Our museum has a flourishing education department.  We have two full
time outreach teachers who teach a variety of topics that encompass the
museum's mission and local educational standards.  We also have a
Naturalist who provides hands-on programming for schools.  This past
year the Naturalist presented four programs.  We have an Education
Specialist who does hands on science/history programming as well as
making sure that all programming is meeting standards.  This past year,
the Education Specialist presented three programs as well as being able
to be booked for guided tours of specific galleries.  We also have a
theatrical programming coordinator who does large group presentations
using characters (first person interp, costumed interpreters, character
based learning, incorportates the arts in teaching).  Last year five
theatrical presentations were offered.

We have seen our numbers increasing overall even though some programs
have seen a slight decline.  Last year, theatrical programming alone
served over 7,000 students.

Programming is offered for a specific time period in trying to connect
with what is being done in the classroom.

All of our programming is publicized on our website as well as through
our publication, The Bluestem.  This newsletter of programs, exhibits,
IMAX films, and the nuts and bolts of how to schedule your trip are
sent to teachers, district leaders and area education agencies.  We
also collect new names for the mailing list from those people who visit
the museum.  At one point, we did have a program called "Putnam
Partners".  This program allowed a teacher at a school to serve as the
liason with the museum.  They would help to publicize our programs and
provide feedback on educational standards and programming that they
would like to see offered. They were offered a membership to the museum
and a discount in the museum store.

Christina
Christina M. Myatt
Theatrical Programming Coordinator
Putnam Museum
1717 West 12th Street
Davenport IA 52804
563.324.1054 ext. 207 (phone)
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-----Original Message-----
From: Aimee LeBrun <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: Wed, 25 Jun 2003 11:37:42 -0400
Subject: school programs

> hello all! I'm looking for information about school programs and how
> they
> are advertised, how many your institution offers, and what trends
> you've
> seen over the last two years. we are toying with the idea of cutting
> programs as we re-evaluate our educational philosophy and i was
> hoping to
> get some feedback (especially from some other mid size urban museums)
> thanks!
>
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