Education
Building upon the richness of its local history collections and the strength of its library, Old York's education programs continue to grow in variety, quality and audience served. Below is a brief outline of some of the many programs offered at the Museums of Old York.
Youth Advisory Board: The Youth Advisory Board is a group of youth between the ages of 8 and 15 who work with the education department to develop programs that respond directly to the needs and interests of the youth in our community. The mission of the Museums of Old York's Youth Advisory Board, as adopted by that entity, is to inform the education department on the interests and needs of local youth in order to develop programs that will entice them to the museum. If you are interested in learning more about the Youth Advisory Board, please contact Zoe Keefer-Norris by email or at (207) 363-4974 x14.
School Programs: The Living History program has been a tradition for York fifth graders for almost thirty years and is the genesis of the museum's highly regarded educational programs for children. More than 3,600 school-age children from Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts visit the museum each year to take part in education programs. These experience-based activities, support curriculum standards for the humanities in all three states and are tailored to meet the needs of school groups and homeschoolers. A PDF brochure that can be downloaded here, describes each program along with the Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts learning standards that each program is designed to meet.
School Outreach Program: Many of our educational experiences can be adapted and brought directly to your classroom or group through our Outreach Program. As is true of our School Programs, these experienced-based activities support curriculum standars for the humanities in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. To learn more, please contact Anne Poubeau by email or at (207) 363-4974 x12.
Children & Families: Programs for children build on the core curriculum, while families have many opportunities to learn, grow and play together. Summer camps, after-school programs, family days and family game nights all provide children with learning experiences in a fun and supportive environment. Here, the children are able to take charge and share their knowledge with their parents and siblings as the entire family learns more about our shared history. Old York can also organize a Birthday Party for a truly memorable occasion!
Junior Docents: Older students, between the ages of 12 and 18, are eligible to serve as Junior Docents. Students receive extensive training in content as well as in techniques and are the youngest ambassadors of the Museums of Old York. Junior Docents can serve either as Interpreters, Educators or Curators. This project is in its third year and has proven to be a wonderful experience not only for the Junior Docents, but for the entire museum!
Elizabeth Perkins Fellowship: This internationally recognized fellowship provides aspiring humanities professionals with an opportunity to experience museum work and conduct original research. This prestigious and competitive fellowship attracts undergraduate and graduate students from around the world. Fellows play an important role at the museum by providing high-quality interpretive tours of the buildings and contributing new knowledge and perspective to the interpretation of local history. Original research conducted by the Perkins Fellows translates directly into new tours, exhibitions and educational programming. The application period for the 2008 Elizabeth Perkins Fellowship is now closed.
Adult Programs: Working in collaboration with the York Public Library and York Adult and Community Education, the museum has developed a successful adult education program. Through workshops and presentations by noted authors, scholars, historians and museum professionals, Old York's adult education programs educate the community about prominent local characters, early American furniture, antique homes and other topics that explore the heritage of the region.