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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 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.

Samuel's Story (grades K-3)
What was life like more than 200 years ago? Students participate in a story about a Jewish boy living in Colonial Philadelphia and have the chance to handle the kinds of objects he would have used.
Download teaching materials for Jewish organizations
Download teaching materials for non-Jewish organizations

Coming to America (grades 4-6)

What was it like to immigrate from Europe to America in the late 1800’s? Students pretend to be a member of an immigrant family and work as a team to make difficult decisions about their journey.
Download teaching materials for Jewish organizations
Download teaching materials for non-Jewish organizations

Just the Facts About Artifacts (grades 6-12)
Discover how museums use ordinary objects to learn about the past. Students work in groups to piece together the life of an individual from the past by examining the artifacts he/she left behind.
Download teaching materials for Jewish organizations
Download teaching materials for non-Jewish organizations

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.


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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