2023 Northeast Regional Field Trip Guide

Field trips provide opportunities for hands-on learning, allow students to see how what they are learning in school is applicable in the real world and help them develop social skills by interacting with their peers in a new environment. This new field trips guide explores fun and enjoyable experiences for students, which can help foster a love of learning and make school more engaging.

Photo courtesy of Museum of American Revolution

This new Northeast/Mid-Atlantic Field Trip Guide is designed for middle school through high school teachers and student travel planners. Front-of-book sections provide inspiration and lend trip planning advice with destination ideas presented in a state-by-state format. Enjoy!

Maine

Pennsylvania

New Hampshire Vermont Rhode Island

Massachusetts

Connecticut

Delaware

New York New Jersey Maryland Washington D.C.

Virginia

Welcome Back, Field Trips!

During the dark days of COVID, my wife and I were polar opposites. I’m a publisher in the travel space and our entire industry ground to a halt. She’s a school nurse for a K-8 district and spent months playing whack-a-mole with fuming parents, overwhelmed teachers, lockdowns and quarantines.

As things started easing up, 5th grade teachers got permission to plan a field trip. The night before, my wife took a call during dinner from one of the teachers who was concerned about medications. She returned to the table with a sour expression and muttered, “Field trips are back.”

I looked at her and pleaded, “I love field trips - we are in the field trip business!!!”

“As a parent, I love field trips,” she replied. “As a school nurse, I’m a nervous wreck.”

At that moment I finally got it. While we focus on the fun and frivolity of field trips, as an educator you are responsible for the safety and security of these little beings. You want to provide great experiences, but you need to do this in a safe and affordable manner.

That’s why we launched this new field trip guide for the Northeastern U.S.

As organized group travel picks up again, we were keen on providing unique ideas – covering music, history and STEM – for great school trips across the region.

But at the same time, details matter so we developed resources to help get the job done. You’ll find articles in this new digital publication and on our website that will help you manage the logistics of trip planning, so you spend more time learning and less time worrying.

I’m thrilled to say that field trips are back, let’s enjoy the ride!

Editorial & Advertising Office

621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 F 630.794.0652 info@ptmgroups.com www.ptmgroups.com

Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk jeff@ptmgroups.com

Chief Editor – Jason Paha jason@ptmgroups.com

Senior Editor – Randy Mink randy@ptmgroups.com

Contributing Writers – Heather Dale, Courney Lind, Miles Dobis, Isabella Wilkes, Gabriela dos Santos

Director, Design & Production – Lisa Hede lisa@ptmgroups.com

Production Coordinator – Kelsey Ledford kelsey@ptmgroups.com

The publisher accepts unsolicited editorial matter, as well as advertising, but assumes no responsibility for statements made by advertisers or contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information is published, but the publisher makes no warranty that listings are free of error. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited photos, slides or manuscripts.

Copyright 2022. All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.

Jeff Gayduk, Publisher

Gayduk family vacation to Bryce Canyon National Park

Field trips are back, let’s enjoy the ride!

Choosing a Charter Bus Rental for Your Next Field Trip

Make your field trip a memorable and safe one with these pointers for charter bus rentals

By Trisha

Fridrich, All Aboard America! Holdings

Helpful Tips on Hiring a Local Tour Guide

These tidbits will help you choose a tour guide for your student tour experience

By Mitch Bach

Travel Insurance and Crisis Response for Student Tour Groups

Insurance offers tour organizers peace of mind on the road, assisting with small inconveniences and major emergencies

By Trisha Fridrich, All Aboard America! Holdings

You’re planning your next adventure and need transportation, but where do you start? Here are five tips to make your next field trip a memorable one.

CHARTER BUS OR SCHOOL BUS?

If you’re traveling more than an hour or will have a lot of “stuff,” a charter or tour bus is probably a better option. Longer trips are more relaxing on a tour bus due to the comfortable seats, Wi-Fi and power outlets. Charter buses have ample storage underneath the bus, so whether you’re hauling ski gear, band instruments or football pads, it’s easy to load and out of the way. Plus, a tour bus is fully-equipped with heat and AC, making long trips in the summer or winter much more enjoyable.

GET A TOUR BUS RENTAL DIRECTLY

Sometimes you want a tour operator to take care of the details and sometimes you want to take care of the details yourself. Either way, when you book your charter bus rental directly with an operator, be sure to look up their business on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator website. Reputable tour bus operators will be happy to give you their DOT number, then you can Google “FMCSA SAFER” and enter the number. Interstate carriers are required to keep their insurance information on file, so this will confirm both their insurance status and Satisfactory safety record.

Keep in mind that many charter bus operators can be sold out on the weekends or during certain times of the year.

Photo courtesy of Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center

A tour bus is fully equipped with heat and AC, keeping you comfortable until you arrive at your destination.

Photo courtesy of Destination Gettysburg

PLAN YOUR BUS RENTAL BEFORE PLANNING YOUR TRIP

It’s easy to get excited about your destination or field trip and forget about how you’re going to get there until after the tickets are secured and hotels are booked. Keep in mind that many charter bus operators can be sold out on the weekends or during certain times of the year. Call the bus rental company first to see what they can offer. There may be a significant price difference to travel mid-week compared to the weekend or during the off-season. Share your flexibility with your salesperson and they may be able to help you pick dates that work within your budget.

IS THE CHARTER BUS RENTAL OWNED BY THE COMPANY?

It’s best to work directly with a company that owns and operates their own tour busses. If your salesperson can’t promise it will be their driver that picks you up on their charter bus, move on.

HOW TO FIND A TOUR BUS COMPANY

I recommend using Google Maps and simply searching “bus company” or “charter bus rental near me.” You can immediately see ratings and click to check out their website. Not all bus rental companies listed will offer charter services, but their website should have a quote form or a phone number to call. Keep in mind that the charter bus rental company doesn’t need to be around the corner from where you’re going – many companies will drive over 100 miles to pick you up.

Try to get two quotes to compare pricing between transportation companies, but be sure to ask the salesperson when they recommend that you book. If they suggest that your dates will sell out and to book now, do it. Many tour bus companies will take a long time to get back to you if they aren’t sure they have availability. If you’re having trouble getting a second quote, go with the first. After all, you’d rather go on the trip than sit home disappointed.

Trisha Fridrich has been active in passenger transportation for almost 20 years. She currently serves as Vice President of Business Development and Marketing for All Aboard America Holdings, the 4th largest motorcoach company in the United States. tfridrich@aaahinc.com

Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center

Photo courtesy of the Gettysburg Foundation

Choosing and Hiring a Local Tour Guide

By Mitch Bach

One of the most important components of a truly transformational student tour experience is the information shared by local tour guides you’ll hire and work with along the way. They can be an invaluable source of inspiration as they share their insider knowledge and stories with your students.

Whether it’s New York City or Washington DC or Civil War battlefields, finding a good local guide, knowing when and how to book them, what to pay them, can be a tricky task. In this article we’ll help you make informed decisions and know how to find the right local tour guide.

WHAT IS A TOUR GUIDE?

Let’s start with some terminology, which can get confusing. A student group tour often involves two different kinds of “guides”:

• The tour director (sometimes called the tour manager or trip leader), who stays with the group the entire tour, often facilitating logistics at the hotels, working with the bus driver, restaurants, etc. Their main purpose is to keep the tour running smoothly. They’ll often also know a lot about the various cities and sites you visit, but aren’t necessarily local to any one of them. You may consider hiring a tour director if you’re unfamiliar with where you’re going on your next trip.

• Tour guides (sometimes called a “step-on guide” because they step onto your bus), live in the city or region, and offer local knowledge, sometimes specialized on a certain theme. You’ll meet them sometimes for a full day, sometimes for just 3-4 hours to give you a highlights tour.

Below we’ll focus on the role of the step-on, local guide.

WHY USE A LOCAL GUIDE?

You might think that your knowledge of history and past experience of a city is enough to lead a group tour without a guide, but there are still many reasons why a local guide is great to hire.

• A different voice and perspective — a great student tour includes many different voices engaging with your students, for variety and diversity of knowledge and viewpoints.

Students enjoy a guided tour of San Esteban Del Ray Mission Church.

A great student tour includes many different voices engaging with your students, for variety and diversity of knowledge and viewpoints.

• An expert introduction to the city or region — A step-on tour guide works best towards the beginning of your time in a city, when you’re all eager to learn as much as possible about your destinations. They’ll know logistically how to best navigate the city, lay a foundational knowledge, and get the students excited for the days ahead.

• Local, current knowledge — often what’s most interesting in a city is what’s happening currently. Local guides also help you navigate around events

that may disrupt your schedule, like marathons or concerts. They might also know something special happening that could become an unexpected wow moment.

• Storytelling — beyond just knowing the facts, local guides at their best craft fantastic stories, weaving themes throughout their tour.

• Connections and recommendations to help you make the most of the rest of your trip, telling you about food or site options you didn’t even know about.

HOW TO FIND A LOCAL TOUR GUIDE

• Referrals: ask around on your Facebook network or friend group. Many families have participated in student tours, and may remember a fantastic guide experience. I run a global community of 6,000+ tour guides called TripSchool, and you can always contact us for a personal referral [https:// thetripschool.com].

• Social Media: many local guides now make regular short videos on TikTok and Instagram (and YouTube of course!)

• Online Directories: There are local and global websites like Campfire [travelcampfire.com/guides] that list independent guides around the world that you can hire.

• Searching: You can also search for “step-on” student tour guide [NYC] to see organic search results. However, many fantastic local guides don’t have a web presence.

CHOOSING A LOCAL TOUR GUIDE

It’s very common to ask for a phone call or Zoom to interview the tour guide before hiring them, and talk through your needs. Remember, however, that the guide’s time is valuable, and you shouldn’t expect a long series of calls before you make your decision. Consider the following points:

• Do you like their personality? The most important question to think about isn’t how much do they know, but whether you like the idea of that person standing in front of 45 students.

Beyond just knowing the facts, local guides at their best craft fantastic stories, weaving themes throughout their tour.

• Ask them a simple interview question: for example, what is your favorite story to tell on a tour, and how does it connect with students? Ask a question that helps you understand if they’re going to be a boring “just the facts” presenter, or someone really ready to engage with your students.

• Google them! Do they have a basic web presence? Testimonials? Videos or photos that make you trust them?

• Hire someone different than you. It’s great to get a different perspective on the place you’re going to. Beware your biases. As a New Yorker, I hear people say, I want a real New Yorker, with the classic accent. That stereotype doesn’t even begin to tell the story of New York City. For example, 38% of real New Yorkers are actually born in another country. And their perspective of ambition and overcoming adversity can be a fantastically interesting lens on the city.

• Can you afford them? You’ll find that the cost of a private local guide varies considerably. The more expensive ones generally charge more because they’re very good at what they do, and very in-demand, since the student season is so limited. This is not a place to cut costs and nickel-and-dime, since the learning experience is so important.

