In 1930 Grant Wood painted what has become the second most recognized painting in the world - American Gothic. As most painters, Wood needed inspiration, and it was in Eldon, Iowa where he discovered a little white house with an odd window that provided both the inspiration and the backdrop for his most famous work. This house remains standing today in its original location for students of all ages to appreciate and enjoy.

The staff at the American Gothic House Center invites all classes of any size to visit the Center. We offer a variety of option to both educate and inform, and are happy to tailor our programming to meet your students’ needs. We’re also happy to work with students of all ages, whether they’re just starting out in elementary school, or are in a college-level class.

Click HERE to see what the American Gothic House Center has to offer!

Field Trips

Field trips vary, depending on your needs, time constraints, or preferences. Activities can include any combination or variation of the following:

  • Instruction on Grant Wood’s life and place in Art History and Regionalism.

  • Introduction to the painting American Gothic and how Wood came to be in Eldon and find the house.

  • Explore and better understand some of the parodies that exist, and maintain the painting’s renown.

  • Watch film about Grant Wood, his life, painting style, and place in art history.

  • See the original house Wood sketched when forming his idea for American Gothic, and even get a chance to step inside.

  • Have students try their own hand at sketching the house, as Wood did almost 100 years ago.

  • Scavenger hunts which guide students through exhibits on Wood and his paintings, the parodies, and the house’s history.

  • Photograph students in front of the house as a memento for them and their parents/guardians. (Our center does not have a camera, so you will need to furnish your own if this is something you wish to do.)

  • Note: Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) can be incorporated into any school field trip.

Get in touch with us directly about scheduling your field trip, and we can further discuss what activities you would like included.

Funding issues? The Iowa History Center gives out grants for admission or school buses to local schools for K-12 students to visit historical museums and centers like ours. For the link to their website application, click HERE.

In-School Programming

If a field trip is not possible, programs are available for the school classroom. Contact the American Gothic House Center to find out how staff could create or adapt one of our presentations to fit the needs of your class, whether the subject is art, social studies, or history. Examples or available programs include:

  • Grant Wood’s life and place in art history and the Regionalist art movement.

  • Introduction to American Gothic and other similar American art.

  • Discussion of the Great Depression, agriculture, and other themes woven through Wood’s works.

  • Introduction to museum studies, and an overview of the various behind-the-scenes responsibilities undertaken by museum professionals.

  • Incorporation of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) into any lesson.

  • Any other topic relating to Grant Wood, or our center. If you’re not sure, feel free to reach out and we’ll see what we can do.

  • An activity or craft related to any of the above.

PRESENTATIONS

We are also happy to present at your club or group, whether school-age or adult, and can speak on any of the above topics.

GROUP TOURS

Group tours to the American Gothic House and Center are a great addition to any tour itinerary. Whether you are interested in history, art, a great photo opportunity, or a stroll through our beautiful native prairie gardens, we have something for everyone in your group.

In addition, we ask that tours that are scheduled to have a minimum of 10 people/paid admissions in the group and to please give us a 3-4 week advance notice.

PRE-ARRANGED GROUP TOUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

  • Welcome and an introduction to American Gothic, Grant Wood, and the American Gothic House.

  • Choice of two educational films (17 minute cartoon geared towards kids or a 30 minute documentary about Grant Wood produced by PBS)

  • Photos in front of the house (costumes and props may be available)

  • Optional docent led tour of the American Gothic House and must be requested at initial contact

    • Please note: Visitors to the house will only be allowed to tour the ground floor, as the stairs to the second floor are steep, winding, and have no handrail. In addition, the House is not easily accessible for individuals with mobility issues, as there is a slight hill leading up to the house, 2 steps to get onto the porch, and one step to get inside the house.

We have the following available for your use:

  • Bus parking

  • Restrooms

  • One wheelchair

  • Two outdoor picnic tables

Visit length depends on how many people you have in your group and how many of the above activities you decide to participate in. Visits vary between 30 and 90 minutes, with an average visit lasting about 1 hour.

Please note that we are happy to schedule tours outside of our normal hours of operation with advanced arrangement.

Want to make a day of it? Click HERE for a video featuring highlights of the Eldon area. Or click HERE for a map and details of surrounding attractions.

Scheduling

To schedule your field trip, in-school programming, presentation, or group tour, please contact our administrator at theamericangothichouse@gmail.com or (641) 652-3352 or click HERE. Please try to give us at least 3-4 weeks notice for field trips, in-school programming, presentations, or group tours, so we can have time to prepare for your educational experience. We recommend scheduling as far in advance as possible to ensure availability.

Cost

Field trips to the American Gothic House and Center are free services we offer to primary and secondary schools. In-school programming as well as presentations for community groups or clubs off-site within Wapello County are also free. We do accept donations, but please do not feel this is necessary, and know that you will get the best experience we can provide, regardless of whether or not you donate.

Group tour fees are as follows: $4 per person for groups of 10-29 (paid admissions) and $3 per person for groups of 30 or more (paid admissions).