Thank you for your interest in bringing students to tour Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site. Here is some information to make the visit go smoothly:
Tours Ranger-led tours are about one hour in length. They may be a general art tour of Saint-Gaudens works, or more focused on a particular topic such as Saint-Gaudens’ statues of the Civil War for history students, or a classics tour to learn about his art and the way he used the classical art in his work and home.
Teachers may plan their own visits without rangers if desired. The park is also good for addressing multiple disciplines of study, art, history, natural history, language arts etc. Classes often spend several hours here taking a tour and then breaking up into small groups and working on specific assignments.
Arrival We are located just off NH Route 12A in Cornish. You will see the sign at the bottom of Saint Gaudens Road. Busses may drop off students in the main parking area and should then park in the overflow parking areain the lower meadow below Aspet. Students and chaperones may then walk to the Visitor Center for restrooms and to meet the ranger for the tour.
Lunches There are picnic tables near the bus parking for group lunches and plenty of open space for games and play.There is no area for storing lunches and packs so bringing coolers might be a good idea. All trash is carry in-carry out.
Backpacks Back packs are not allowed in the buildings so students should be made aware of this. Teachers responsible for first aid may carry backpacks and purses inside.
Dress Park buildings are wide spread so students will be outside as well as in and should dress appropriately for the weather.
The Sculptor-in-Residence The Sculptor in Residence may be available for talks on sculpting, and to work with small groups of students (15 max) for hands-on work in clay (about 45minutes). Any hands-on activities must be arranged in advance. The sculptor is usually here Wednesday-Sunday.
Trails There are two trails available for nature/science lessons, the Ravine Trail (1/4 mile) and the Blow-Me-Down Trail (1 ½ miles).
**Generally the home, Aspet, is not shown to school groups as scheduled tours of 12 visitors at a time are offered every half hour to daily visitors. Should time be available a “walk through” may be offered, but should not be planned.None of Saint-Gaudens’ artwork is exhibited in Aspet
Accessibility Aspet, the Ravine Studio and the Formal Gardens are not wheelchair accessible. Please call and apprise us of any specific needs and accommodations for your students.
F: Interp:Tour Confirmations