School Tours/Book a Tour

Morris-Jumel Mansion offers a number of curriculum-based programs for primary and secondary school students. The Mansion uses its period rooms, artifacts, architecture, and primary source documents to interpret three important American historical periods: the late colonial period, the Revolutionary War, and the early years of the new Republic. Please call the Director of Education for fees and scheduling at 212-923-8008. (School groups must have at least 10 students to qualify for a guided program)

A Country House in Manhattan (1.5 hours)
Students are guided by an educator on an interactive exploration of the Mansion’s exterior, 11 period rooms and hands-on Colonial Kitchen. This class can be tailored to any grade level and area of study such as: family and community life in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, George Washington and the Revolutionary War, or architecture with activities to complement the lesson. Recommended for grades K and up. Cost: $3.00 per student.

The Mansion in the Revolutionary War (1.5 hours)
Students first tour the Mansion and then learn the chronology and details of George Washington’s stay during the 1776 Battle of Harlem Heights. Students examine primary and secondary sources in small groups searching for evidence to support their opinion on the relative importance of the Battle during the Revolutionary War. Recommended for grades 4 and up. Cost: $3.00 per student.

The Morris-Jumel Mansion Time Machine (1.5 – 2 hrs)
Students will explore the concept of cause and effect in relation to the major events that changed the course of New York history. There will be a discussion of the term culture and a focus on the similarities and differences between various groups that have settled in New York City. The tour will conclude with a creative writing activity. Recommended for grades 4 and up. Cost: $3.00 per student.

I am an Archaeologist (1.5 hrs)
How do archaeologists work? What kinds of artifacts do they collect? How do they interpret them? Students make observations about artifacts throughout the Mansion. They then use critical thinking and communication skills as they work in teams to interpret artifacts in a reconstructed test pit excavation. Recommended for grades 3 and up, $3.00 per student

Garden with History (1 hour)
This tour offered April through August will focus on the Mansion’s sunken garden. Students will learn why a 18th century home would need a garden. The tour will conclude with a hands-on activity that takes place in the garden. Recommended for grades K and up, $3.00 per student

Mansion Mysteries (1 hour)
This program is designed to reinforce observation skills of students by having them look closely at the exterior and period rooms of the Mansion. Students complete an interactive scavenger hunt to complement classroom study. Recommended for grades 2 and up, $3.00 per student

**NEW** Preschool & Kindergarten Programs

These programs are designed to introduce young students to museums, history and art. The topics include: Colonial homes, nature, shapes and patterns or storytelling. Each program ends with an art or craft project that the students can take home. 45 minutes, PreK & Kindergarten, $3.00 per student

Other Tours Offered Upon Request:

The Heights and the Hill Walking Tour
1 hr., grades 6 and up. $3.00 per student.

Art & Architecture Explorations
1 hr., grades 2 and up. $3.00 per student.

Global Connections
1.5hrs., grades 9 and up. $3.00 per student.

Art/Craft Modules

Educators can enhance their students’ experience at Morris-Jumel Mansion by adding hands-on learning modules to each tour. For an additional $1-$2 per student, the lesson can include Colonial hat making, quill pen writing, stenciling or other art projects that would coordinate with the curriculum.

LOGISTICS OF SCHOOL TOURS

We request that school groups be accompanied by at least one adult chaperone for every ten students (chaperones are FREE with group admission) The chaperones will be asked to participate in the tour by assisting in group management & escorting students to the bathroom and gift shop.

There are no food concessions at the Mansion. Groups may eat their lunches in Roger Morris Park in fair weather. Students must remain supervised at all times while visiting the museum and the park.

Our Gift Shop offers a wide variety of educational souvenirs for children and adults including books, toys, and historic document facsimilies. Please inform staff if you would like your students to visit the gift shop when making your reservation. The museum also offers prepackaged “goodie bags” for an additional fee to the tour cost, please inquire about this option when making your reservation.

When at the Mansion students may use the restroom facilities but must always be accompanied by an adult at all times. Students should come in groups of 2 or 3 and must ALWAYS use the side door to enter and exit when reentering the museum at the end of the tour.

TEACHER INFORMATION

Meeting New York Learning Standards
Teachers have the opportunity to fulfill specific learning standard requirements when they and their students participate in curriculum-based classes at the Morris-Jumel Mansion. We have created new programs and pre- and post-visit study materials with these standards in mind.

Special Needs or Requests

All of the programs are flexible and can be adapted to audiences with special needs or to your curriculum objectives. Please call the Director of Education with any questions. If you have students who would benefit from instructional modifications, please make a note on your online reservation form.