HOW TO HIRE A LOCAL GUIDE?

HOW MUCH DOES A TOUR GUIDE COST?

• Costs vary by city or region, the most expensive being New York City and Washington, D.C.. In general, expect a minimum payment of $200 for a 3-hour private step-on tour, plus expected gratuities for fantastic service (for a large student group, tips range from $1-$5 per person for the tour). The costs for a stellar guide easily go up from there. Remember, you can often find someone cheap to do the job, but this is such an important moment in the trip.

• Generally there’s a 3 or 4-hour minimum, even if you only want the guide for one or two hours. This is because otherwise they’ll lose a longer job by working for you. Sometimes you might hire the guide for the full day, and even to join you for multiple days.

• Make a contract, even just by email. Get all the salient details and expectations in writing, so there are no misunderstandings on the day-of. Reconfirm the service ahead of time, and get the guide’s phone number.

• Plan your timing accordingly. A local tour guide often works a morning and an afternoon tour, so they can’t easily switch times and days around last-minute, because your schedule changes. If you’re late to the tour, the

allotted time still must finish at the expected time, so they can work their next job.

• Each guide will have different payment policies. Expect a non-refundable deposit to hold their time and dates, and possibly full payment in advance.

• With these guidelines in mind, you’ll be sure to have a phenomenal student tour experience.

Tour guides can provide a different perspective on the place you’re traveling.

Photo by Siggy Nowak

Travel Insurance and Crisis Response For Student Travel Groups

Travel is something every student should experience, but it can be unpredictable. If something goes wrong on a student tour, you want to be sure you’ve taken every precaution to ensure the safety and well-being of your students. That’s where travel insurance and crisis management come in. They offer student tour organizers peace of mind on the road, assisting with small inconveniences like lost luggage or missed flights to major emergencies like physical injuries or natural disasters. There is some confusion around exactly what travel insurance is and what it covers, and the difference between it and crisis management services. In many cases, student travel planners will opt for just travel insurance, thinking it will provide all the coverage they need, when, in fact, it might not. Other times, planners will choose emergency coverage, but not standard travel insurance. The worst-case scenario is an organizer that decides to forego coverage altogether, thinking there is no need to spend the money.

Photo courtesy of argus456/Bigstock.com

HOW DOES TRAVEL INSURANCE WORK?

It may seem like an obvious question, but many people are not sure what travel insurance is, what it covers or if they really need it.

According to Allianz Global Assistance, travel insurance offers financial safeguards for a range of different scenarios, such as nonrefundable tickets or hotel stays, travel interruptions and even lost luggage. The features of travel insurance are broad, depending on the company providing the package and

the policy you select for your student group.

Travel insurance is there to protect the economic side of travel—trip cancellations or interruptions, medical costs, etc. If a student tour has to be canceled last-minute or in the middle of the trip for any reason, a good travel insurance plan will cover the costs of the cancellation. If a student gets sick and needs to go to a hospital in a foreign country, many policies will offer coverage for the medical expenses.

Photo courtesy of dizainstock/Bigstock.com

WHAT ARE TRAVEL CRISIS MANAGEMENT AND RESPONSE SERVICES?

As mentioned, travel insurance is an economic security blanket, covering costs if something goes wrong. Crisis management and response services, such as Global Rescue, provide medical support, advisory services and evacuation at the point of crisis.

According to Global Rescue President and CEO Dan Richards, travel insurance should absolutely be part of a student group’s coverage. “The problems that can occur in their most extreme form are life and death,” says Richards. Purchasing travel insurance for your student group is a judgment call and sometimes it might be worth the economic risk not to buy it. “The bet you shouldn’t be willing to take,” says Richards, “is the one with your life.”

WHY SHOULD YOU PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE OR RESPONSE SERVICES FOR YOUR STUDENT GROUP?

If you’re planning a student trip, travel insurance is a component you need to think about. “Including travel insurance in your school’s risk management plan can be an important step to help mitigate risk,” says Jeff Rutledge, CEO of AIG Travel. A comprehensive insurance plan will assist you with all kinds of concerns, from flight delays that interrupt travel to medical issues that could arise.

While the economic side of travel insurance is important, what is more imperative is the safety and comfort of the students. “If you’re taking a group of minors somewhere, you have a moral obligation to provide for their wellbeing,” says Richards. “If something were to happen and you don’t have a plan in place, you’re not going to be effective in responding to whatever the emergency may be.” Crisis response services provide you with people who have medical and security expertise, and who know what to do in dangerous and life-threatening situations.

In addition, schools or youth groups that organize student trips have a legal obligation to get coverage. This is called a Duty of Care, and if an institution does not meet that Duty of Care, they could be at risk for litigation if something were to go wrong.

There have only been a few extreme cases where a school or youth organization didn’t take the proper precautions and had to deal with legal issues and settlements.

Photo courtesy of nmcandre/Bigstock.com

PURCHASING AN INSURANCE PLAN FOR YOUR STUDENT GROUP

Now that you’ve learned a little more about travel insurance and crisis management, it’s time to select a plan that works for your student trip. There is a variety of different plans that vary in coverage.

Once you’ve done your research and you’ve determined the destination for your student trip, you should then look into the different kinds of insurance plans and crisis management services you might need. Natural disasters and medical emergencies can happen anywhere, even while traveling within the states.

As far as travel insurance, there is a variety of options with different levels of coverage. There is a large consumer market for travel insurance, and if students and their parents feel more comfortable purchasing individual coverage, that is perfectly fine. As a trip organizer, you can provide them with

resources to help them find a plan that works for them.

You can also purchase a plan that covers the specific trip you’re planning and all the student travelers. You want to find a comprehensive travel insurance plan that includes coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, trip delays, missed connections, lost baggage, medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation and security evacuation.

PEACE OF MIND

Travel is something that all students should get the chance to experience, and the fear and worry about potential dangers shouldn’t hold them back from exploring the world. A travel insurance policy and emergency services plan give you, your students and their parents peace of mind. These are safety measures you hope you never have to use, but if something does go wrong, you will be thankful you have them.

Photo courtesy of swisshippo/Bigstock.com

PENNSYLVANIA

Industrial History and Colonial Heritage

Home to chocolate factories, industry and rich American history, the Keystone State is an ideal location for your next student adventure. The state is home to many firsts: the first American flag, the first baseball stadium, the first computer and the first daily newspaper. But that’s not all it has brought to the land of the free and the home of the brave. Independence Hall in Philadelphia housed the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. So let freedom ring, and visit one of the 13 original colonies: Pennsylvania.

In 1776, the Second Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence at Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

Student groups have many venues to display their talents across the state.

HISTORY & HERITAGE

Explore the principles of U.S. democracy at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. The nonpartisan approach lets visitors understand and talk about their thoughts on the creation of the Constitution and how it is being interpreted in society today. Special group offerings, exhibits and programs allow students to get involved in civic engagement. Located in the heart of historic Philadelphia, the Museum of the American Revolution explores the dramatic, surprising story of the American Revolution and its enduring legacy. The museum was opened to the public in April of 2017, the 242nd anniversary of the first battles of the war at Lexington and Concord. Nearby is Independence Hall, the site of the signing of the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence, was built in 1732 and originally held all three branches of Pennsylvania’s colonial government.

PERFORMING ARTS

Student groups have many venues to display their talents across the state. The Kimmel Cultural Campus in Philadelphia is one of the state’s premier performance venues, with several stages of various sizes. Verizon Hall, seating 2,500, provides a grand feel for any performer. The cello-shaped theater provides advanced acoustics that can suit diverse types of performers. The Perelman Theater, seating 650, is home of the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society and Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. The 75-foot turntable stage can transform to a deeper stage, an orchestra pit and retractable first-level seating.

Bands and choirs can perform for attendees at Hersheypark in Hershey. The annual High Note Festival provides your group with two adjudicators to evaluate the performances and provide you with written and audio commentary along with a numerical rating. Once your scheduled performance is complete, you and your students are free to enjoy an afternoon of fun at the theme park.

Kimmel Cultural Campus

STEM

With a wide variety of attractions and events year-round, Hersheypark offers a wide array of ways for visitors to explore the theme park. Attend one of the six Education Days, which feature subjects including STEM, Business and Marketing, Health & Wellness and more.

At the Autobahn Indoor Speedway in Harrisburg, racers of all kinds will experience high speeds and a state-of-the-art facility. Drive a high-performance, fast-paced vehicle in a safe, comfortable and fun environment. Give students a once-in-a-lifetime experience through STEM Academy at the Autobahn Indoor Speedway. Learn about subjects such as the history of racing, mathematics, racing terminology and more.

Hersheypark

The Benjamin Franklin Museum

GETTYSBURG

Student Groups are Making Their Own History in Gettysburg, PA

Discover interactive museums and hands-on demonstrations, civilian stories and special battlefield tours, agricultural experiences and a multitude of group-friendly dining options. It’s all waiting for you in Gettysburg and surrounding Adams County.

DAY 1

Arrive at Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, the official start to your Gettysburg experience. Begin with the film A New Birth of Freedom to gain insight into the events that began with the first shots through Lincoln’s address. The Gettysburg Cyclorama will plunge you into the sights and sounds of Pickett’s Charge. The museum’s interactive exhibits and authentic artifacts display the war and its damage.

Tour the Gettysburg National Military Park with a Licensed Battlefield Guide exploring the battle’s most significant and decisive sites.

For three days in 1863, forces of the Union and Confederacy met in what would be a turning point of the American Civil War. Stops at Devil’s Den, Culp’s Hill, the Wheatfield, Peach Orchard and other sites help you to understand what happened here and the impact it has today.

With so much history on display, Gettysburg is a perfect place to take a student tour.

Dinner tonight is at Dobbin House Tavern. Established in 1776, it is the oldest structure in Gettysburg and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Student groups are welcome to enjoy generous sandwiches and entrees.

After dinner, depart Dobbin House Tavern for a short walk past the Soldiers National Cemetery and the former Hall of Presidents & First Ladies Museum. Soon you’ll be entering one of the most haunted buildings in the area for the Haunted Orphanage Tour. It’s said that spirits have lingered throughout the building for more than 150 years.

Have fun and learn about history.

Breakfast at your hotel and depart for the home and farm of the 34th President of the United States.

Arrive at the Eisenhower National Historic Site. The 650.5 acres served as a weekend retreat for the president and first lady and was a favorite meeting place with world leaders during the turbulent Cold War. Join a National Park Service Ranger and explore the only home Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower ever owned. You’ll walk the grounds of the site, touring the home and hearing stories of the Eisenhower family and their relevancy for us today.

Enjoy a catered lunch on the grounds from Biggerstaff’s Catering with lunch options sure to fit even the pickiest appetite.

