Reduced School and Youth Group Visit Options during 2019-2020 School Year

During the 2019-2020 school year and summer of 2020, the National Building Museum will offer reduced school and youth group programming options while we redesign and rebuild programs for the future. Teachers and camp directors can still bring their students for self-guided group exhibition visits or use one of our teaching guides in the classroom. During this school year, we will not offer our familiar facilitated workshop programs such as City by Design, guided exhibition and building tours, Discovery Carts, and the Three Little Pigs storybook program. Beginning in October 2020, we are excited to offer a full slate of new facilitated programs for schools, youth groups, and teachers.

Why this change?

The National Building Museum has a deep commitment to serving local teachers and school-aged children. While the Museum is closed to the public to accommodate necessary repairs in its historic Great Hall between, we are taking the time to learn more about what our audience wants and revitalizing our offerings. We want to make sure our programs continue to meet the highest standard of education for the current generation. We’re also working to update our programming to meet changing local and national standards. The education team will pilot our new programming with select school groups once the Museum reopens in April.

Can I be involved?

Absolutely; it is essential that educators participate in this process with us! We will be inviting teachers to advise us and classes to help us test out new program ideas. We’ll be asking for your thoughts on what you’ve loved in the past, and what you’d like to see more of in the future. Join our mailing list for the teachers and educators newsletter to keep up with our process and learn about changes as we explore them with you. The newsletter is also a great way to hear about our teacher workshop and professional development opportunities.

What can I do with my students at the Museum this year?

Through December 2 and again after we re-open in April, teachers can register for self-guided group exhibition visits. You can use our online teaching guides in your classroom any time.

What about Homeschool Day?

Homeschool Day is being reviewed along with our other offerings for school-aged children, and we will resume offerings for homeschooled children in fall 2020.

Who can I talk to if I have more questions?

During your Museum visit, staff and volunteers at the information desk can answer questions. You can also send inquiries to youthgroups@nbm.org.