Gold Diggers

Welcome to San Diego, 1851

Take your students back in time to San Diego of the mid-1800s, when California was a new state, its economy rapidly changing because of the Gold Rush. As they “sail” to San Francisco and learn the work of the ship, they will have to decide on how to pursue their own future.

Student hauling a line to lift a practice bucket.

Immersive History Program for Grades 4–5

The adventure begins in 1851 in San Diego Bay. California has recently become the thirty-first state, and your students must navigate its changing economy. After negotiating to become crew in order to gain passage to Northern California, students will work the sails, move cargo, and explore the depths of the ship while simultaneously learning about how their work relates to the bigger picture of the Gold Rush. At the conclusion of their journey, they will have to choose: continue the life they’ve come to know as sailors, or try to strike it rich in the gold fields.

Day Program Option

Length: 5 hours
Time: 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Size: 26–60 students, plus 4–12 adults (max of 70 total participants)
Food: Students bring their own sack lunch; no food provided.

Program Costs (per participant)
Students: $54
Adults: $20
Teachers: Free (for up to three teachers)

Start Planning Your Day Program

Overnight Program Option

Length: 18 hours
Time: 3:00 PM – 9:00 AM
Size: 26–60 students, plus 10–12 adults (max of 70 total participants)
Food: Dinner and breakfast provided.

Program Costs (per participant)
Students: $100 (Sept–Feb) / $125 (Mar–Aug)
Adult Chaperones: $50
Teachers: Free (for up to three teachers)

Start Planning Your Overnight Program

To learn more or book a program:

Education Department Contact Form