There is a reason why Shelburne Museum welcomes thousands of school children each year—it is an incredibly rich resource for learning about American history, industry, culture, and art.

Our guided workshops, self-guided tours, and custom-designed programs are all about close looking, critical thinking, and nurturing creativity and art appreciation. In the hands of our lively teaching staff, our collections become tools for learning, exploration, and self-expression. Educators who connect with Shelburne Museum will have the opportunity to expand their own understanding of the stories our collections have to tell and the ways that art and material culture can support classroom learning. We welcome public, private, and homeschool students in grades pre-K to 12 and beyond.

Please contact our Family and Academic Programs Coordinator, Mollie Davis, at (802) 985-3346 x3392 or mdavis@shelburnemuseum.org with any questions.

Self-Guided Visits

A self-guided tour could be just the right fit for your school, college, summer camp, or other educational or service organization. Self-guided visits allow you to explore the Museum at your own pace and visit the exhibits and buildings your group is most excited to see.

Passport to Learning

Passport to learning is a series of 8 workshops located across the grounds. Edcuators will be stationed in each of the locations as students rotate throughout the day. The workshops run on the hour and half hour from 9-2pm.

Dates: May 13- June 15, 2023

Workshops:

Write, Stamp, Send

Pleissner Gallery and Owl Cotttage

After exploring the works by artist Stephen Huneck, students will write letters to an animal they love, create hand carved prints, and take their letter back home.

Shop 'Till you Drop

General Store

Step back in time as we explore the General Store, learn about fair trade, and participate in a hands-on bartering activity where students will have the opportunity to work together to gain the items they need.

Train Tracking

Railroad Station

Students investigate communication methods that kept 19th and 20th-century railroads running smoothly and safely and try sending message by Morse code.

Brain vs. Braun

Steamboat Ticonderoga

Learn about simple machines and mechanical advantage as you test out different pulleys aboard the steamboat Ticonderoga.

Into the Wind

Stagecoach Inn

Together we will discover their practical purpose and artful design. Students will create their own weathervane to take home with them!

Predator Prey

Beach Lodge

Everybody is somebody’s lunch! Come play a game to learn about predator-prey relationships.

Swing your Partner

Settlers’ House

Discuss early forms of entertainment and learn how to contra dance.

Addison County Spelling Bee

Schoolhouse

How well can you spell? Join us in our Vergennes one room schoolhouse as we take part in a traditional spelling bee!