School Tours

The Rockwell Museum is focused on providing meaningful learning opportunities for students and teachers. Our creative educational programs are aligned with New York State Learning Standards and inspire the interest of students in core subjects.

A close partnership with regional public school districts has enabled our museum to become an extension of the classroom-a laboratory that emphasizes critical thinking skills, and visual and analytical strategies. Students of all ages and abilities come to The Rockwell to learn about our nation’s growth and the blending of cultures that makes American society so special.

VIRTUAL SCHOOL TOURS

The Rockwell has converted several of our most popular school tours into virtual learning resources for teachers and families that support grade-level curricula! Find video tours, supplemental art projects and expert resources for a complete lesson plan. 

These free, curriculum-aligned videos are designed for use in a variety of learning settings and will be broken into short segments to use as you would like. Topics include:

• Native Americans of the Eastern Woodlands and Great Plains (K)
• The Great Circle (Grade 1)
• Westward Expansion (Grade 2)
• Dia de los Muertos (Grade 3)
• Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Arts & Culture (Grade 4)
• Rockwell Reimagined (Grades 9 – 12)

LEARN MORE AND ACCESS

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IN-PERSON TOURS

Scheduling a Visit

A member of the education staff will contact you after you submit the pre-registration form to discuss the details of your upcoming visit. A confirmation letter will then be sent to you. Prior to your visit you will also receive pre and post visit materials and helpful information to share with students and chaperones. Pre and post visit materials include English Language Arts activities, Museum guide, and vocabulary. These materials were created by skilled grade level teachers in collaboration with The Rockwell Education Department.

Complete a Pre-Registration Form

School Tour Options

The Education staff can help you select the most appropriate tour for your students. If the tours listed do not meet your classroom needs, the Education staff can develop a customized program to support grade-level curriculum. 

View School Tour Options

Tour Availability

Tours may be scheduled during regular museum hours, but must be booked at least two weeks in advance.  Please contact Ann Recotta, Education and Volunteer Programs Coordinator, with any questions or concerns at 607-974-5505 or via email.

Group Size

We require one chaperone for every 10 students and depending on the size of the group (75+ students), we may need to schedule more than one time or day.

Cost

School Tours are offered free of charge due to the generous support of Arts in Education sponsors; art projects add-ons are an additional $25 per classroom. Click here to learn more about how to sponsor a classroom. Each student receives a Family Pass after their visit which admits the student and their whole family for free for one full year.

Accessibility

We are committed to helping all visitors enjoy their visit through accessible facilities and programs. Please provide important information in advance on your pre-registration form so that we can better plan for your visit. All galleries and restrooms can be accessed with a wheelchair and can be reached by elevator.

Chaperones

We request one chaperone for every ten students. Please inform chaperones of their role to assist with implementing the Museum manners on the tour and to set a positive example for the students to follow.

Delayed arrival

If you are running late on the day of your scheduled visit, please call Admissions at 607-937-5386.

Tips for a Successful School Trip

• Prepare students for their visit by reviewing the pre-visit materials available. Visit materials and tours are in alignment with New York State Common Core Learning Standards and grade level curriculum.
• Review The Rockwell’s Museum Manners with your students shortly before your visit. Encouraging good, positive behavior will enhance your class’s museum experience.
• Inform chaperones of their role to assist with implementing the museum manners on the tour and to set a positive example for the students to follow. We request one chaperone for every ten students.
• Reflect on your Museum experience when you return to the classroom by reviewing the post-visit materials available. It is important to give students the opportunity to share their experience and formulate their own opinions about their visit. Please also remember to fill out the teacher evaluation provided.

This project is made possible in part by support from Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc., The Hilliard Foundation, and Chemung Canal Trust Company.