It’s on to the Seminary Ridge Museum & Education Center and a look at Mending the Wounded. Approximately 700,000 lives were lost during the Civil War and thousands more were left with major injuries. This STEM lesson explores the experiences of surgeons, nurses

and the wounded soldiers. Learn the advances in medicine that are still used today and the knowledge of the true human costs of war.

Dinner tonight is at the area’s new food hall, Savorhood Gettysburg. More than a half dozen casual dining options are already on site. After dinner, find some sweet treats at Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium.

Conclude a fun day by touring Shriver House Museum. Much has been written about the historic military maneuvers. This location tells the story of civilians George and Hattie Shriver and their two daughters and the impact this historic battle had on their lives.

Shriver House Museum

Dobbin House Tavern

For breakfast, check out and depart to an interesting Farm Park.

Arrive Land of Little Horses Performing Animal Theme Park. Student group packages allow you to view grooming of the animals, a “mane” event highlighting performance by some of the farm’s animals, pig races, training demos and more!

Welcome to the Historic Farnsworth House Inn circa 1810. Confederate sharpshooters sheltered in the house, and after the conflict it served as a hospital. Enjoy some wonderful period fare for lunch followed by a performance of a Day in the Life of a Civil War Soldier.

Depart Gettysburg with solid memories. You just made your own history.

CONTACT

Lindsay Methlie, Director of sales 800-337-5015 717-338-3062 lindsay@destinationgettysburg.com destinationgettysburg.com

Great souvenirs can be found at Gettysburg shops.

Learn about Abraham Lincoln’s historic Gettysburg Address.

Enjoy Gettysburg’s historical re-enactments.

IN GETTYSBURG, the perfect place to explore our nation’s dramatic backstory. Visit our many fascinating museums and historic sites where your students will be immersed in living history. Discover our region’s unique agriculture and adventurous outdoor recreation. And don’t miss our exciting youth entertainment opportunities and tasty dining venues. All closer than you think!

Inspiring War Stories, Enriching History and Interactive Exhibits

Take an epic field trip complete with life-like Native American figures, historical replicas, visceral history exhibits, and firsthand accounts of life during the American Revolution

The Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia offers school groups an immersive learning opportunity to explore the inspiring story of our nation’s founding through both in-person and distance learning activities. Nina Giacobbe, Manager of Group and Travel Trade Sales at the museum says, “Students will gain a deeper understanding of the diverse people and complex events that sparked the ongoing American experiment.”

WHAT WILL STUDENTS LEARN?

Through immersive exhibits, middle and high school students will learn about the early stages of colonists’ life and rebellion and get firsthand accounts from enslaved and free people of color to colonists and loyalists. Witness life-like Oneida Indian Nation figures weighing their options about siding with the Continental Army. Experience the pandemonium of battle on the front lines at the Battle of Brandywine in

The Museum of the American Revolution offers students the chance to learn about the story of our nation’s founding.

Photos courtesy of the Museum of the American Revolution

Rediscover the Revolution

the panoramic Battlefield Theater. Students can see a life-size replica of the Liberty Tree and climb aboard a replica privateer ship to load the cannons.

UPCOMING EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS

The museum’s newest exhibition, Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia, follows the story of James Forten and his descendants and how they navigated the challenges and opportunities of the American Revolution. It also details the Forten family’s crucial involvement in the abolition movement leading up to the American Civil War. The exhibit opens on February 11, 2023, and will run through November 26, 2023.

VIRTUAL LEARNING

The museum offers a number of in-class programs using its 360-degree Virtual Museum Tour platform. According to Nina, virtual interactive addon programs include Whose Liberty? African Americans in the American Revolution, Thinking like a Historian, and When Women Lost the Vote. Live theatrical performances are also available for virtual learning with a questionand-answer session afterward. “Meet James Forten,” “Meet Joseph Plumb Martin,” and “Meet Elizabeth Freeman” are 20-minute first-person historical perspectives about a Black war privateer and abolitionist, a 15-year-old soldier’s hardships and an enslaved Black woman’s quest for freedom.

For more information go online or call (267) 579-3623. You can also contact Groups@amrevmuseum.org to request more information or ask questions. Located at 101 South Third Street, Philadelphia PA

Continuing to Preserve Battlefield History for Students to Discover

School groups can walk the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg and engage in interactive history exhibits including a rare Cyclorama, the unique form of 1860s movie entertainment.

The Gettysburg Foundation owns and operates the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center in partnership with the National Park Service at Gettysburg. The Museum & Visitor Center offers a unique, real-life perspective of the 1863 battle and its historical significance today.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Educational groups will experience Gettysburg through awe-inspiring attractions and gain insight into the battle and the lessons of Gettysburg. Glimpse rare Civil War-era artifacts in the museum and immerse yourself in the authentic Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama painting, the movie experience of yesteryear. Learners can take in the dramatic 1884 oil painting depicting Pickett’s Charge in a 360-degree panoramic immersive experience complete with sound and lighting effects. A new temporary exhibit in the Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War takes students

Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center provides a real-life perspective of the 1863 battle and its historical significance.

Photos courtesy of the Gettysburg Foundation

on the soldier’s journey in A Rough Coarse Life: The World of the Civil War Soldier. Witness soldiers’ accounts of surviving war through stories of struggle, historical relics, works of art, documents and other essential items.

If your group wants to tour the hallowed grounds of 1863, visitors can take a bus tour led by a Licensed Battlefield Guide from the Museum & Visitor Center. Walk the unchanged landscape where the soldiers and army leaders did centuries ago. Groups are given the convenient option of having the Licensed Battlefield Guide step on their bus to narrate the tour.

Younger tour groups and future historians are encouraged to explore Children of Gettysburg 1863®, a family-friendly interactive children’s history museum located in the historic Rupp House.

If your group is looking for an immersive history lesson, visit the historic Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station™, and travel back to 1863 for a virtual reality trip to 19th-century Gettysburg in Ticket to the Past— Unforgettable Journeys.

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Educational tour groups of 16 students or more receive discounted ticket prices for attractions and exhibits. The Museum & Visitor Center also offers group breakfasts, dinners and boxed meal options. Student groups in grades K-12 need to have one chaperone per every seven students.

For more information about group tours and field trips, visit the Gettysburg Foundation’s website group page and call the Guest Relations team to plan your group visit to explore Gettysburg.

New Exhibit Now Open

GET TYSBURGexplore

WITH YOUR GROUP

See the Film. Experience the Gettysburg Cyclorama. Explore the Museum.

Tour the Battleeld with a Licensed Battleeld Guide.

Connect with National Park Service Ranger programs

Explore Eisenhower National Historic Site, when open for home tours.

Visit the Gettysburg National Cemetery.

Journey to our historic sites and experiences

Proceeds from tickets and other purchases in the Museum & Visitor Center benefit Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site.

To customize your group visits, call 877-874-2478

Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center

(Left) Interactive exhibit in the children’s history museum, Children of Gettysburg 1863. (Right) Virtual reality experience in Ticket to the PastUnforgettable Journeys.

Celebrate A Seminal Moment in American History

The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia brings together people of all ages and perspectives, across America and around the world, to learn about, debate, and celebrate the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the U.S. Constitution. Visit the museum in person for an immersive field trip and discover rare artifacts and interactive showcases inspired by the U.S. Constitution, or experience the museum online through live online tours, interactive programs, and classes.

The National Constitution Center is the first and only museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution. Through interactive exhibits, rare artifacts, and live theater, the Center brings the Constitution to life for visitors of all ages.

In Signers’ Hall, walk among 42 life-size bronze statues of the signers of the Constitution.

In the Story of We the People, explore over 100 multimedia elements and discover for

The National Constitution Center brings the Constitution to life for visitors of all ages with exhibits, artifacts and live theater.

Students can discover the vital role the U.S. Constitution played in our government’s formation through enthralling stories, historic documents and compelling evidence

Photos courtesy of the National Constitution Center

Students will love the wide variety of exhibits at the center.

yourself why the U.S. Constitution is as important today as it was over 200 years ago.

BRING THE MUSEUM INTO YOUR CLASSROOM

After your visit, bring the National Constitution Center home with you and into your classroom! Museum resources include an online Interactive Constitution and drawing on primary source documents from the new, curated online Founders’ Library—containing over 170 historical texts and over 70 landmark Supreme Court cases selected by leading experts of different perspectives— students can study the historical and philosophical foundations of America’s founding principles from a range of diverse voices.

VISIT THE NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER

This must-see museum is located at 525 Arch Street just steps from the historic Liberty Bell and Independence Hall making this a magnificent field trip destination. Groups of 15 students or more receive discounted admission rates to premier exhibits, history tours, and educational programs.

For more information about planning your next field trip @constitutionctr, visit their website and start creating a memorable experience for the entire class.

BOOK YOUR GROUP EXPERIENCE TODAY!

Contact Gina Romanelli at gromanelli@constitutioncenter.org or 215.409.6695 Philadelphia, PA | constitutioncenter.org

Gettysburg’s Premier Museum

Historic Learning Center with Virtual Capabilities

This award-winning museum brings interactive exhibits, authentic historians and exciting history directly into your classroom with virtual instruction programs

In Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, a building stands that has endured the tests of time, remaining intact despite bearing scars of the American Civil War. Since 2013, the original Lutheran Theological Seminary building has housed Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center and has been teaching visitors Civil War-era history for nearly a decade.

In 1832 on a peaceful ridge west of Gettysburg, a religious school opened to the community. For 31 years, it served students and educators dutifully until the bloodiest battle of the Civil War besieged the area, cementing its place in history. Learners can appreciate the immense depth of the Civil War and 19thcentury American history while standing inside an edifice that lived through the gamut of America’s narrative. Students can engage in interactive exhibits highlighting the Battle of Gettysburg; Civil War Medicine/STEM; Dilemma Discussions; Race, Slavery, Freedom; and Civil War Memory. No matter how far away your school group is, educators can bring the museum into the classroom with Nearpod and Google Slides lessons, allowing teachers access to unique content for middle and high school students. Other virtual learning programs available via the website include Virtual Museum Tours, which offer digital walkthroughs of each of the three real-world exhibit floors. These respectively focus on the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg, Civil War medical care in the Seminary Hospital, and stories of faith and freedom in the 19th century and beyond. Participation in Live Virtual Programs offers unique historian-led interactive lessons and tours right in your classroom. They can be customized to fit curriculum and student needs at an affordable rate.

To learn more or reserve a spot for your school group’s tour, visit www.seminaryridgeeducation.org and get in touch.

Photo courtesy of Seminary Ridge

Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center

Illuminated. American History.

Philadelphia’s most immersive, hi-tech, award-winning museum.

Students can discover how faith inspired key individuals who have impacted our country, from our founding through today.

