Rhode Island Historical Society to Host Teacher Appreciation Week
Highlights Include Free Workshops, Tours, Admission at RIHS Sites July 29 – August 4
(PROVIDENCE, R.I.) – The Rhode Island Historical Society has announced the full schedule of programming for its second annual Teacher Appreciation Week, taking place July 29 through August 4 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 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, July 29: Getting Started with National History Day 2020 at the Robinson Research Center
- Tuesday, July 30: Museum of Work & Culture Tours and Activities
- Wednesday, July 31: “Making History Relevant to Teens” at the Museum of Work & Culture
- Thursday, Aug. 1: Concert Under the Elms featuring Neal & the Vipers
- Friday, Aug. 2: Educational programs at the John Brown House Museum and the RIHS’ Goff Center for Education
Teachers may register for all programs at programs@rihs.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 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, July 29, 11am, teachers can join Education Outreach Manager and State Coordinator of National History Day in Rhode Island, Samantha Hunter for a workshop on National History Day in Rhode Island 2020. NHD Team Members and staff at RIHS’s Robinson Research Center, Jennifer Galpern and Rebecca Valentine will guide teachers through potential local topics–supported by primary and secondary sources at the Robinson Research Center–for students to pursue in NHD’s 2020 theme, “Breaking Barriers in History.” Teachers will also get an overview of the National History Day program, resources to implement the NHD curriculum in their classrooms, and a reference guide to NHD in Rhode Island’s programming in 2019-2020. To attend, please register here.
On Tuesday, July 30, the Museum of Work & Culture will offer a daylong celebration for teachers and their families featuring free admission with a 10 am Woonsocket walking tour, an 11 am museum tour, and a 1 pm hands-on activity.
On Wednesday, July 31, 10 am, join MoWC Assistant Director Sarah Carr for a workshop focused on engaging teen audiences in historical topics and strategies to create connections to contemporary issues that impact their lives. Session highlights will include a review of an audit completed by the Museum’s Teen Advisory Board as well as new activities developed by teens for their peers.
On Thursday, August 1, 6:30 pm, enjoy the sounds of Neal & the Vipers, a Rhode Island based band who play “American Roots Music” encompassing the blues, rock & roll, rockabilly, and surf, on the lawn of the John Brown House Museum. Teachers presenting their school IDs will be admitted for free.
On Friday, August 2, 10 am, join the staff of the Goff Center for Education at the John Brown House Museum for a look at our updated educational programming offerings for schools in this upcoming academic year and learn all about RIHS’s resources for teachers to use in the classroom. We will have coffee and light refreshments available.
Teachers may register for all programs by emailing programs@rihs.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.