Student Tours
Student tours include visiting historic Congregation Mikveh Israel, information on Jewish holidays and traditions, and a presentation on American Jewish history. These can be tailored to suit the needs of the group. Student tours can also feature an age-appropriate, hands-on lesson designed for elementary through high school grades. Teachers receive pre-visit materials that provide a context for the Museum lesson and follow-up activities for the classroom after the visit. These materials can be viewed and downloaded using the Adobe Acrobat Reader® from the links below. Lessons are tailored for both Jewish and non-Jewish organizations.
Lesson Options
Have you ever wondered how much work goes into creating a museum exhibition? Do you ever wish you could select the artifacts a museum decides to display?
Memory Keepers will simulate the process of museum professionals when designing a new exhibition. Students will also have the opportunity to create their own exhibit related to American Jewish identity using teaching artifacts as they take on the roles of curator, registrar, exhibit designer and a docent.
Download teaching materials
Follow the story of Liesl, a young girl who experienced the disastrous effects of American immigration policy during WWII. Students work with primary resources to discover how America responded to the refugee crisis before and during the Holocaust.
Download teaching materials
Adult And Senior Tours
The National Museum of American Jewish History offers a choice of docent-led presentations designed for adult and/or senior citizen groups.
The adult package may include a visit to a gallery previewing the future plans of the Museum and information on American Jewish history Programs can be designed to meet your group's needs. Docents are also available to bring these programs to your meeting place.
Adult and senior packages include a tour of Congregation Mikveh Israel. This Sephardic (from the Spanish- Portuguese tradition) congregation, established in 1740, is one of the oldest in the United States. The presentation includes a tour of the synagogue sanctuary, a discussion of the early Jewish settlement in America and information on Sephardic ritual customs. On display in the lobby are letters to the Congregation from presidents George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Special Programs
Here’s a unique opportunity to enter the world of the Jewish immigrant through first person historical readings. Engaging personal stories are brought to life through the dramatic presentation of heartfelt letters to, and some responses from, the editor of the Jewish Daily Forward, once the biggest and most influential Yiddish newspaper in America.
Gain insight into the struggles, achievements and contributions of immigrants and their families over the past century. Issues addressed reflect assorted immigration dilemmas including: family life, tradition, acclimation, assimilation, ethics, prejudice, justice and nostalgia.
The advice given, lessons learned, and legacies passed along still ring true today for people of all backgrounds. Some stories might sound more familiar than you’d first expect. Can you or your family relate to these stories? Are any of the issues raised still relevant today?
Take a walk through American Jewish history. Explore the Colonial Jewish experience while a seasoned guide weaves together the stories of Philadelphia’s Jewish community and the roles these pioneers played in this city, as well as in our emerging nation.
Learn how Jewish Philadelphians collaborated with other Philadelphia religious communities. Your journey may take you to such significant sites as: Elfreth’s Alley, Christ Church, the original location of Congregation Mikveh Israel, Benjamin Franklin’s home and business, as well as many other historical places where Jewish connections and contributions will be highlighted. Additional stops may be included as interest and time allows.
While you walk in the footsteps of our founding mothers and fathers, you will be encouraged to carefully reflect upon and assess all that you are learning. Consider the important legacies that have been passed down, how they have influenced our city, region and country thus far, and what impact they may have on future generations of all Americans.
We the Poets is a signature program of the Arts and Spirituality Center (http://www.artsandspirituality.org/we_the_poets/) in collaboration with the Museum and focuses on the interplay of artistic and spiritual expression as an avenue for social and personal exploration and healing.
We the Poets empowers students of all ages to read, write and present poetry in public venues and publications. We the Poets provides poet-led workshops, which build students’ self-esteem through writing mastery and self-expression.