To learn more or schedule a group tour, please contact Lisa Arrell at larrell@faithandliberty.org

faithandliberty.org

Faith and Liberty Discovery Center

A Brand New Immersive Faith-Based Museum Attracts Students and Educators

Anew immersive museum has opened in the great city of Philadelphia, loaded with high-tech interactive exhibits perfect for student groups. Faith and Liberty Discovery Center on Independence Mall welcomed its first visitors in May 2021, offering exciting stories about America’s diverse history.

Glimpse colonial Philadelphia through exhibits focusing on American values that shaped our nation: faith, liberty, justice, hope, unity and love. Learn how faith and the Bible influenced citizens struggling with social injustices like voting rights and slavery in the Struggling Towards Justice exhibition.

A core aspect of this museum is the overwhelming power spiritual values can have and how important love and hope are for community survival.

Lisa Arrell, Senior Manager of Sales and Marketing at the museum, emphasizes, “Students can come in and discover how faith has inspired key individuals who have made an impact on our country, from our founding through today.”

Hear heartfelt stories from individuals who turned to the Bible for guidance. Learn how the power of faith gave them spiritual strength and resolve in The Reality of Hope exhibit. Immerse in an interactive theater experience where you can join William Penn’s journey to the new colony in Liberty’s Light. Step into the circle of historical and inspiring stories with a FLDC Lamp and explore the creation and development of Philadelphia. The museum offers student trips for grades six through twelve with an option to tailor the trip for college students.

Visit their website to download the Student Group Trip Checklist at www.faithandliberty.org/student-trips/ and learn more about group trips.

Photo courtesy of the Faith and Liberty Discovery Center

The Faith and Liberty Discovery Center opened in 2021.

NEW YORK

Not to Be Missed Experiences

New York is celebrated for its diverse art and culture, skyscrapers, and rich history. The Empire State is the home of Central Park, the George Eastman Museum, and several institutions of the future. The great state of New York welcomes learners of all types and backgrounds and your next student adventure awaits you here.

New York is home to some of America’s most important historical landmarks and events.

Photo courtesy of Cunard

Visit the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island for an inspiring history lesson.

HISTORY & HERITAGE

New York is home to some of America’s most important historic landmarks and events. Visit the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island and nearby Ellis Island for an inspiring history lesson. Take the Statue of Liberty out of the textbook and place it in front of their eyes.

Explore the Statue of Liberty Museum here to get the full story behind this incredible monument. Make sure to have your camera ready to catch awe-inspiring views. Hop over to Ellis Island to tour the National Immigration Museum, which was one of the halls immigrants walked upon their arrival. Also on site is the American Immigrant Wall of Honor. Here, visitors can truly get to know about the first wave of immigration and how immigrants actually embodied our nation’s ideals. These destinations are only accessible by ferries provided by Statue City Cruises. Additional tickets are not needed to enter the Statue of Liberty Museum or Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.

PERFORMING ARTS

Frank Sinatra’s single New York, New York isn’t just a fun song to sing along to. If you listen closely, it’s advice to American talent to bring their art to New York if they wish to make it big. The Big Apple is the home of the world’s most prominent artists and offers the most spectacular plays, musicals, and contemporary art exhibitions. Student groups have many venues in the state of New York to fuel their inspiration or put their talent on display. Catch a popular Broadway show. Hamilton and The Lion King are among student-favorite shows you can expect to see. In Harlem, James Brown, The Jackson 5, Mary J. Blige and other stars have performed at the famous Apollo Theatre, the “Soul of American Culture.”

STEM

Not too far away from the museums and avenues of people in business suits is the abundant world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Let’s not forget that the scientist who began developing the atomic bomb was stationed in Manhattan. This is why the operation is referred to as the “Manhattan Project.” Come to the Brooklyn Robot Foundry for the fun, handson, robot-building project. Students here light up while learning components and engineering concepts during Brooklyn Robot lab. You also have the National Museum of Mathematics, which has galleries, exhibits, and programs designed to inspire students who are curious about the world made of numbers.

National Museum of Mathematics

Brooklyn Bridge

Photo courtesy of The Met

Metropolitan Museum of Art

RISENY An Epic NYC Innovative Museum Inspiring Students and Educators

Located just blocks from Times Square in bustling Midtown Manhattan, RiseNY is a new innovative museum attraction offering students and educators a literal elevated experience. This three-part cultural adventure full of history includes a documentary film, self-guided galleries, and an unprecedented visceral soaring attraction to kick off your New York City tour.

Ten years ago, RiseNY CEO James Sanna visited Soarin’ Around the World at Disney. The thrilling experience gave him a brilliant ideaNew York City deserved an attraction to highlight its rise to fame as well. One that took visitors above the city for an epic birds-eye view for an experiential journey like no other.

Peter Waugh is the Director of Sales at RiseNY and explains the attractions skyrocketing

RiseNY is a new museum offering students and educators a three-part cultural adventure full of history.

All photos courtesy of RiseNY

RiseNY in Midtown Manhattan advocates for student groups providing immersive galleries and a visceral theme-parkworthy ride making learning fun and memorable

success from its humble beginnings.

“Our team painstakingly thought about how to tell the story of the city, developed relationships with our partners, and then went through the process of making a dream into reality. The producing team set to work partnering with existing NYC museums and cultural curators to write the story of New York over time.”

He goes on to say that “With these amazing partners, we were able to write a love letter to New York that puts all of the most fascinating and exciting elements of NYC in one place!”

A THREE-PART OUT-OF-THISWORLD EXPERIENCE

Youth groups start with a City Hall-themed eight-minute immersive film by award-winning documentarian Ric Burns detailing the history of New York City and Times Square. Once the movie is over, groups are set free to discover the second part of their experience through the immersive gallery exhibits.

RiseNY has seven museum-style galleries for students and teachers to explore at leisure, each specializing in an important NYC attribute. According to Peter, these galleries also “trace tipping points in history that contributed to NYC’s pop culture evolution into a global icon.” Each gallery has a map of the city pinpointing sites that are featured in the space to assist in the next part of your NYC tour.

Peter suggests that when you begin your adventure at RiseNY, take notes of the places featured throughout the film, exhibits and galleries. Use the museum as a jumping-off point to learn about sites especially of interest to your educational group before heading out into the Big Apple.

RiseNY has seven museum-style galleries for students and teachers to explore at leisure, each specializing in an important NYC attribute.

Students and educators are encouraged to explore the self-guided galleries after the short film and take everything in at their own pace. There’s a lot of information, historical artifacts, photographs, stories and more to discover that could easily take a couple of hours to admire. Let your curiosity get the better of you and get lost in an engaging exploration.

Peter explains, “Students can discover the rise of Wall Street and The New York Stock Exchange in the Finance Gallery. Learn the history of Tesla’s Coil and its influence on the rise of mass media in the TV/Radio Gallery.”

For youth groups interested in specific industry trades, he touts “visual, language, and

Let your curiosity get the better of you and get lost in an engaging exploration.

performing arts come to life in the Fashion, Music, Film, and Broadway galleries.”

The third and final part of the experience and perhaps the most talked about aspect of the museum is the “Flying Theater,” a one-of-a-kind simulation attraction offering guests a “theme park quality ride.” While suspended 30 feet in the air, fly across all five boroughs, complete with mist sprayers and tipping seats. The 40-foothigh, 180-degree projection dome gives you spectacular 8K aerial footage of the magnificent city below.

PERFORMANCE SPACE

Regarding areas at the museum for choir groups or bands, Peter admits, “At the moment, we do not have the space to support performance groups in a traditional sense.”

However, he goes on to assure that “We are exploring options that might be able to accommodate smaller, chamber-sized ensembles.”

STUDENT AGE GROUP & CURRICULUM

Information linked to the curriculum is molded

around the NYC DOE curriculum with a unit focused on the city’s history.

Peter explains that “At the moment, our educational materials are directed at elementary school-aged children, but we are working to expand them over time.”

With a soft opening in December 2021 and an official opening ceremony to the public held in March 2022, RiseNY has nowhere to go from here but up. It’s safe to assume this unique museum attraction will be working to include more student-oriented and curriculum-based formats in the future.

GROUP ADMISSION POLICIES

Group rates start at $19 for students with an offer of one comped per 20 paid. It’s recommended that anyone interested should call as soon as possible to reserve a spot for their group (no deposit required). Payment is due two weeks prior to the date of your visit. Checks and credit cards are accepted forms of payment.

CONTACT 601-228-2201 groups@rise.co www.riseny.co

Students and educators are encouraged to explore the self-guided galleries.

DISNEY THEATER

Disney on Broadway brings the Magic to Life on Stage

Student groups will step inside the magic with Disney on Broadways Hit Musicals!

From the iconic Aladdin and The Lion King to immersive theatrical workshops, there is no shortage of magic for your group when they visit New York City.

For generations, children have grown up enchanted by the special sort of magic only found in Disney movies. Starting in 1994, Disney has interpreted some of their well-loved classics to the Broadway Stage. Since its foundation, eight Disney Broadway titles have been seen by over 128 million theatergoers, been nominated for 52 Tony Awards, and have won Broadway’s highest honor 19 times.

From the Pride Lands of Africa, to the streets of Agrabah, to the snowy mountaintops of Adendelle, Disney on Broadway continues to transport audiences of all ages into their world of magic where dreams come true.

BROADWAY BRINGS THE PRIDELANDS OF THE LION KING TO THE BIG STAGE

For 25 years, The Lion King has been performing on Broadway, finding its home at Minskoff Theater since it opened in 1997. The blending of Broadway-style songs and staging with African rhythm, dance and voices has

Since its foundation, eight Disney Broadway titles, including The Lion King, have been seen by over 128 million theatergoers.

Photo by Matthew Murphy @Disney

contributed to the musical’s 70 major theater awards and its international popularity.

On Broadway, this musical brings the characters to life and becomes a very human story through the use of evocative masks and costumes that merge the human figure with animal physicality with larger-than-life puppets that reveal the human performers underneath.

If your group can’t make it to New York City, The Lion King is also on a North American Tour, with dates and locations released well into 2023.

ENJOY FAMILY-FRIENDLY COMEDY AND LIVELY NUMBERS AT ALADDIN

Aladdin has transformed the New Amsterdam Theater in New York City into the streets of Agrabah eight nights a week. With over 84 separate special effects featured throughout the musical adaptation, there is no shortage of the magic and spectacle, which has made the movie a beloved classic.

In its Broadway production, Aladdin’s original inspiration from jazz legends of the early 1900s is more evident than ever in the live renditions of “Prince Ali”, “One Jump Ahead” and “Friend like Me.” The costuming is also an unsung hero of the on-stage production. Over 300 people from 26 different countries worked together on these costumes, the most ornate having 8,000 individual Swarovski crystals.

This experience isn’t limited to New York, as Aladdin is also on a North American Tour, with short engagements in every region of the United States.

