Hours & Admissions
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School & Children's Group Visits
NOW AVAILABLE!
Everybody loves a good story, especially children. Storytelling not only educates us and expands our sense of the world, but imparts a sense of wonder—never more so than when the stories are true.
The Philadelphia History Museum prides itself on making the city’s rich past entertaining and relevant to children of all ages. Our programs are created and facilitated by experienced museum educators who engage students, share their enthusiasm for Philadelphia’s history, and link this history with present-day issues.
The Museum’s broad range of curriculum-based programs for elementary and secondary school students are aligned with state and national standards. See our Education pages for more information on Experience Philadelphia! and other curriculum-based programs and to explore the pre-visit materials available online.
The Philadelphia History Museum perfectly complements visits to nearby historical sites. For educators planning school trips, a visit to the Philadelphia History Museum provides lessons that serve as outstanding introductions for language arts, science, and social studies units on Philadelphia and American history.
Planning a School Group Visit
Reservations are required for school and children’s group visits to the Museum. Email the Education office or call 215.685.4836 for details on the Museum’s reopening as it relates to school and children’s group visits.
Size of Groups
In order to provide a quality experience for its visitors, the Philadelphia History Museum may need to limit the number of participants for its group programs.
Chaperones
All school groups are required to bring adult chaperones. The number of chaperones required depends upon the age and size of your group:
Grades 1-4: 1 adult per 5 students
Grades 5-12: 1 adult per 10 students
Scheduled Reservations and Cancellations
Tour groups must arrive at the Museum on time. Tours that arrive late may be abbreviated or rescheduled.
Lunch
The Philadelphia History Museum’s garden will be open to school and children’s groups during warm months, weather permitting. Arrangements must be made in advance through the Education office. For off-site indoor dining, groups can visit the Bourse Building on Fifth Street between Market and Chestnut streets (call 215.625.0300, ext. 10).
Adult Groups
Tours
Guided tours of new exhibitions and opportunities for collection-based programming are available during public hours, Wednesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. beginning February 15, 2012. Contact the Museum for information on group tour rates.
Curatorial Discussions
Specialized programs may be scheduled with the Museum’s Collection and Curatorial staff. Historical objects available for viewing and discussion by the Curatorial staff include toys, dolls, silver, needlework, and firearms, as well as objects that reflect a particular period or event in Philadelphia history, such as the Gilded Age, women’s history, and the Civil War. Email the Public Programs office or call 215.685.4836 for more information. Fees apply.
College Programs and Presentations
Local college and university classes, especially those focused on public history and museum studies, can learn firsthand from the Philadelphia History Museum staff about the opportunities and challenges of working in a history museum.
The Museum’s senior staff will share its knowledge and expertise in all aspects of museum administration, from collection development and management to interpretive programming, including exhibitions and education. Museum Collection staff can work with faculty to develop object-based discussion related to specific aspects on Philadelphia history, or to provide students with a general introduction to the city or aspects of its history.
These presentations are available on- or off-site. For more information, email the Public Programs office or call 215.685.4836.