EDUCATION
Whether inside our vast sanctuary or on your computer, our educators will guide your class through our historic synagogue focusing on immigration history in New York City, Jewish traditions, and architectural design.
Our building and walking tours are 60 minutes each and can be individualized to your classroom’s curriculum and focus through a variety of entry points and support national Common Core Learning Standards and the Social Studies Scope and Sequence.
Reservations for education tours can be made between 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday through Friday. Our slots fill up quickly, so we recommend you make your reservation at least 2-3 weeks in advance to ensure you get the time and date of your choosing.
Our Education Vision
The education department at the Museum at Eldridge Street offers a range of programs and resources for diverse groups, including K-12 students, college students, educators, and community organizations. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive space for all learners through our quality programming. We achieve this by:
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Developing and facilitating a variety of learning experiences and educational opportunities centered around historical interpretation, storytelling, Jewish traditions, and culture. These programs will reach diverse and underserved learning communities and be adapted to multiple learning styles and needs.
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Creating opportunities for learners to examine the role of Jewish immigration history and culture in American history.
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Creating a space fosters inquiry, cross-cultural connections and encourages dialogue and discussion on issues impacting immigrant communities past and present.
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Empowering future generations of historians, preservationists, educators, storytellers, and community members to play an active role in the preservation and stewardship of our site, and to become advocates for sites with historical and cultural significance within their communities.
Before your visit, you will work with a Museum educator to adapt your experience to your curriculum needs. Our guided experiences enhance classroom curricula through a variety of entry points. Educators lead programs that support national Common Core Learning Standards and the Social Studies Scope and Sequence.
Are You an Educator?
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new programs for k-12 students and other goings on at the Museum.
Programs: K-12 & Beyond
FAQs
How can I visit the Museum at Eldridge Street with my class? The Museum now offers virtual and on-site school programs. Please fill out our School Reservation form and a Museum educator will follow up on your request. Requests must be made at least two weeks in advance. Please note that submission of a request does not confirm your program and we will be evaluating in-person school requests on a case-by-case basis. If you have questions about on-site visits, please contact Scott Brevda at sbrevda@eldridgestreet.org
What is the length of a school program? Virtual and in-person school programs are 60 minutes long but can be adjusted according to the teacher’s preference. Please specify the preferred program length when you complete the School Reservation form or when you confirm your program with the Museum educator. On-site school programs are 60 minutes long.
What web platform do you use for your virtual field trips? We primarily do our programs on Zoom, but please tell us which platform you use while booking and we will do our best to accommodate your preferences. If you are unable to create your own Zoom link for the program, we can create one for you.
What is the format of your virtual programs? During a live, virtual interactive event, a museum educator will take you through the Museum building using a combination of photos, pre-recorded video and other activities. There will also be opportunities for students to ask questions through chat or audio, depending on the size of your group.
What happens if we are disconnected during our virtual program? If technical difficulties arise we will do our best to fix the problem. If technical issues persist after more than 15 minutes, we will work to reschedule your program.
How should I prepare my students for their program? We encourage you to explore the Museum’s website and especially the resources on our Learning from Home page.
What are your payment, rescheduling, and cancelation policies? Payments can be made by cash or credit card. You can submit the credit card information by calling the Education Department at (212) 219-0302 x303 or by filling out the payment form that is included in your invoice and emailing it back to the Museum. Your deposit must be paid within 3 weeks of receipt of your invoice or a week in advance of your visit, whichever comes first. The balance of your payment must be paid by/on the date of your program. If you need to reschedule or cancel your program please contact the Education Department by phone or email as soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours in advance. Reservations cancelled within 24 hours of the tour time are not eligible for a refund of the deposit. In the event of a Museum closure, we will work to reschedule your program. If the program cannot be rescheduled, we will issue a refund in full.
What accommodations do you make for groups who have special needs? We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all students are welcome. Visit our accessibility webpage, and please contact us to discuss any special needs prior to your program date. We are more than happy to discuss all the options available.
Do you provide learning opportunities for teachers? Yes – we host workshops and other programs for teachers periodically throughout the year. Visit our Teacher Resources page to learn more.
Access Programs
The Museum at Eldridge Street is dedicated to working with students, educators, families and caregivers to make our programs and building accessible for all student groups.
When booking your visit, communicate all special needs, group interests, and goals for your Museum visit. Based on this input, our education staff will work with you to put together an itinerary that best meets student needs and visitation goals. There is no additional fee for any adults accompanying a group with special needs.
The Museum is completely wheelchair accessible, and we also can provide a social story of the Museum upon request.