Disney Theatrical Group has also developed an Aladdin study guide to further engage student groups with the themes of the musical. This

Aladdin has transformed the New Amsterdam Theater in New York City into the streets of Agrabah eight performances a week.

Photo by Matthew Murphy @Disney

For 25 years, The Lion King has been performing on Broadway, finding its home at Minskoff Theater since it opened in 1997.

guide has material for before and after the show in order to provide students with additional historical context and integrate the themes into exercises in Language Arts, Social Studies, and Arts education.

YOU’LL BE FROZEN TO YOUR SEATS AT THE AWE-INSPIRING PRODUCTION OF DISNEY CLASSIC, FROZEN

The wintery world of Frozen was brought to New York’s Broadway stage in 2018, and can now be seen on tour across North America. After becoming a record-breaking hit in the box office, the top creative minds at Disney Theatrical Group had big ideas for a musical interpretation of the movie for the nation’s biggest stage.

Frozen had quickly become a hit on Broadway, expanding the movie from seven songs to over 20 while reaching deeper into the characters as to make the musical adaptation relatable to a wider audience. Audience members of all ages will be struck by the amazing special effects that bring Elsa’s powers to life. Experience the magic of this musical with your group in a city near you today!

CONTACT

Disney

DTG.Group.Sales@disney.com

Photo by Matthew Murphy @Disney

One World Observatory, New York City

Perched atop the tallest building in New York City, One World Observatory is a spectacular attraction that takes you to staggering heights of 102 stories with expansive 360-degree views of the cityscape below. Take the SkyPod Elevator to the top in just 47 seconds and view Manhattan decorated with towering skyscrapers, bustling traffic and 45 miles of America in every direction.

Take in the dramatic scenes of New York City, its history and culture on 145 multimedia screens presenting iconic faces and sites at the Horizon Grid. Learn about those who made the coveted city what it is today - a diverse melting-pot community of millions.

Student groups are encouraged to partake in the City Pulse Presentations led by accredited tour ambassadors. These interactive educational presentations engage audiences and provide an open platform where students and teachers can ask questions. Learn about the city’s five boroughs, historical and famous landmarks, the history of Lower Manhattan and many other pedagogical and inspiring topics.

One World Observatory takes you to staggering heights of 102 stories with expansive 360-degree views of the cityscape below.

Photos courtesy of One World Observatory

An epic attraction 102 stories high engages students and educators on New York City culture and history

SENSES

One World Observatory’s views are unmatched.

Step into the See Forever Theater for a one-of-a-kind audiovisual experience filled with the cadence of the city and a jaw-dropping view of the iconic NYC skyline. Students can get a visceral experience while learning about different aspects of New York before going to See Forever Imaging for a one-of-a-kind memorable group photo.

As an approved vendor with the Department of Education, One World Observatory extends educational programs for youth groups focusing on STEAM and history material. Join the Scout Program and participate in their “Architecture Merit Badge Program.” They proudly maintain an affiliation with many local scout organizations.

Camp Groups are invited to get hands-on at the many interactive exhibitions with plenty of space to explore educational curiosities. Become a One World Explorer in a hand-held amplifiedreality tour showcasing historic New York City landmarks and other points of interest.

Schools, camps, and other youth organizations can take advantage of special discounts throughout the year. As of Winter 2023, One World Observatory will offer free educational resources for youth group travel which is adapted

to current school curriculums. Make learning fun and dynamic and bring your students to One World Observatory for a unique and detailed history of the Big Apple.

Don’t forget to stop in the Gallery at One World for a souvenir or trinket to take home. Grab a quick bite or coffee at One Café, Mix & Dine, or sit down at ONE Dine for a tasty meal.

One suggested half-day itinerary starts your group at One World Observatory at 9:30 am. After an hour exploring the observatory, head to the impressive 9/11 Memorial & Museum and spend a couple of hours learning about the inspiring heroes of 9/11. Afterward, enjoy lunch at

Brookfield Place with an array of delicious cuisine to choose from.

Other popular attractions within walking distance include Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, Federal Hall, Trinity Church, Wall Street and the Brooklyn Bridge.

To schedule a complimentary site visit, get help building your itinerary, or have any other questions, email GROUPS@ ONEWORLDOBSERVATORY.COM and get in touch with a Group Account Representative.

MARYLAND

Where History and Science Come Alive

Much of Maryland is surrounded by water, and there are numerous opportunities to explore the Atlantic Coast and Chesapeake Bay while learning about America’s seafaring past. Educational harbor cruises are available in Baltimore, Annapolis and elsewhere. Exhibits at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels and Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons recall the importance of water in Maryland’s history. Most school groups will want to schedule at least one meal at a seafood restaurant, as Maryland is famous for crabs, clams, oysters and other fruits of the sea. Because the state borders Washington, D.C., many groups combine a few days in Maryland with a visit to Our Nation’s Capital.

Antietam National Battlefield, near Sharpsburg, tells the story of the Civil War’s bloodiest oneday battle.

Maryland is the perfect place to delve into American history.

Photo courtesy of National Park Service

HISTORY & HERITAGE

Maryland is the perfect place to delve into American history. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore Harbor, attacked by the British in the War of 1812, is where Francis Scott Key penned his poem “The Star-Spangled Banner” after witnessing the bombardment. The poem was later set to music and became our national anthem in 1931. Students learn about the Civil War’s bloodiest one-day battle at Antietam National Battlefield, near Sharpsburg. Frederick is home to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine.

The Colonial Annapolis Historic District offers an impressive concentration of 18th century buildings, including homes of the four Maryland signers of the Declaration of Independence. A trip to Annapolis, the capital of Maryland, is not complete without a visit to the U.S. Naval Academy Museum. Historic St. Mary’s City, an 800-acre museum of archaeology and living history, features costumed guides who interpret life in Maryland’s first capital, founded in 1634. On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, an important chapter in African American history comes alive at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center

PERFORMING ARTS

Chances for school groups to perform in Baltimore include the Inner Harbor Amphitheater, National Aquarium, Maryland Zoo, Fort McHenry, B&O Railroad Museum and Hard Rock Cafe’s outdoor pier. Among Annapolis venues are Annapolis Town Centre, Annapolis City Dock, Westfield Annapolis Mall and U.S. Naval Academy Museum. In Ocean City, the Boardwalk and Convention Center Performing Arts Center spotlight student talent.

In Montgomery County, northwest of Washington, D.C., places to perform include the Music Center at Strathmore, Clarksburg Premium Outlets and Westfield Montgomery Mall. East of D.C., school choirs and bands have opportunities to perform, mostly around Christmastime, at Six Flags America, a theme park in Largo, Prince George’s County.

STEM

Opportunities for education in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) abound at two entertaining cultural institutions fronting Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The Maryland Science Center is filled with hands-on exhibits that cover subjects as diverse as physics, earth science, and health and the human body. For school field trips, the museum can arrange classroom-style Enrichment Experiences for small groups (30 maximum) that focus on subjects like biology, chemistry and engineering design.

Baltimore’s National Aquarium has education programs that offer hands-on discovery, structured lab activities and live animal encounters.

Six Flags America theme park in Largo offers STEM Days programming for several days each spring, as students explore the physics behind the roller coasters.

Photo courtesy of National Park Service

Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda

Six Flags America, Largo Photo courtesy of Six Flags America

Fort McHenry, Baltimore

The Crown Jewel of Baltimore City’s Inner Harbor is The Aquarium

Avisit to the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland is like stepping into an underwater world full of extraordinary aquatic flora and fauna moving all around you. Immerse in marine science through interactive exhibits and cultivate a life-long appreciation for nautical habitats and scientific discovery.

Our nation’s first public aquarium has been educating visitors since 1873 upon its inception. After several relocations, the National Aquarium found a permanent home in Baltimore City’s Inner Harbor on August 8, 1981, instantly becoming the crown jewel of Baltimore.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

On weekdays during the Baltimore City school year (early September through late June), student groups in grades pre-K through twelve can partake in age-appropriate aquarium adventures that align with Next Generation Science Standards and STEAM. These special

The National Aquarium in Baltimore is America’s first public aquarium and has been educating visitors since 1873.

Photos courtesy of the National Aquarium

Become scientific explorers and marine biologists at the National Aquarium in Baltimore where students can discover enigmatic sea creatures and intriguing natural curiosities

Learn all about a variety of marine life at the National Aquarium.

passports offer students an exciting close-up exploration of inhabitants and their environments in the Atlantic Coral Reef, the wilds of Australia and other hydro environments worldwide.

Learners on class trips will get the chance to investigate diverse animals and marine life and establish an appreciation for science through curriculumpertinent programs. Get hands-on at structured lab activities guided by aquarium experts.

EDUCATOR RESOURCES

The National Aquarium provides many educator resources including 60-minute teacher orientations to help make the most of your field trip. They also invite educators to utilize their thoughtful Pre-trip Planning Packet, Parent Pre-Field Trip Letter in Spanish and English, a post-trip student questionnaire and age-determined scavenger hunts.

SPECIAL GROUP RATES

School field trip groups of 15 students or more are eligible for discounted rates. The maximum group size for Pre-K and Kindergarten is 60 group members and 125 students per group in grades first through twelve.

For more information about bringing your next field trip to the National Aquarium, visit https://aqua.org/visit/groups and start planning your aquatic adventure today. The National Aquarium is located at 501 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland.

DISCOVER the wonder.

LEARN MORE AT: aqua.org/fieldtrips

Fascinating Learning Opportunities

Inspire your students through immersive African American history exhibits, living museums and maritime curiosities in Baltimore’s historic Inner Harbor

History is vivified throughout Baltimore and its scenic Inner Harbor. Dating back to 1729, the region has been utilized for its fertile soils to grow tobacco and other crops. Enslaved Africans were brought over to Maryland and put to work on farms, helped shape the shipbuilding trade after the Revolutionary War and were vital in the construction of the Baltimore railroad.

Today, Baltimore is a thriving port city proudly showcasing its rich history and soulful African American roots through living museums and field tripworthy destinations. Students of all grade levels can immerse in history unlike anywhere else promoting a lifelong love of STEM activities and African American heritage. Get lost in the discovery of Earth’s greatest wonders at the Maryland Science Center. Take space exploration to new heights at the Davis Planetarium where classmates can take an imaginary trip to the moon with the gang from Sesame Street. The National Aquarium located in the historic Inner Harbor will spark the curiosity of all young marine biologists. The museum boasts over 20,000 species showcased in award-winning exhibits. Classmates can explore the stunning underwater landscape of an Indo-Pacific reef or pet a stingray at the aquarium’s Living Seashore exhibit.

Experience one-of-a-kind history lessons aboard the Historic Ships in Baltimore’s floating museums. Docked along the Inner Harbor are vessels dating back to 1854 including the U.S.S. Constellation, the only surviving Civil War ship in existence. Bring the kiddos to the Port Discovery Children’s Museum considered the best in the nation also located in the Inner Harbor.

