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HIStories, HERstories, YOURstories,
OURstories (Recommended for 5th Grade through
adult)
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?
Philly J-Tour (Recommended for 5th Grade through
adult; maximum group size is 18 people)
Take a walk through American Jewish history with the National Museum of
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, 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
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. We 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.
Memory Keepers
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 Meaning
allows
visitors to learn how the Museum is creating the new core exhibition
for
our new location on Independence Mall. The
new Museum is scheduled to open in 2010. 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 reviewing these
concepts: what are the blessings of freedom
and what are its costs? 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
information.
Cross-Cultural Communication Workshop
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.
Jewish Heritage
Video Collection
A film collection, available at more
than 150
sites nationwide, provides courses and a video library that address
vital issues of Jewish history, identity, and culture. We can present
films from the collection having to do with American Jewish History
followed by a guided discussion at your site. http://www.jhvc.org
Challenge and Change : A 3 book series with Teacher's Guides for young
people on American Jewish History.
Available through Behrman house. http://www.temple.edu/challengeandchange/
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. For additional group tour information
please click
here.
NMAJH,
for an additional fee, can provide a variety of specialized workshops
via consultation, depending on individual groups' needs and the
museum's available 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.
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