Educational Programs

Historic houses are great tools to help young minds develop a sense of place and history, and an understanding of links between past, present, and future. Students can be inspired to interpret the historical and cultural significance of their community while developing skills of observation, analysis, and evaluation. Hay House accomplishes these goals through three types of educational programming: age-specific school programs designed to complement GPS classroom standards, family events offering entertainment and education for all ages, and teacher training workshops that help teachers use their community’s historic resources in the classroom.

Educational Programs for School Groups

During the school year, as a National Historic Landmark, Hay House offers the following programs for public and private school groups:

+This Old House
This tour includes a guided tour of three levels of Hay House with special emphasis on architecture and the technology of the house. Crafts are available upon request and reservations are required two weeks in advance.
+Art Smarts
Tour includes a guided tour of three levels of Hay House with a special emphasis and analysis on the artwork, color, and shapes of the house. Crafts are available upon request and reservations are required two weeks in advance.
+Top of the House
This tour includes a guided tour of three levels of Hay House with a trip to the cupola and the widow walk. Waiver must be signed and reservations are required two weeks in advance.
+Portaits and Society
This tour includes a guided tour of three levels of Hay House with a special emphasis on the architecture and social history of the house, as well as an analysis of the portraits inside. Crafts are available upon request and reservations are required two weeks in advance.
+Suitcase Tours
Bring Hay House to your school! A Hay House representative will bring a suitcase of hands-on articles, a craft, and a presentation of the first three levels of Hay House. Reservations are required two weeks in advance.

Reservation Information for School Groups

Scheduling School Programs:

Reservations are required for all school programs. Programs are offered Monday through Friday, 9:30am – 2:00pm. All programs last approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Please call at least three weeks in advance. No school groups are scheduled during the Cherry Blossom Festival in late March.

Cost:

$4 per student unless otherwise noted; teacher/group leader and bus driver free; additional adults are $7 each.

Group Size:

To ensure a good learning environment, group sizes are limited. Larger groups may be divided and rotated among several activities.

Chaperones:

One adult is required for every ten students. These adults are admitted free. Additional adults are charged at the group rate of $7/person.

Special Needs:

At the time you make your reservation, please alert museum staff to special needs of students so that we can provide the best possible experience for each student.