s schoolroom experience.

Dates: TBC

Duration: 90 minutes

Grades: K-6

Cost: $135 per session in addition to Self-Guided Discover Visit cost of $14 per student

Capacity: 30 students per session, 2 sessions offered per day

Children's Fun Day

End the school year with a bang by participating in this fun-filled special event for schools. In self-guided groups led by teachers and adult supervisors, students will visit staff-led hands-on activity stations.  Students will have so much fun…they won’t even realize they’re learning all day long!

Date: TBD

Duration: As this is self-guided, your group has the flexibility to plan a visit that works best for your schedule and needs.  We recommend a minimum of 2-3 hours to best experience what our museum has to offer.  Activities will run 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Grades: K-6

Cost: $17 per student

School Program Information

Payment Information

  • Payment is required on the day of your program. The amount charged is for the number of students plus adults exceeding the supervisor ratio in attendance.
  • We are unable to invoice or accept payment over the phone.
  • Payment is processed via credit card payment on our secure online payment site. 
  • An email address for a payment contact is required upon booking.
  • The link to pay will be emailed to the contact after the group has arrived and confirmed numbers. Payment must be completed within two hours after the link has been sent. 
  • Total payment must be made in one lump sum, including all students and additional adults.
  • No coupons, discounts, or passes are redeemable for school programs.

 

Trip Planning

  • The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village is located 50 kilometers (25 minutes) east of Edmonton along Highway 16, 3 km east of Elk Island National Park
  • If this is your first time visiting us, please familiarize yourself with our site map.
  • Weather should be considered when planning your visit - there is an outdoor component to all of our programs, even if this just means walking from one historic building to another.
  • Please plan for being outside and dress appropriately. Our rural setting often means different weather conditions than in the city of Edmonton. Check the weather before your visit.
  • All participants should be prepared with appropriate clothes for walking and spending time outside.
  • If it has rained or snowed recently, our roads will be muddy and/or icy.

 

Supervision Requirements

  • Supervisor requirements:
    • Kindergarten to Grade 6: 1 teacher/adult per 5 students
    • Grade 7 to 12: 1 teacher/adult per 10 students
  • A seasonal program fee is charged for each additional adult beyond the required ratio.
  • Aides assisting students on a 1:1 basis are free and not included in the ratio.

 

Supervisor Preparation

  • All children must be accompanied by an adult supervisor at all times.
  • Adult supervisors are responsible for providing guidance and supervision for groups throughout the day. Please ask your adult supervisors to ensure appropriate student behaviour and conduct during their visit.
  • Smoking or vaping is not permitted in the historical village.

 

Student Preparation

  • No student backpacks are allowed in the historical village. Only adults are permitted to take backpacks.
  • No food or drink is allowed in the historical village. Water bottles are permitted.
  • If you are using the Self-Guided Discovery Visit student workbooks, please ensure all students have a pencil.

 

Upon Arrival

  • Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of your program to ensure time for payment, washroom breaks, and general organization to allow for a prompt program start.
  • For October through April programs, payment is processed in the Red Barn (#62 on the map).
  • For May/June programs - payment is processed at the admission booth as you enter the parking lot and before you park. 
  • Please have the bus drop off the students at the Red Barn (#62 on the map).
  • Please have an exact tally of the amount of all students and adults ready upon arrival.
  • Any delays may reduce the duration of your booked program.

 

Lunch

  • Please put all bagged lunches in large boxes, containers, or coolers with a lid to ensure wildlife cannot access lunches.
  • No fridges or microwaves are available for school lunches.
  • For October through April programs - Programs include a 30-minute lunch break. There is no food available for purchase on site - all participants and supervisors need a bagged lunch. Lunch bins should be dropped off at the Red Barn (#62 on the map).

 

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations must be communicated via email to UCHVBookings@gov.ab.ca.
  • Cancellations must be received at least three weeks (fifteen working days) prior to your scheduled program(s) or your school will be charged a $50 cancellation fee.
  • Field trips cancelled with less than fifteen days' notice due to inclement weather, or other foreseeable circumstances, may be rescheduled based on availability without the cancellation fee.
  • Due to program popularity, we cannot guarantee availability to reschedule programs.

 

What teachers say about our programs:

  • "It was engaging, educational, and relevant to the students"
  • "Overall, the entire program is well put together - it's all my favourite part! Having lots of hands-on interactive activities for the students made it easy for them to keep attention to what was going on."
  • “The staff were fantastic. Their interactions with the students was fun to watch and an awesome learning opportunity.”
  • ”Our students loved this field trip. Aligns perfectly with our curriculum.”