|
The DAR Museum strives to further the National Society’s objective of promoting education by providing a variety of activities and events for families, children, and school groups. Many of the programs are low cost or free, especially for schools. Families visiting the museum should look for family self-guided tours of the period rooms as well as family guides designed to accompany each exhibition.
Programs for public and private schools and homeschoolers are offered Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. All programs are free, but reservations are required at least two weeks in advance, with a minimum of 5 and maximum of 30 students. An adult chaperone must be provided for every five students. School self-guides are also available in lieu of tour. For school program information or reservations, please call the Curator of Education at (202) 879-3240 or email museum@dar.org.
|
Patterns and Shapes in Quilts (Grades K - 2) |
| |
This interactive program introduces young children to the museum by sharing our colorful collection of historic quilts. Each child has a chance to design his or her own quilt pattern. (Duration: about 45 minutes)
|
|
Colonial Child (Grades K-8) |
| |
Take a closer look at what life was like for children in the early days of our country’s history through objects and activities that explore clothing, schooling, games and preparation for adult life. (Duration: about 1 hour)
|
|
The Many Faces of the American Revolution (Grades 4 - 8) |
| |
Get acquainted with some of the women, slaves and Native Americans who helped establish this country through activities using objects and primary source material. (Duration: about 1 hour) |
The Many Faces of the American Revolution
Teacher Resource Packet |
| |
This packet, for grades 4-8, was created to help teachers with lessons about colonial America and the American Revolution. The packet includes overview information on colonization and the American Revolution with supporting activities and flashcards.
Many Faces Resource Packet PDF |
|
Journey Through American History
School Self-Guide (Grades 4-8) |
| |
This school self-guide covers select period rooms dating from the 1680s to the 1860s. The guide is designed to engage students visually as they look at American decorative objects and stimulate discussion on early American history and life today; also includes Touch of Independence Education Center, a hands-on activity area. Division of the class into smaller groups with one self-guide per group is recommended.
School Self-Guide (PDF) |
Colonial Traveling Trunk (Grades K - 8) |
| |
As an extension of our school programs, this trunk includes five lessons that will immerse students in the social and cultural history of Colonial America. Each lesson offers suggested activities including worksheets, games, and music. The highlights of the trunk are reproduction objects, toys, games, music, clothing and other items used during the colonial era. The trunk and its activities are designed to complement studies of Colonial America and the American Revolution for students in grades 4-8, but is suitable for kindergarten History standards and grades 3 and 5 English standards. Shipping costs apply or you can pick up at no cost. For more information or to reserve the trunk, contact the Curator of Education at (202) 879-3240 or email museum@dar.org. |
NEW Fun Family Saturdays! (Children ages 7 and up) |
| |
Join the DAR Museum for some family fun every third Saturday September-June. Each third Saturday will offer a hands-on activity for the whole family, which includes crafts, games and a short tour of the museum. See Calendar of Events for dates and activities. Space is limited; reservations are requested but drop-ins are welcomed. Contact the Curator of Education at (202) 879–3240 or museum@dar.org to reserve a space. |
|
Colonial Adventure (Children ages 5 - 7) |
| |
Colonial Adventurers will learn about the life of an early-American child through period dress and an interactive tour. This free program is offered the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month, September–May, from 1:30–2:30 p.m. and 3:00–4:00 p.m. Two-week advance reservation required, and a maximum of 12 children. Contact the Curator of Education at (202) 879–3240 or museum@dar.org. |
Programs are held on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month, September - May, 1:30 and 3:00 p.m., excluding holiday weekends. Programs tend to fill quickly, so please reserve your date early. Two-week advance reservations are required with application and a nonrefundable 50% deposit, where applicable. Please call (202) 879-3240 or email museum@dar.org if you have questions regarding the programs.
Click here to download the Girl Scout Application (.pdf file)
| |
Brownies will experience life as a colonial child by using their imagination to travel back in time to the 18th century. They will explore period rooms, dress in reproduction clothing, play colonial games and enjoy a make believe tea party. Two-week advanced reservations are required. Contact the Curator of Education at (202) 879–3240 or museum@dar.org. |
| |
This program is only offered in conjunction with the 3rd Saturday Colonial Adventure. Brownies attend the 1:30 p.m. Colonial Adventure and then have the opportunity to make their own clothes pin doll like children did in earlier times. $6 per girl, no fee for adults; include DAR Museum patch. Two-week advanced reservations are required. Contact the Curator of Education at (202) 879–3240 or museum@dar.org. |
| Boy Scout American Heritage Program |
The DAR Museum along with the Neighbors to the President Consortium has developed a Boy Scout Walking Tour for boy scouts who are earning their American Heritage badge. By participating in the program, scouts will learn about ten sites that are on the National Register of Historic Places and the area known as "President’s Park." This walking tour meets three of the requirements of the American Heritage badge. For questions contact (202) 879-3240 or museum@dar.org.
Boy Scout Walking Tour Booklet (PDF)
Summer camps are offered for children ages 8-17 in July and August. Camp activities are related to early American life and culture, and include crafts, field trips, sewing, and other hands-on activities. Camp information is updated in January of each year. Contact the Curator of Education at (202) 879–3240 or museum@dar.org for more information or to be added to the camp mailing list.
Current Summer Camps Brochure (PDF)
The DAR Museum has internships available for undergraduate and graduate students interested in gaining experience in American history, decorative and fine arts, education, and collections management. Interns generally work 10- 20 hours per week for a period of 3-4 months. The internships are unpaid, but academic credit can be arranged in cooperation with your institution. Past interns have undertaken a wide variety of responsibilities and projects, including:
| |
- Performing historical or object research in preparation for exhibitions.
- Working on inventory and cataloguing of objects in the museum's collection.
- Assisting with updating slide and tour programs.
- Helping to update and create educational programs.
|
Intern candidates should have completed at least their junior year and be well organized and independent. Application forms are available online (see below) or by contacting Assistant Curator of Education at (202) 879-3341 or museum@dar.org.
Application deadlines:
Summer: March 15
Fall: August 15
Spring: December 15
Internship Application Form (PDF)
The DAR Museum offers themed programs to highlight the museum’s collection. All programs come with slides and a slide script. There are many programs to choose from including, A Tour of the DAR Period Rooms, Masterpiece Quilts from the DAR Museum Collection and Greatest Hits of the DAR to name a few. To purchase a slide program, contact the Assistant Curator of Education at (202) 879-3341 or museum@dar.org.
Slide Program List
|
