DAR Museum - Educational Programs

The DAR Museum strives to further the National Society’s objective of promoting education by providing a variety of activities and events for families, children, and school groups. Many of the programs are low cost or free, especially for schools. Families visiting the museum should look for family self-guided tours of the period rooms as well as family guides designed to accompany each exhibition.

School Programs

Programs for public and private schools and homeschoolers are offered Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. All programs are free, but reservations are required at least two weeks in advance, with a minimum of 5 and maximum of 30 students. An adult chaperone must be provided for every five students. School self-guides are also available in lieu of tour. For school program information or reservations, please call the Curator of Education at (202) 879-3240 or email museum@dar.org.

Patterns and Shapes in Quilts (Grades K - 2)

     


This interactive program introduces young children to the museum by sharing our colorful collection of historic quilts. Each child has a chance to design his or her own quilt pattern. (Duration: about 45 minutes)

Colonial Child (Grades K-8)

     


Take a closer look at what life was like for children in the early days of our country’s history through objects and activities that explore clothing, schooling, games and preparation for adult life. (Duration: about 1 hour)

The Many Faces of the American Revolution (Grades 4 - 8)

     

Get acquainted with some of the women, slaves and Native Americans who helped establish this country through activities using objects and primary source material. (Duration: about 1 hour)


The Many Faces of the American Revolution
Teacher Resource Packet

     

This packet, for grades 4-8, was created to help teachers with lessons about colonial America and the American Revolution. The packet includes overview information on colonization and the American Revolution with supporting activities and flashcards.

Many Faces Resource Packet PDF


Journey Through American History
School Self-Guide
(Grades 4-8)

     

This school self-guide covers select period rooms dating from the 1680s to the 1860s. The guide is designed to engage students visually as they look at American decorative objects and stimulate discussion on early American history and life today; also includes Touch of Independence Education Center, a hands-on activity area. Division of the class into smaller groups with one self-guide per group is recommended.

School Self-Guide (PDF)


Colonial Traveling Trunk (Grades K - 8)

     

As an extension of our school programs, this trunk includes five lessons that will immerse students in the social and cultural history of Colonial America. Each lesson offers suggested activities including worksheets, games, and music. The highlights of the trunk are reproduction objects, toys, games, music, clothing and other items used during the colonial era. The trunk and its activities are designed to complement studies of Colonial America and the American Revolution for students in grades 4-8, but is suitable for kindergarten History standards and grades 3 and 5 English standards. Shipping costs apply or you can pick up at no cost. For more information or to reserve the trunk, contact the Curator of Education at (202) 879-3240 or email museum@dar.org.

 

Family Programs

Join the DAR Museum for some family fun Saturdays from October through May. These FREE programs offer craft activities or an adventure tour for families. Space is limited; reservations are requested but drop-ins are welcomed. Contact the Curator of Education at (202) 879-3240 or museum@dar.org to reserve a space.

Fun Family Saturdays!

     

Parents and children ages 5 and older enjoy making seasonal or holiday early-American crafts. Supplies are limited; reservations are requested but drop-ins are welcome. This program is offered 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. See Calendar of Events for dates and activities.


Colonial Adventure

     

Parents and children ages 5-8 will learn about the life of an early-American child through an interactive tour; children get to wear period clothing. Space is limited; reservations are requested. This program is offered 1:30-2:30 p.m. See Calendar of Events for dates and activities.

Girl Scout Programs

Programs are held select Saturdays during the year, excluding summer and holiday weekends. Programs tend to fill quickly, so please reserve your date early. Three-week advance registration is required with application and a nonrefundable 50% deposit. Contact the Curator of Education at (202) 879-3240 or museum@dar.org for questions and reservations.

Click here to download the Girl Scout Application (.pdf file)

My Family Story

     

Brownies and Juniors will explore their family histories by researching the meaning their names and learning about their family traditions. They will share their stories by making family trees and crests and through storytelling. This program is offered select Saturdays 1:30-3:30 p.m. Three-week advance registration with application and deposit is required; minimum 5 and maximum 15 girls. $10 per girl, no fee for adults; includes DAR Museum patch and program badge.