For more information about group excursions and family-friendly field trip destinations, visit https://baltimore.org/guides/a-guide-to-kid-friendlybaltimore/ and start planning today.

Photo courtesy of Dean Ray

Fort McHenry in Baltimore.

VIRGINIA

Opportunities in History-cloaked Virginia

The state of Virginia has a storied history dating back centuries and played a substantial role in the forming of our great nation. Home of the very first permanent English settlement, Jamestown, the Old Dominion State was the birthplace of four of the first five U.S. presidents. As one of the original 13 colonies, Virginia had a pivotal role helping secure America’s independence from Britain and in the Cvil War.

Virginia offers numerous cultural experiences via museums and living history opportunities.

Colonial Williamsburg is America’s premier living history museum.

Photo courtesy of Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

HISTORY & HERITAGE

With so much rich history throughout Virginia, the state offers numerous cultural experiences via museums, historical sites and living history opportunities. School groups heading to the Tidewater region can explore America’s first colony at the Jamestown Settlement through guided tours highlighting the town’s story. While there, students can glimpse a replica Papahegh town, a colonial fort with 1607 ships and Powhatan Indian and West African cultures. Also tour the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and Colonial Williamsburg.

No Virginia field trip would be complete without visiting the home of our first president. George Washington’s Mount Vernon is a monumental estate giving visitors an intimate look into our nation’s most revered leader’s life and his actions that led to America’s freedom.

PERFORMING ARTS

A must-visit performing arts venue is the American Shakespeare Center Blackfriars Playhouse in historic Staunton. Step back in time at the world’s only life-size replica of Shakespeare’s original indoor theater. Admire the ornate details of the set and the periodappropriate intricacies while taking in a Shakespeare play.

Check out Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in Vienna for a stunning experience. Student groups can engage in fun and exciting performances both online and in person with handouts provided for educators. The venue promotes live music, theater performances and other forms of the arts. The Barter Theatre in Abingdon puts on some of the finest productions in the state. Whether taking in a Broadway-style production like “Singing in the Rain” in the large Barter I Theatre or enjoying an independent play performed on the intimate Barter II stage, visitors can enjoy the theatrical thrill of a lifetime.

STEM

VIRGINIA

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

When your school group visits the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach, students can immerse in many STEM programs focusing on marine life and other native flora and fauna of the region. Get handson and discover ocean collections and diverse animal species, and quell curiosities about Mother Nature. Young scientists can learn about invertebrates of the Chesapeake Bay, fish anatomy, sharks in the deep and many more exciting topics. The aquarium also offers an array of virtual programs for Pre-K students through high school, bringing the sea into the classroom.

Inspire your pupils at Richmond’s Science Museum of Virginia, which showcases many touring exhibits from around the world.

Experience live astronomy presentations, get creative in the Art Lab and wow your class in The Dome, the world’s most technologically advanced digital dome theater.

Photo courtesy of JamestownYorktown Foundation

Whale Watching Tours at the Virginia Aquarium Jamestown Settlement

VIRGINIA BEACH

STEM and Play the Virginia Beach Way

This itinerary provides an insightful look into every STEM academic discipline, while providing diverse fun activities.

DAY 1

Arrive at Cape Henry Lighthouse, the first federally funded lighthouse. The project was authorized by George Washington and overseen by Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury. For more than 100 years, the lighthouses guided ships through waterways including the Chesapeake Bay. Learn how mariners used lighthouses to navigate. Cape Henry Lighthouse is surrounded by the Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story. Check the guidelines for entering the military base before your visit. Allow time to visit the nearby Cape Henry Memorial, the National Park Service site where the first English colonists landed April 1607.

It’s on to the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum for a docent-led tour. Discover the power of wind, waves and the science involved.

Enjoy lunch at Top Golf. If you know anything about golf, you know the game dwells in science, technology, engineering and math. The club’s loft, your swing plane and other elements are all worthy of study, but today lunch is just fun.

The Virginia Beach oceanfront boardwalk is home to a multitude of attractions students will love. All photos courtesy of Virginia Beach

It’s on to iFly Virginia Beach where students work with highly trained STEM educators to see physics and math come to life in a state-ofthe-art wind tunnel. Enriching and fun there are program levels for Elementary School, Middle school and High School.

Next, stop is Lynnhaven Mall. With more than 180 stories this super shopping mall is one of the largest on the East Coast. Nearby, Dave and Buster’s Virginia Beach is great for dinner with a menu sure to please even the pickiest palate. There’s plenty of games to enjoy too, including the classic D&B Core Games and Hot New Games.

Begin your day at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Each exhibit and habitat are beautifully designed. You’ll discover Offshore Gallery, Shark Exhibits, Sea Turtle Exhibits, Chesapeake Bay, Harbor Seal Exhibit, Stranding Response Exhibit, Wetlands & Watershed and Restless Planet. There are a half dozen Aquarium experiences to discover.

Play while learning life skills at the Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium. Picnic tables and catering are available for school groups.

Cape Henry lighthouses

Adventure Park

Depart for the harbor and a Dolphin Watching Boat Tour. Make some memories on an excursion in search of the bottlenose dolphin. Get your land legs back and head to the Military Aviation Museum, home to one of the largest private collections of World War I and World War II aircraft. Science and Math applications regarding motion, gravity and energies address STEM and Standards of Learning requirements.

Enjoy dinner tonight at any of Town Center’s restaurants. After dinner try some miniature golf at Safari Golf, or Jungle Golf.

After breakfast and check out, it’s on to the banks of the Lynnhaven River and the Brock Environmental Center-Chesapeake Bay Foundation located at Pleasure House Point. Built by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the Brock Center is the regional home for its awardwinning environmental education programs. The house itself is an example of environmentally sensitive and smart building.

Surf

& Rescue Museum

Celebrate the gifts of land and sea with epic Virginia Beach adventures the entire group can enjoy safely. With 400 square miles of wide open space, revel in hands-on experiences and unique access to a group tour that’s as safe as it is memorable.

VISITVIRGINIABEACH.COM/GROUPTOUR

Enjoy Group-friendly Interactive Exhibits

The National Museum of the United States Army is an enduring effort to tell the Army’s story and honor the accomplishment, sacrifices, and commitment of American Soldiers. It’s the first of its kind to display and interpret more than 247 years of Army history through the eyes of American Soldiers.

The “Fighting for the Nation” galleries trace the history of the Army, from the Revolutionary War through Afghanistan. These galleries boast a collection of rare artifacts and are backdropped in a completely immersive design, including a simulated World War I trench and a recreated scene from D-Day with one of the few remaining Higgins boats that landed at Normandy.

The “Assembly Area” of the Museum is located in The Experiential Learning Center, which offers a unique and immersive learning space for all visitors to develop skills and have fun with Geography, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. In the Assembly Area, students can enjoy videos and interactive displays to introduce visitors to the families of the U.S. Army.

A unique educational experience at the Museum is “Operation Safe Passage,” an hour-long activity perfect for student groups. Players work in teams to learn how soldiers solve problems, then put those skills to the test in the Learning Lab to carry out a simulated Army Mission.

The Museum also includes three paid virtual reality and motion theater attractions in the Army Action Center. The Museum is located just a 30-minute drive from Washington, D.C. and is free to the public, with timed ticketing required.

To request additional assistance in scheduling a visit, please call 703-217-7946 or email groups@armyhistory.org.

For more information, visit: armyhistory.org/group-tour-planning-guide

Step into the boots of U.S. Army soldiers at this immersive museum located at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

The Army Theater provides visitors with an immersive introduction to the U.S. Army and to the Museum with the film, “Of Noble Deeds.”

Photo courtesy of the National Museum of the United States Army

CONNECTICUT

Colonial State Culture and Science

There are many incredible places to explore throughout Connecticut, providing students with a range of interests from education to the arts opportunities galore. The Constitution State is one of the original thirteen colonies, and as such it has a rich American history and culture which can be experienced everywhere from within museums to the streets, parks and ports of beautiful cities and villages like New Haven and Mystic. While you’re out and about, timing can be everything as the state’s autumnal foliage is often unmatched. It’s also worth noting for foodies that Connecticut is the birthplace of the traditional American hamburger. Take your time to take in everything Connecticut has to offer.

There are many quality locations in Connecticut for student groups to show off their talents in the performing arts.

Yale University in New Haven is one of Connecticut’s cultural hubs.

HISTORY & HERITAGE

Connecticut is rich in history; its nickname “The Constitution State” originates from its colonial constitution of 1638–1639, which is not only the oldest in the U.S. but arguably the world. After becoming the fifth U.S. state on January 9, 1788, Connecticut thrived on its seaports with trade and fisheries. Mystic Seaport Museum in the village of Mystic is the largest maritime museum in the country, famous for its large collection of sailing ships and boats as well as the recreation of 19th-century crafts and fabrics. Founded in 1903, the New Britain Museum of American Art is the first museum dedicated to American art, featuring a permanent collection of colonial portraits, works from the American Impressionists, Hudson River School and more. In the capital of Hartford, Colt Armory is to become part of Coltsville National Historical Park.

PERFORMING ARTS

There are many quality locations in Connecticut for student groups to show off their talents in the performing arts. The Bushnell Performing Arts Center in Hartford is a landmark playhouse with a capacity of 2,800 in Mortensen Hall and just over 900 in Belding Theater. Mortensen Hall opened in 1930 and features the largest hand-painted ceiling mural in the country as well as a 5,600-pipe Austin Organ. The Hartford Symphony Orchestra regularly performs at Belding Theater. In New London, the Garde Arts Center shows everything from musicals to comedies and more. Built in 1926, its Garde Theatre is famous for its Moroccan-style interior and features Middle Eastern-themed wall murals.

The 478-seat Yale Repertory Theatre (the Rep) occupies the former Calvary Baptist Church, providing a unique visual experience for performances. Located on the edge of the Yale University campus, the theater has a reputation for nurturing young artistic talents and producing Pulitzer Prize-winning premieres and ten productions that have gone on to win Tony Awards after transferring to Broadway.

Bushnell Performing Arts Center

STEM

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recognized Mystic Seaport Museum and its Treworgy Planetarium as major community resources for education and provided a grant to broaden student perspectives in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Rolling out in autumn 2022, the STEM programs for middle school students are available in three formats: virtual, in-school, and on-site.

Hartford’s Connecticut Science Center provides equitable engagement and access to STEM learning opportunities through field trips, classroom connections and virtual programs. This modern center opened in 2009 and includes 40,000 square feet of interactive exhibits with videos, live demonstrations and more.

