The richness and diversity of the American Jewish experience awaits you! Engage in fascinating stories relevant to young people of all ages and backgrounds. Enjoy the Museum’s interactive tours, hands-on activities, and stories, tailored to the ages and interests of your group.
Campers will have the chance to re-live a pioneer’s journey in the Wagon room while listening to the multi-media telling of the story of Fanny Brooks, who chronicled her family’s struggles on the Oregon Trail. They’ll learn about the entrepreneur who made blue jeans more durable and discover why jeans are often called Levi’s. And they’ll see a dazzling ballroom display, replete with Purim masks and silhouetted dancers.
Photo: Jay Rosenblatt
But wait, there’s more!
Campers can put themselves in the shoes of new immigrants by experiencing Ellis Island as they did and taking an immigration test at the interactive computer featuring a “real” inspector. In a tenement apartment, they’ll have the chance to listen to the voices of a family whom might have lived there. There is plenty more to see and touch: a classroom with old fashioned school desks, a life-size cow sculpture, and a vintage movie theater. Young visitors can also lounge in an early suburban house living room with a TV set that has no remote control! Or they can bunk in our summer camps gallery, where they might even find their own camp pictures! (You may submit these pictures in advance. Go to http://camp.nmajh.org.)
To book your trip call 215.923.3811 x 141, or email groups@nmajh.org
Activities for Preschool (ages 3-5):
This program introduces the Museum and history concepts to young children through developmentally appropriate activities. Students read and respond to picture books in the galleries and observe original artifacts. They also get to dress up, play with interactive exhibits, and create projects to take home. Recommended group size is 20 children, groups larger than 20 can be accommodated upon special request. We ask that there is one chaperone for every 5 students.
Activities for grade-school children (ages 6+):
In Their Shoes
Have you ever wanted to travel back in time? Well, now you can! This activity takes campers through representations of historical periods in America while encouraging hands on learning. Explore artifacts from long ago, put yourself in the shoes of early settlers, and discover what life was like for people from long ago. Museum tours are designed as interactive lessons that encourage students to examine objects and ideas through a variety of activities, including discussions, role playing, and group work. Students will explore American and Jewish history by journeying through the Museum's core exhibition incorporating observation, critical thinking, problem solving, and literacy skills.
A Letter Home
This program invites campers to discuss the “good-old” concept of letter writing during which campers actually compose letters while exploring the Museum’s galleries! Their special person will receive a decorated letter, describing their camper’s favorite artifacts and their Museum visit. Here at our Museum, we like to have fun, so not only will our campers get a chance to write these letters, but they will experiment with writing tools [unique to different time periods] such as quills, ink pens, and even a typewriter!
The Snowy Day - This Summer Only!!!
From July 19 - October 20, the Museum presents The Snowy Day and the Art of Ezra Jack Keats. The Museum tours and activities will explore how Keats’s art brought what often goes unseen to the foreground. Students will be engaged in activities and discussions focused on looking at, thinking about, and responding to works of art.
For children ages 3-7
During this program, students will experience Keats’s book, see the artwork in the exhibition, and make an art and/or science project that relates to the book. For example, creating frost or rain in a jar, origami projects, decorating a hat, simple music instruments and music making will reinforce and expand children’s learning across the curriculum.
For children ages 8-14
During this lesson, students will analyze Keats’ illustrations in their original form as presented in the exhibition and as they appeared in the books. They will explore different tools that Keats employed as an artist and writer to make an engaging work. Activities like “using your senses,” improvisation, and illustration design will encourage careful observation, analysis, and discussion of art works, as well as creative and descriptive writing.
Limited need-based scholarships are available. Book early!
Lunch space is available.
All programs are usually 90 minutes. Please allow a total of at least 2 hours for the visit.
For printable general summer camps flyer click here
For printable preschool flyer click here
What can a museum of American Jewish history teach your 6th grade Catholic school class?
Call us to discuss. That’s a literal invitation.
NMAJH offers your students a museum experience that supports the Common Core focus on nonfiction and primary sources and enriches your curriculum via customized, highly interactive programs.
If, perchance, your curriculum intersects with American history, science, culture, politics, sociology, economics, religious struggles or the American civil rights movement, not to mention comparative religions, modern literature or for that matter, the evolution of American popular entertainment, our Education Staff would welcome the opportunity to plan a tour tailored specifically to your group’s age and interests.
As the universe becomes increasingly virtual, NMAJH invites you and your students to share the kind of connection that opens eyes, touches hearts, and builds bridges that last a lifetime. In fact, our Museum and our mission exist to provide exactly that experience. You choose the subject, and we’ll design a visit that speaks to your class in a way they’ll never forget.
For questions about programming options, call our Education Department today at 215-923-3811 x158 or contact us by email at education@nmajh.org.
Meet us at the corners of Freedom and Inspiration
Situated at an easily accessible location adjoining Philadelphia’s historic Independence Mall, NMAJH offers a range of uniquely engaging, interactive visits and field trips for students of every age. Qualifying schools may even be eligible for financial aid.
Our Group Services department is your first stop in planning and executing your visit efficiently.
To start planning your visit today, contact Group Services at 215-923-3811 x 141 or email groups@nmajh.org. You can also use our convenient online registration form.
School Group Pricing
K-12 and Camp Group tickets include admission and guided tour or educational activity.
College Group tickets come with or without guided tour, depending on group’s preference.
K-12 and Camp Groups
$12 per student
$12 per camper
1 chaperone per 10 students required & admitted free
College Groups
$9 per student admission only
$15 per student admission and guided tour
1 leader per group admitted free
School groups may apply for financial assistance, some scholarships are available.
Curriculum and Activities
We are pleased to offer a variety of educational units geared towards different grade levels and educational goals.
Grades 4-6
Instructional Module: Coming to America, 1880-1924
Would you like to immerse your students in the immigrant experience at the turn of the twentieth century?
Grades 8-12
Instructional Module: “To Bigotry No Sanction: George Washington and Religious Freedom in America”
Looking for an education experience that focuses on the Constitution and Religious Freedom in America?
Grades 7 - 12
Instructional Module: “Unique Promise and Imperfect Freedom: America’s History of Religious and Racial Tolerance”
From the founding of the first colonies through the present, “Unique Promise and Imperfect Freedom” explores America’s often turbulent history of religious and racial tolerance.
What to Expect
Please allow minimum 2 hours of Museum time
Arrival, security, check in
You will be greeted at the front doors. Your group will be quickly screened by security, and check their coats if needed. Group leaders will be provided with copies of all handouts and a map of the building.
Pre Gallery
A Docent-led introduction provides an overview of the Museum visit; students establish common background knowledge and prepare for their activities in galleries.
During Gallery
In small groups students travel through the galleries and interact with Docents and the exhibition.
After Gallery
Students gather for a follow up discussion and activities.
Please note, all materials including handouts, worksheets, facsimiles, etc, will be provided at no additional charge.