School Programs: American History

New options in American History
for students in grades 3-12 for 2010/2011.

Explore the artist as a recorder of American life and history in five separate programs covering events and people from the 18th century to the present. Each program meets New York State Learning Standards in the Arts, Social Studies, American History and English Language Arts.

 Each program is grade-level appropriate and includes:

• In-class powerpoint introduction presented by museum staff
• Resource Kit with hands-on activities and visuals
• Teacher’s Manual, for background information and pre- and post-visit classroom activities
• One-hour museum visit (with options for combining programs)

Tours may be offered separately or combined together to satisfy curriculum requirements and/or multiple classes attending.

Fee:  $25.00 per class; bus transportation must be arranged by the school.

We would be happy to visit your school to present a brief overview of the programs we offer to the school administration, teachers, board, or parent/teacher organization. To schedule, or for questions or concerns, contact Meg Gianetti, Museum/School Programs Coordinator, at 797-0000 x2146.

Museum-School Partnership Programs Registration Form

Museum-School Partnership Programs Payment Form

Through Their Eyes - American Revolution and Civil War

Through their works, artists give us a glimpse into an earlier time and remote historical events take on a new immediacy. Students will encounter a variety of viewpoints of lives lived during the American Revolution., the turbulent period in which our nation was formed. The extensive use of primary source material, both written and visual, develops students’ observation skills, literacy, critical thinking, and creativity. The program includes a look at subsequent episodes in America’s early history, including the celebration of the American Centennial. Genre paintings by John O’Brien Inman and Eastman Johnson address slavery during the Civil War.

History in the Making- American Innovation and Expansion in the 19th Century

Exploring American expansion and engineering through the technology and craftsmanship of 18th and 19th century designers and builders. These innovations resulted in the crafting of an identity as well as a new, independent market. Through primary source documents students will consider the impact of such historical events as the archeological discovery of the ancient city of Pompeii and the building of the Erie Canal.  The program provides insights into practical major developments in industry and transportation in the US in general and New York State in particular.

The following programs can be presented as a one-hour (Part I OR Part II) or two-hour program (Part I AND Part II) 

Homework, Hops and Hoops, Part  I -  A Portrait of Childhood in Upstate New York, 1830-1860

Through views of child life at school, at home, and at work, students easily grasp how their own lives compare with images and accounts of children in Madison, Herkimer, and Oneida Counties during the thirty years leading up to the Civil War. In addition to period paintings and prints, students review local census records, directories, diaries, and ads, to better understand the peoples, ideas, activities, and values that comprise the history of our region. The extensive use of primary source material, both written and visual, develops students' observational skills, literacy abilities, critical thinking, and creativity.

Homework, Hops and Hoops, Part II -  At Home with Rachel and Maria Munson-Williams

This program poignantly animates the 19th century, making connections with the daily lives of the daughters of the Munson-Williams family.

In My Opinion – Modern Art Analysis and Criticism

This program addresses the freedom of expression exercised by American artists responding to the conflict and controversy of the 20th century. Students learn to analyze art work based on the elements of art, to encourage critical thinking and allow the students to express their observations based upon their own life experiences. Students consider the work of artists Philip Guston, Jackson Pollock, and Joe Jones, as they explore the ravages of World War II, the threat of nuclear weapons, and the effects of the Great Depression. Student maturity and ability to comprehend difficult subject matter are taken into consideration and the material is adjusted for grade level.

Please also see our list of  Tours for School Groups

Please contact Meg Gianetti at 797-0000 x2146 or email with questions or concerns