Mystic Seaport Museum

Connecticut Science Center

Photo courtesy of Rick Pilot

Photo courtesy of CW

Photo courtesy of Doug Butchy

Educational Triumphs and Hidden Gems

Delaware may be the second smallest state in terms of land mass, but it certainly does not lack in history, culture, performing arts and educational programs. Famous for tax-free shopping, and the fact that a majority of Fortune 500 companies are Delaware entities, the state also has a reputation for rich historic and cultural sites, museums with wonderful STEM programs and more. Along with its energetic beaches and boardwalks, pristine woodlands and rivers, Delaware is sure to please every student in your group.

Performing

arts and a slew of museums will educate and entertain student groups in Delaware.

Kalmar Nyckel is a full-scale, award-winning replica of the colonial ship that brought European settlers to the Delaware Valley in 1638.

Photo by Caspar

HISTORY & HERITAGE

Delaware was the first of the original 13 colonies to ratify the U.S. Constitution to become a state on December 7, 1787—hence its official nickname “The First State.” Student groups will enjoy learning about Wilmington’s Swedish origins through a Kalmar Nyckel (Key of Kalmar) field trip. Kalmar Nyckel is a full-scale, award-winning replica of the colonial ship that brought European settlers to the Delaware Valley in 1638. Ship and maritime center programs last for four hours, including sailing on the ship and stops at four interactive stations on land. Groups can also learn about Delaware’s most famous family, the du Ponts, at Nemours Estate. Also located in Wilmington, the 300-acre estate provides interpretive guides for the 77room mansion, formal French-style gardens and the chauffeur’s garage which features a collection of vintage automobiles.

PERFORMING ARTS

From big stages to small opera houses, exciting opportunities for the performing arts range throughout the state. Delaware Theatre Company has enriched the vitality of the Wilmington area through artistic programming, education and community service and since 1979 with professional performances and youth summer-on-stage programs and theatre labs. Founded within an abandoned firehouse, this unique 389-seat venue has impacted over 100,000 people through its Education and Community Engagement programs.

Also located in Wilmington, Delaware Children’s Theater is dedicated to providing creative expression to youths with plays, music, workshops and more. Located between Dover and Wilmington, Smyrna Opera House provides young talents a beautiful venue for all event types from September through June, along with summer camps during off season and classes year-round. Nearby, students can enjoy the outdoors at Blackbird State Forest with its abundant nature and wildlife areas, as well as some water fun at Kula SUP.

Delaware Art Museum

STEM

Kalmar Nyckel is also an excellent site for STEM (Science, Math, Technology & Engineering) programs. Students will delve into mathematics and engineering through the eyes of a sailor, exploring the principles of buoyancy, points and angles of sail, celestial navigation, dead reckoning and more. Founded in 1912 as the Wilmington Society of the Fine Arts, the Delaware Art Museum provides youth and child camps throughout the year. Some of these camps include art experiment opportunities such as pendulum painting, fluid art and making musical instruments. Located in New Castle County outside of Wilmington, along the banks of the beautiful Brandywine Creek, the Hagley Museum and Library offers a plethora of STEM opportunities across 235 acres.

Nemours Estate

Delaware Art Museum

Photo courtesy of the Delaware Art Museum

Photo courtesy of the Delaware Art Museum

MAINE

Nature, History and Art Combine

An exclave of Massachusetts until 1820, close cultural ties to the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia and home to a higher percentage of athome French-speakers than Louisiana, the Pine Tree State has plenty to offer. Easily accessible from Boston and Montréal, Maine occupies a rugged and historic crossroads of not only New England, but North America as well. With most of the population and cities along the coast, the state’s interior has some of the best places for nature viewing in the eastern United States.

Maine is home to a multitude of historical attractions.

The Maine Maritime Museum in Bath offers cruises on the Merrymeeting.

HISTORY & HERITAGE

Maine is home to dozens of boutique colonial museums such as the Norlands Living History Center in Livermore and the Old York Historical Society in York. One of these historical treasures, located on the western edge of Portland, is the Tate House Museum, which contains several eighteenth century buildings and welcomes student groups from third grade on up. The school program at Tate House includes hands-on experiences with replica colonial artifacts, garden tours, and special architectural tours.

Situated on the Kennebec River in the coastal town of Bath is the Maine Maritime Museum, an essential for groups visiting this rocky North Atlantic state rich in nautical history. The museum offers specially designed field trip programs that make full use of the campus’ 20-acre waterfront and cruise boat, the Merrymeeting. Educators may select from several program options including a narrated boat cruise and self-guided exhibit tours.

PERFORMING ARTS

Located on the University of Maine campus in Orono, the Collins Center for the Arts is a cornerstone of the region’s performing arts scene. Home to several stages, the 1,435-seat Hutchins Hall is the marquee venue which regularly hosts nationally touring Broadway shows and the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, in addition to University of Maine student performances. Each season has special school day showings for K-12 students.

The Portland Stage Theater for Kids in downtown Portland puts on regular student matinees for grades 6-12, with virtual viewing options as well as in person. Optional Matinee Workshops are offered as part of the student experience as well. These workshops are with theater professionals designed to enrich students’ understanding of language, story, and character by way of theater techniques.

Bangor Symphony Orchestra

STEM

Housed in the original headquarters of Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor is the George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History. Here, museum educators lead interactive programs in the gallery such as scavenger hunts, or time the indoor tide pool which features a myriad of local marine life. Student groups can also choose to participate in the Bones, Baleen, and Whale Ecology experience, in which they’ll work together to assemble a 17-foot Minke whale skeleton.

The Maine Discovery Museum in Bangor is a whole three floors of interactivity across the sciences and beyond. School groups grades K-8 are encouraged to visit and participate in over thirty exhibits in climate science, anatomy, and the science of art. A catalog of group workshops is offered on a variety of subjects, such as Dinosaur Quest and Lotions, Potions, and Scientific Notions.

Maine Maritime Museum

Maine Discovery Museum

Photo courtesy of Kelly Verdeck

MASSACHUSETTS

Well-rounded for School Groups

Made famous by events of the American Revolution—such as the Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere’s ride and the battles of Lexington and Concord—Massachusetts has left a heavy stamp on American history. The most populous state in New England, the Bay State is home to premier sports teams, world-class universities and cutting-edge medical research. Few other states can boast Massachusetts’ combination of history, culture and recreational opportunities, making it a must for any school group from near or far.

is a must for STEM groups.

Hancock Shaker Village is one of New England’s premier living history museums.

HISTORY & HERITAGE

No trip to Massachusetts would be complete without walking the Freedom Trail in downtown Boston. Stretching 2.5 miles long from Boston Common to the USS Constitution, the trail connects 16 significant sites in American history. Following the red cobblestones that conveniently demarcate the route, groups can walk the trail on their own or join a guided tour (abridged or fulllength) featuring costumed actors. Sites include the Paul Revere House, Old North Church, Bunker Hill Monument and Massachusetts State House.

Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield, a two-hour drive from Boston, covers 750 acres in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. One of New England’s premier living history museums, it consists of more than 20 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places and also is the state’s oldest functioning farm. With seasonal, ongoing and special exhibitions taking place year round, Hancock Village offers students a chance to step back in time.

PERFORMING ARTS

The Boston area is home to dozens of performing arts centers, and the state of Massachusetts claims many more. The Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) offers a number of experiences for school groups. BSO Youth Concerts afford students the opportunity to attend concerts featuring live conductor commentary between pieces on musical themes and engagement. Educators may contact the BSO for tips on how to optimize the experience for students. BSO also hosts High School Open Rehearsals, giving students in grades 8-12 an opportunity to sit in on a real orchestra rehearsal, providing a glimpse into the daily life of professional musicians.

The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory in Worcester not only puts on special matinees for students – there are series designated for elementary, middle and high school levels – but also offers hands-on experiences through their STEAM Workshops program. STEAM aims to mix school curricula and the arts.

STEM

Packed with museums, university exhibitions and other institutions on the cutting edge of science, technology and medicine, Boston is a must for STEM groups. World-renowned universities like Harvard and MIT host museums that provide tours and hands-on workshops for school groups. At the MIT Museum, workshops for school groups include activities in physics, engineering, aerospace and other subjects.

The Museum of Science, Boston is an ideal catch-all for school groups. With exhibits on natural and climate sciences, electricity, zoology, mathematics, artificial intelligence and tech, there’s something for everyone. In addition, the museum offers an abundance of film and live programming. Shows featuring live animals, scientists, and experiments can be seen at the Shapiro Family Science Live! Stage.

MIT Museum

Hancock Shaker Village

Boston Symphony Orchestra

Photo courtesy of Kristin Shoemaker

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Enriching Experiences Await Students

Astate ripe with history and outdoor experiences, New Hampshire provides student travel opportunities across a range of subjects. As one of the original 13 colonies, the Granite State is the perfect place to introduce students to the vast history of New England and all that took place there over the previous centuries. In addition to homes and villages that dot the state and now serve as historic sites, there are science museums, theaters and parks all with exciting student field trip offerings.

New Hampshire is the perfect place to introduce students to the vast history of New England.

New Hampshire’s outdoor beauty is a sight to behold.

Courtesy

of New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism

HISTORY & HERITAGE

The American Independence Museum, located in the state’s Revolutionary War Capital of Exeter, offers students a chance to view historic artifacts as take part in programs that focus on civic duties, engagement and responsibility.

The Mariposa Museum & World Culture Center in Peterborough is another hands-on experience not to be missed. With nearly 8,000 artifacts from around the world, the center is designed to introduce students to cultures and communities different from their own. Field trips are customized by grade level, with the most popular program focusing on learning about the life and experiences of children across cultures.

The Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury is an internationally known nonprofit museum and historic site with 25 original Shaker buildings. It is one of the most intact and authentic surviving Shaker community sites and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1993.

PERFORMING ARTS

At Jean’s Playhouse in Lincoln, groups can enjoy Broadway-style musicals in this beautiful theater. The Papermill Theatre Company puts on performances year-round, and students will also enjoy a show by Jean’s Teens, which is a community-based theater company featuring local teens. There are also opportunities for backstage tours so that students can see how performances come together. At the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord, a 1,300+seat theater with an Egyptian motif, there are numerous student-friendly performances throughout the year. Most performances also have study guides available online to help students get the most out of their experience. The Music Hall in Portsmouth caters to student groups with affordable productions that are designed to help children gain insight into culture, the arts and live performance. For students studying the works of Shakespeare, Advice to the Players in Sandwich is a truly unique experience. This company of theater professionals performs works of Shakespeare and offers workshops throughout the year, introducing students to some of the best works in the English language.

STEM

Experience the history of flight at the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire in Manchester. Interactive exhibits allow students to get up close with planes of past and present as well as take part in special programs designed to introduce topics of forces & motion, physics and careers in aviation. A marvel of engineering, the Mount Washington Cog Railway climbs to the peak of Mount Washington, giving students an incredible view and a fun experience. At the Seacoast Science Center in Rye, students can get up close with the natural beauty of New Hampshire as they explore seven different natural habitats over 135 acres. Interpretive and live animal exhibits are a great place to reinforce skills learned in the classroom, and there are also group-specific programs covering exciting topics like sharks, whales and shore exploration. The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord offers a firsthand look into astronomy, aviation, Earth and space science.