Colonial Doll

     

Daisies and Brownies will learn about life as a colonial child through and interactive tour and the making of a clothespin doll like children did in earlier times. This program is offered select Saturdays 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Three-week advance registration with application and deposit is required; minimum 5 and maximum 15 girls. $8 per girl, no fee for adults; includes DAR Museum patch.

Boy Scout American Heritage Program

The DAR Museum along with the Neighbors to the President Consortium has developed a Boy Scout Walking Tour for boy scouts who are earning their American Heritage badge. By participating in the program, scouts will learn about ten sites that are on the National Register of Historic Places and the area known as "President’s Park." This walking tour meets three of the requirements of the American Heritage badge. For questions contact (202) 879-3240 or museum@dar.org.

Boy Scout Walking Tour Booklet (PDF)

Summer Camp Programs

Summer camps are offered for children ages 8-13 in July and August. Camp activities are related to early American life and culture, and include crafts, field trips, sewing, and other hands-on activities. Camp information is updated in January of each year. Contact the Curator of Education at (202) 879-3240 or museum@dar.org for more information or to be added to the camp mailing list.

2013 Summer Camps

REGISTRATION BEGINS FEBRUARY 1, 2013 AND ENDS MAY 3, 2013

Summer Camps Registration Brochure PDF

Junior Historian Camp
July 15–19, 2013

Monday–Friday
Time: 9:00 A.M–3:00 P.M.

Ages 9-13

Fees: $150

Become a part of an elite team of historians in the second annual Junior Historian Camp. This one-week camp explores objects at the DAR Museum and in the Presidents Park/White House area as Junior Historians learn about history, the importance of preservation, and the jobs and tools needed. There will be hands-on activities, tours and projects. Junior Historians will receive a Junior Ranger hat and camp gear, and be presented with a DAR Museum patch and Junior Ranger badge at a certificate ceremony at the completion of camp. Camp fee includes hat, t-shirt, supplies, and snacks. This is a joint effort with the National Park Service/President's Park and the DAR Museum.

 

Colonial Camp
July 29–August 2, 2013

Monday–Friday
Time: 9:00 A.M.–3:00 P.M.

Ages 8-12

Fees: $425 Colonial Camp ($400 if paid in full by 5/3/13)

It's the second Revolution! In honor of the bicentennial, Colonial Camp will leap ahead to explore our final fight for freedom during the War of 1812 and the impact of the war on colonial life. During this one-week camp, campers will wear historically accurate 1812 costumes while learning about social and political life in the early 1800s, and campers will visit a historic battlefield. Camp fee includes field trip expenses, snacks, crafts, and costume.

Pat Sowers (Camp Instructor) has vast experience working with children and developing history camp curricula. She has presented numerous historical programs for museums, area county schools, and private sector clients.

Summer Camps are supported by the DAR Museum Camper Buddy program.

Internships

The DAR Museum has internships available for undergraduate and graduate students interested in gaining experience in American history, decorative and fine arts, education, and collections management. Interns generally work 10- 20 hours per week for a period of 3-4 months. The internships are unpaid, but academic credit can be arranged in cooperation with your institution. Past interns have undertaken a wide variety of responsibilities and projects, including:

     
  • Performing historical or object research in preparation for exhibitions.
  • Working on inventory and cataloguing of objects in the museum's collection.
  • Assisting with updating slide and tour programs.
  • Helping to update and create educational programs.

Intern candidates should have completed at least their junior year and be well organized and independent. Application forms are available online (see below) or by contacting Assistant Curator of Education at (202) 879-3341 or museum@dar.org.

Application deadlines:
Summer: March 15
Fall: July 15
Spring: November 15

Internship Application Form (PDF)

Slide Programs

The DAR Museum offers themed programs to highlight the museum’s collection. All programs come with slides and a slide script. There are many programs to choose from including, A Tour of the DAR Period Rooms, Masterpiece Quilts from the DAR Museum Collection and Greatest Hits of the DAR to name a few. To purchase a slide program, contact the Assistant Curator of Education at (202) 879-3341 or museum@dar.org.

Slide Program List

 

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