Voyage of Hope

Welcome to London, 1874

Immerse your students in the shipboard life of a 19th century emigrant vessel, learning what it was really like to leave home behind and be transported across the sea with only the hope of a better future on the far side of the globe. This is our most active hands-on program.

Staff supervising a line being hauled by students aboard the Star of India.

Immersive History Program for Grades 4–6

Experience shipboard life firsthand! In this interactive reenactment of Star of India’s historic 1874 voyage from Great Britain to the West Coast of the United States, your students will take on the role of emigrants looking for a better life as they sign aboard as sailors “before the mast” in exchange for one-way passage to the far side of the world. During their voyage, they will work the sails, move cargo, and “learn the ropes” of the ship as they explore the world’s oldest active sailing ship and its importance in the movement of people across the globe in the 19th century.

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