Photo courtesy of Canterbury Shaker Village

Mount Washington Cog Railway Railway

Music Hall in Portsmouth

Photo courtesy of Thom C.

Canterbury Shaker Village

NEW JERSEY

A Hub of History, Art and Science

Originally one of the 13 colonies that revolted against British rule in the American Revolution, New Jersey exists as both a vital point of American history and home to some of the most well-known musicians, writers and creators in America. Situated between Philadelphia and New York, the state is centrally located, and you can see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from Jersey shores. The Garden State has a lot of woodlands and many residents are passionate about conservation, making it a focal point for gardening education and environmental sciences.

The Atlantic City Boardwalk is one of New Jersey’s hotspots.

New Jersey is a mecca of performing arts and music.

Fort Lee Historic Park

HISTORY & HERITAGE

Named for the Island of Jersey in the English Channel, New Jersey established itself as one of the 13 original colonies and became the third state to ratify the United States Constitution in 1787.

See New Jersey’s key role in the Revolutionary War at Fort Lee Historic Park, a 33-acre cliff-top park on the Palisades serving as a reconstructed Revolutionary War encampment. The park marks the site of Fort Constitution, fortified in 1776 to oppose British ships in the Hudson. Students first view a short film about Fort Lee and engage in activities reminiscent of the time, including gathering and chopping firewood, casting musket balls and cooking an 18th-century meal.

PERFORMING ARTS

New Jersey is a mecca of performing arts and music. Birthplace to Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Sinatra and Whitney and boasting artists from all over the world who flock to the state, New Jersey exels in the performing arts. In Manasquan, experience the Algonquin Arts Theatre for their large range of high-quality performances including comedies, musicals, plays, children’s theater and concerts. The venue has a Broadway, Jazz and Orchestra series. Featuring tons of fine arts education workshops to help kids become passionate about theater, this is a great performing arts venue for a field trip experience.

The Bergen Performing Arts Center is a theater that serves the public throughout northern New Jersey by being a creative focus, educational resource and engine of economic vitality. In 2022, the Bergen PAC invested in a multimillion dollar renovation, including a new stage, theater seats, carpeting, an improved sound system, and a LED marquee.

Algonquin Arts Theatre

STEM

Students can test out their skills on a voyage to Mars or go to the moon at the Buehler Challenger & Science Center in Paramus. They work as a team, each taking on the role of an astronaut, blending hands-on learning and team building to complete their mission. STEM students practice independent problem solving and conduct experiments during the simulated space mission.

Combine learning and fun at Jersey City’s Liberty Science Center where students can engage in a spectrum of different STEM-related activities and programs. The Center has STEM education planning guide for field trips with dozens of hands-on projects. Students can learn what it takes to design and build the world’s tallest skyscrapers and operate an electromagnetic crane, or watch a live colony of bees go about their daily work from inches away. Each year the center hosts several featured exhibitions focused on science and technology, so each field trip will be a totally different experience.

Liberty Science Center

Photo by Michael Franker

RHODE ISLAND

Explore the Charm of the Ocean State

Rhode Island, as the smallest state, is often overlooked by its New England neighbors. However, both locals and frequent tourists to the state know that it packs just as much adventure, charm, luxury, natural beauty, and artistic ethos as any other state on the East Coast. And, with every main attraction within an hour’s drive of one another, visitors can check off their entire bucket list in one day.

Rhode Island’s seafaring and naval history mean that its coastline is riddled with historic lighthouses.

The Breakers Mansion is a Gilded Age cottage that has its own entertaining audio tour.

HISTORY & HERITAGE

As one of the original 13 colonies, Rhode Island has no shortage of historic sites that tell the story of the beginning of the nation. Bowen’s Wharf used to be one of the country’s main points of trade with the rest of the world. Today, it’s one of Newport’s biggest tourist attractions, with tons of local cuisine and souvenir shopping. The Breakers Mansion, owned by the Vanderbilt family, is the grandest of Newport’s summer homes. This Gilded Age cottage has its own audio tour, which visitors can access by downloading the Newport Mansions app. Rhode Island’s seafaring and naval history mean that its coastline is riddled with historic lighthouses. The Southeast Lighthouse on Block Island was built in 1875, but today it sits 300 feet from its original location due to erosion. North Light Lighthouse is a must-visit for the scenic walk down Corn Neck Road to Settler’s Rock, and ends up at Sachem Pond Wildlife Refuge.

PERFORMING ARTS

Providence has been known as a mecca of the arts on the East Coast for decades. In recent years, the city has prioritized its devotion to public art displays through the Avenue Concept initiative.

No sales tax on art purchases in Rhode Island means that visiting provides perfect excuse to pick up some gems for great prices from one of the many local artists. If you’re not in the market for buying, St. Ann’s Art and Cultural Center and Providence’s RISD Museum house great collections of art.

You can also see a number of classic shows and original local performances at one of many historic, architecturally stunning theaters across the state, including Contemporary Theater Company, Providence Performing Arts Center, and Festival Ballet Providence.

If you time your trip right, you can see an amazing display of visual arts at the WaterFire festivals in downtown Providence.

STEM

You’re bound to pass by a number of farms during your stay, so you’ll want to pull off the road for some local produce or to meet some furry friends at Dame Farm and Orchard, Knight Farm Orchard and Country Breakfast Restaurant, or Jaswell Farm.

Rhode Island, with its extensive biodiversity and protected land, is a hub for unique flora and fauna. While you’re out exploring, add a learning component to your adventure at Audubon Society of RI Nature Center and Aquarium, Normal Bird Sanctuary, and Exploration Center & Aquarium.

Southeast Lighthouse, Block Island

WaterFire festivals, Providence

Dame Farm and Orchard

VERMONT

Academic and Engaging Experiences

If you’re looking for a place filled with educational and entertaining activities for a student field trip, then Vermont is the spot. This Northeast gem is brimming with history and culture, as well as modern advances in science and technology. It offers everything you could possibly want for a student trip, including some truly memorable experiences that only Vermont can provide.

At the Rock of Ages Granite Quarry in Graniteville, students can take a guided tour to the Smith Quarry, said to be the largest operating deep-hole granite quarry in the world.

Photo courtesy of Rock of Ages Granite Quarry

Montpelier

HISTORY & HERITAGE

Vermont is home to more than 100 covered bridges, meaning there are more covered bridges per square mile here than any other state. It is said that at one time, there were over 700 covered bridges scattered around the state.

Many historical figures called Vermont home, including the 30th President of the United States, Calvin Coolidge.

Throughout Vermont student travel groups will find memorial sites dedicated to the Revolutionary War. One of the most significant locations is Mount Independence, home of a US fortification that played a key role in the war efforts. Today, students can enjoy guided hikes on six miles of trails and listen to historic lectures about this land’s place in history.

PERFORMING ARTS

For performing student groups, Vermont offers several venues where bands, orchestras, and choirs can put on a show. Students can showcase their musical skills at the Southern Vermont Arts Center, home to the 400-seat Louise Arkell Pavilion. This performance space has retractable side walls that make for a one-ofa-kind open-air show.

During the summer, Vermont has several acclaimed music festivals where student groups can perform. The Killington Music Festival and Manchester Music Festival both have young artists series.

And if your crew is up for watching a great show, check out Burlington’s Flynn Student Matinee Series, which introduces students to dynamic, thought-provoking topics through performance art.

STEM

While Vermont has deep historical roots and a strong arts scene, it also boasts several great STEM experiences for students interested in modern technology and science. Budding food scientists will find pure bliss on a tour at one of Vermont’s many factories, which churn out local products from cheddar cheese to ice cream.

At Rock of Ages Granite Quarry, students can take a guided tour to the Smith Quarry, said to be the largest operating deep-hole granite quarry in the world. Not only will they learn about the geological importance of the land, but also the products and crafts that come from the stone.

Some other notable Vermont STEM attractions include: the Montshire Museum of Science, boasting hands-on exhibits dedicated to astronomy, nature, technology, and more; and ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, dedicated to the care of the lake and the ecology of the animals and plant life that thrive there.

ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

Southern Vermont Arts Center and its Louise Arkell Pavilion

Photo courtesy of the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

Photo courtesy of the Southern Vermont Arts Center

WASHINGTON, D.C.

History in the Nation’s Capital

Our nation’s capital is a premier field trip destination and populated with cultural institutions, government centers and world-class universities that will appeal to school groups of all interests. The city and surrounding area are home to engaging museums (most of them free) and memorials that honor America’s past and encourage students to create a brighter future.

Begin your adventure on the National Mall— home to famous landmarks such as the Washington Monument.

Students interested in history will want to explore one of this city’s many signature attractions.

HISTORY & HERITAGE

Begin your Washington, D.C. adventure on the National Mall—the home to famous landmarks such as the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and World War II Memorial. Honoring the 16 million Americans who served in the war, the latter consists of an oval fountain surrounded by two separate semi-circles of 28 stone pillars and a center archway on each end. The two arches feature bronze Baldacchino sculptures and represent the European and Pacific theaters.

Students will also want to tour the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The museum chronicles slavery, Reconstruction and the Civil Rights Movement, as well as Black excellence in science, the arts and athletics. Among the 3,500 artifacts on display are a shawl given to Harriet Tubman by Queen Victoria and training aircraft used by the Tuskegee Institute.

PERFORMING ARTS

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is home to the world-class National Symphony Orchestra, Washington National Opera and Suzanne Farrell Ballet. The expansive theater houses seven state-of-the-art venues and welcomes touring groups of 15-60 people. These tours feature the theater’s memorial to President Kennedy, a look at the art and decorations gifted to the theater from foreign supporters and a visit to the building’s rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city.

You can also step into history at Ford’s Theatre, the venue where actor John Wilkes Booth fatally shot President Abraham Lincoln in 1865. Today the theater functions as part of the Ford’s Theatre Museum and depicts the event and Lincoln’s life while continuing to put on plays year-round. In addition to catching a performance of one of the theater’s shows, groups can tour the theater and learn about the events of that fateful night from a National Park Service ranger.

Ford’s Theatre

STEM

Students interested in engineering will want to explore one of the city’s signature attractions: the National Air & Space Museum. This hall houses iconic aircraft like the 1903 Wright Flyer and the Apollo 11 command module. The museum has been undergoing a renovation and recently unveiled eight new and redesigned exhibits in its west wing. Also on the National Mall is the United States Botanic Garden, one of the largest enclosed gardens in the world and home to constantly rotating exhibitions that encourage farming sustainability and biodiversity.

National Air and Space Museum

Photo courtesy of the NPS

Lincoln Memorial

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