Rhode Island Historical Society to Host Teacher Appreciation Week
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Highlights Include Free Workshops, Tours, Admission at RIHS Sites August 7-13
(PROVIDENCE, R.I.) ??? The Rhode Island Historical Society has announced the full schedule of programming for its second annual Teacher Appreciation Week, taking place August 7 through August 13 at various RIHS sites in Providence and Woonsocket.
During Teacher Appreciation Week, educators can enjoy free workshops and museum admission; information sessions about the resources that the RIHS offers in and out of the classroom; as well as special discounts on membership, gift shop purchases, and walking tours.
Teachers will also have the opportunity to learn more about the RIHS???s new Free for All program, which extends free field trips to all school groups who wish to tour RIHS sites.
This Teacher Appreciation Week programming lineup includes (please see full descriptions below):
- ????????Monday, Aug. 7: Robinson Research Center Orientation
- ????????Tuesday, Aug. 8: ???Think Like a Historian??? at RI Teacher Fest
- ????????Wednesday, Aug. 9: ???Helping History & Heritage Happen??? Meet & Greet
- ????????Thursday, Aug. 10: Special Education Information Session + Tour at Museum of Work & Culture
- ????????Friday, Aug. 11: John Brown House Museum Information Session + Walking Tours
Teachers may register for all programs at rihsteacherweek.org
Additionally, throughout the week, teachers and their families get free admission (up to four people) at the John Brown House Museum and the Museum of Work & Culture, and can enjoy a 20% discount on gift shop items. Walking tours that are not already free as part of Teacher Appreciation Week programming (as outlined below) will be discounted $2 per ticket for teachers and their guests (registration required by contacting Jennifer Wilson at jwilson@rihs.org). Plus, educators will save 25% at any membership level by joining the RIHS during Teacher Appreciation Week.
Teacher Appreciation Week Program Full Descriptions
On Monday, Aug. 7, 9am, teachers can join RIHS Librarians for an orientation at the Robinson Research Center. Teachers will learn about resources available and discover how our manuscripts, print, and graphics collections can enhance lessons and bring history into the classroom. There will also be discussion about how the RRC can support students working on projects such as National History Day.
On Tuesday, Aug. 8, Geralyn Ducady, Director, Newell D. Goff Center for Education and Public Programs, and Sarah Carr, Education & Program Manager at the Museum of Work & Culture will lead an interactive session ??at RI Teacher Fest. They will review strategies teachers can utilize in their classrooms to help students relate to historical themes through interaction with historical objects and primary sources. In addition, they will demonstrate how the use of primary sources and artifacts in teaching allows students to actively engage with history and learn to ???think like historians,??? use evidence in their arguments, think critically, and build 21st Century Skills. Teachers wishing to attend should register at riteacherfest.org
On Wednesday, August 9, 9:30am, participants will network with staff from Rhode Island???s many history, heritage, and cultural sites and museums at the Aldrich House. Teachers can learn how they can connect to opportunities and resources provided by many of the state???s heritage sites. Representatives from each site will be present to answer questions and provide brochures and materials. Light refreshments will be served.
On Thursday, August 10, 10am, attendees can discover more about the RIHS???s ???Best of Rhode Island??? award-winning All-Ability programming with an information session and tour at the Museum of Work & Culture in Woonsocket. Learn how the MoWC uses adjusted sensory elements, touch objects, specially developed tools, and trained guides to create a supportive atmosphere that reflects the needs of all visitors. Light refreshments will be served.
On Friday, August 11, 9:30am, a session at the John Brown House Museum will discuss field trip options, lesson plans, and museum resources with educators. Refreshments will be served. Afterward, teachers can take a brief tour of the John Brown House Museum, and, at 11am, educators ??can go on either a free ???Avi???s Something Upstairs??? walking tour or a free ???Benefit Street: A Mile of History??? walking tour to get a sample of what the RIHS can offer students.????
Teachers may register for all programs at rihsteacherweek.org
About the Rhode Island Historical Society
Founded in 1822, the RIHS, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is the fourth-oldest historical society in the United States and is Rhode Island???s largest and oldest historical organization. In Providence, the RIHS owns and operates the John Brown House Museum, a designated National Historic Landmark, built in 1788; the Aldrich House, built in 1822 and used for administration and public programs; and the Mary Elizabeth Robinson Research Center, where archival, book and image collections are housed. In Woonsocket, the RIHS manages the Museum of Work and Culture, a community museum examining the industrial history of northern Rhode Island and of the workers and settlers, especially French-Canadians, who made it one of the state???s most distinctive areas.