The poet-led workshops can be designed for small or large groups. They can vary in length of time from 40-60 minutes. The Museum can create and adapt the curricula on a variety of topics in order to meet the needs of our partners. Each workshop also involves participants reading poetry, exploring the elements of the craft (such as rhyme and metaphor), and writing and sharing their own poetry. Workshop writing is usually theme and/or artifact based, according to the group’s focus.
Have you ever wondered how much work goes into creating a museum exhibition? Do you ever wish you could select the artifacts a museum decides to display?
In our new Memory Keepers program you will have that opportunity. This program, developed for students in 5-8th grades, complements Shaping Space, Making Meaning, the current exhibition at the Museum.
Shaping Space, Making Meaningallows visitors to learn how the Museum is creating the core exhibition for the new location on Independence Mall.Memory Keepers will simulate the process of museum professionals when designing a new exhibition. Students will also have the opportunity to create their own exhibit related to American Jewish identity using teaching artifacts as they take on the roles of curator, registrar, and exhibit designer.
Students will investigate what freedom means in America by exploring its rewards, responsibilities and challenges. The importance of artifacts and the role they play in documenting history will also be addressed. By participating in this unique program, students will refine their skills in observation, teamwork, public speaking, and recording detailed information.
The Cross-Cultural Communication Workshop offers exercises to encourage and amplify open, focused and respectful discussion. Major themes that can be covered include: our multiple identities and how others perceive and relate to them; consciously reaching out to those around us; effective bridge building; maintaining diverse relationships; and reflecting upon the stories on which our families and we were raised. We will carefully consider how these themes shape our communities and determine the important legacies that we hold close and pass on to future generations. (This is a customized program only available on a very limited basis. If interested, please indicate specific needs to determine feasibility at the bottomof your online group tour booking form. At least eight weeks minimum advance notice required.)
We request that groups contact the Education Department at least six weeks in advance of your desired visit. A late fee will be assessed for a booking scheduled less than four weeks in advance.
NMAJH, for an additional fee, can provide a variety of specialized workshops via consultation, depending on an individual group’s needs and the Museum's resources.
Many of these programs can travel to your site. Contact the Education Department for details.
To schedule a visit or learn more about our programs, please call the Education Department at 215. 923.5984.
Group and Tour Packages
Nourish your body and mind with our special lunch and dinner packages. Dine at New Harmony Restaurant (135 N. 9th Street) or Singapore Restaurant (1006 Race Street), kosher Chinese restaurants certified by the Rabbinical Assembly. Both restaurants are located six blocks from the Museum and can accommodate, with advance notice, customers with most food allergies.
Choose from:
Lunch: Two appetizers and three entrees, served with soup, sliced oranges, fortune cookies and hot tea.
Dinner: Three appetizers and four entrees, served with soup, sliced oranges, fortune cookies and hot tea.
New Harmony Vegetarian Restaurant is wheelchair accessible and has no steps.
Located six blocks from the Museum, this Mediterranean kosher restaurant provides a pre-ordered lunch package of delicious favorites, such as hummus and falafel. Along with a tour of the Museum and/or synagogue, you can dine at Hamifgash for lunch or dinner. Groups of 15 or more are strongly recommended to order lunch or dinner as a take-out and either picnic on our 5th street lawn or in the Bourse building www.boursepa.com, conveniently located a block from the Museum. http://www.boursepa.com/bourse_history.htm
Download Hamifgash Meal Plan Package
Back in Bubbe’s Kitchen: Standard Tour Package
Before or after your tour or special program, visit Homemade Goodies by Roz. Enjoy coffee or tea and an assortment of kosher baked goods (e.g. breads, mini cupcakes, cake, and cookies).
This group experience will feature a tour of a kosher bakery as well as a discussion led by a trained docent covering topics such as food, food-ways, and cultural experiences and traditions. Could precede or follow a tour of the Museum and/or synagogue. Includes a homemade treat!
Groups can bring their own glatt kosher beverage if desired. Water available upon request.
Download Homemade Goodies by Roz
