The Missouri History Museum offers a variety of programs for educators and school.  Our goal is to deliver programs that enhance your current lesson plans through object-based experiences.

[Download the 2008-2009 Teacher Booklet]
 

• Thematic Tours

Our themed tour programs use our permanent galleries and special exhibition to provide in-depth experience that reflect subjects covered in school.  Thematic tours use object-based teaching methods that have been proven to engage students and increase their understanding.

 

• Gallery/Classroom Programs

Join our talented docent staff at the Museum as they lead your students or community group on an adventure through the sights and sounds of St. Louis’s past. These programs combine a hands-on workshop experience with a gallery tour. Some programs are free; others are offered for a small fee. All require two weeks’ advance registration.
          

• Outreach

Let history come to you. For a small fee, you can enrich your programs by bringing theater and historical objects to your classroom.

 

History in a Box! 

Book a docent to come to your classroom with a “box” full of artifacts and other interesting items.

 

History to Go! 

These programs are designed to bring history to life in short, one-person theatric interpretations. The performances are combined with historical object and classroom activities.

 

 

• Theatre in the Museum

Theatre in the Museum offers dramatic interpretations of historical figures and topics.  Most theatre programs can be combined with thematic tours to create a complete museum experience.

 

 

• LIBRARY AND RESEARCH CENTER OFFERINGS

 

Library and Research Center

Address: 225 S. Skinker Blvd.

Public Hours: Tuesday–Friday: noon to 5 p.m.

                        Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ø        Class visits can be arranged for Mondays and mornings as well

For information, call (314) 746-4500.

 

Find the facts! The Missouri History Museum Library and Research Center has vital resources and information to help teachers, students, and classes! MHM staff can help you locate historic resources to augment your lesson plans. 

 

The collection is particularly strong in topics such as:

·        Neighborhoods and buildings 

·        1904 World’s Fair

·        Charles Lindbergh

·        Westward expansion

·        The Louisiana Purchase

·        Lewis and Clark

·        The fur trade

·        American Indians

·        Missouri history

·        St. Louis history

 

The Library includes newspapers (some on microfilm, some in original paper copies); historic maps; city directories (listing St. Louis residents from 1821 to 1980); books and periodicals; and items of popular culture (menus, magazines, scrapbooks, and yearbooks). In the Archives you’ll find original letters, diaries, documents, and photographs.

           

You may start your search on the library’s online catalog at http://slrlc.org/search~S2/

 

Services and Classes

 

For Teachers: Curriculum Enrichment

Working one-on-one with you, we can suggest and provide copies of our historic materials that you can use to develop or enhance your lesson plans.

To make an appointment, visit the Library and Research Center or call the Library Reference Desk at (314) 746-4500.   

 

For Students: Individual Research

Students may register to use the Library. Staff will provide a personalized orientation, suggest research strategies, and make photocopies.

 

For Classes: “Show and Tell”

The session offers an overview of the Research Center with examples of actual historic materials for students to view. Sessions can be tailored to a class theme (1904 World’s Fair, a time period, African American topics, etc.) or provide a general sampler of “cool old stuff.”

 

For Classes: Structured Research Visit (Limit 25 students)

Teachers can submit a list of student research projects. The Library staff pre-selects materials for the students’ research session. A limited number of photocopies can be made to take home. 

 

For more information or to make an appointment to bring a class, call librarian Emily Troxell Jaycox at (314) 746-4508 at least one week in advance.

 

History Day students get ten free photocopies per project (additional copies are 25 cents per page). Please have students identify themselves as History Day students. Materials may not be checked out.