Tricia, I have developed a behind the scenes program for grades 5-12 that provides an opportunity to learn about primary sources, how museums locate these resources, gather information, and then use the information in interpretive programs and tours. The times we have done the program, which includes a presentation at the school given by museum education staff and the on-site museum visit, teachers and students alike have really enjoyed the program. I work closely with our curator and we have acquired some reproduction objects for the students to handle, as well as show the students some collections items which are not always on view. This part of the program gives the students a closer look at some of our primary sources, and object dependant, we permit them the opportunity to put on gloves and touch certain pieces. If you would like I would be happy to send you and anyone else on this list this school program materials and packet. Good luck. - Sheri "Discovering History Through Primary Sources at the Decatur House (grades 5-12) Students learn how historians gather information through primary and secondary sources. Students investigate United States History from 1800 - 1820 and the War of 1812 through primary sources - written documentation, objects and images, which reference people, events and places from the early period of our country's history. At the museum, students will learn how curators handle objects; perform activities using historic object reproductions." Sheri J. Levinsky Director of Education and Programs Decatur House Museum 748 Jackson Place NW Washington, DC 20036 phone: (202) 842-0920 x 223 fax: (202) 842-0030 email: [log in to unmask] website: www.decaturhouse.org ************************ Decatur House Museum is a property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation For information about visiting the museum, scheduling tours and a calendar of public programs and events, visit our website or call the Department of Education and Programs -----Original Message----- From: Tricia Edwards [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2004 7:11 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Teaching kids about museums I am developing a program for kids to educate them about the role of a curator and how museums do what they do - collect, identify, interpret. Has anyone done this sort of thing before? I have some preliminary ideas about how to go about it, but would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks, Tricia _____ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free web site building tool. Try it! <http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=21608/*http:/webhosting.yahoo.com/ps/sb/> ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).