NORTHEAST
FIELD TRIP GUIDE
STATES. COUNTLESS DISCOVERIES. From Maine to 12 EDUCATIONAL Maryland: EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES THAT TAKE LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
PLUS …
2027
EDITION
Must-read features and state-by-state field trip guides
This Northeast/Mid-Atlantic Field Trip Guide is designed for middle school through high school teachers and student travel planners. Front-of-book sections provide inspiration and lend trip planning advice with destination ideas presented in a state-by-state format. Enjoy!
Maine New Hampshire Vermont New York Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
Rhode Island Connecticut New Jersey Delaware Maryland
Shutterstock.com/Abstractor
Washington D.C.
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Northeast Field Trips That Make an Impact T
he Northeast is filled with extraordinary opportunities that take students beyond the classroom, and this year’s Northeast Field Trip Guide was created with educators’ biggest priorities in mind: affordability, hands-on programming and meaningful experiences that bring curriculum to life. This year, we highlight experiential journeys that take students into compelling living history settings, aboard historic railways and across civil rights sites. We also explore music-focused field trips that reveal the creativity, collaboration and craftsmanship behind how music is created and performed. Across 11 states and Washington, D.C., you’ll find incredible educational experiences spanning STEM, history, science, art, civics and more—along with opportunities designed to encourage students to investigate, participate and make connections of their own. Throughout the guide, you’ll also find customizable itineraries, top list experiences, expert planning advice and student group travel insights to help make the journey from classroom idea to successful field trip easier.
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. — Nelson Mandela Forge ahead fearlessly and stay inspired! Heather Dale, Managing Editor
ON THE COVER: Niagara Falls State Park Photo courtesy of Niagara Falls State Park, USA Facebook
2027 E D I T I O N Editorial & Advertising Office 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 F 630.794.0652 info@ptmgroups.com www.ptmgroups.com
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CONTENTS FEATURES 8
Trips by Rail: Exploring the 8 Field Northeast Without a School Bus
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From Amtrak to commuter rail, discover how teachers can plan affordable trips using trains and public transit—and what to know before leaving the bus behind By Helene Martin
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Take groups behind the performance with learning journeys that explore rehearsals, instrument construction, music careers and recording technology By Abby Shelton
Experiences Every Student Should 20 15Have Before Graduation From walking historic battlefields to testing lake water from a boat, these educational adventures turn lessons into unforgettable experiences By Abby Shelton
History Excursions That Bring 26 Living the Northeast’s Past to Life Colonial villages, working ships, battlefields and immigrant homes put students inside the stories that shaped America
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Photo Credit - Fort Ticonderoga Facebook
Courtenay Betts
Photo Credit - NPS
Photo Credit - Hilary Scott
Photo Credit - Bing
the Performance: Showing 14 Beyond Students How Music Gets Made
By Kristen Cerney
the Scenes with a Top Student 32 Behind Tour Operator
EF Tours’ Courtenay Betts shares what she’s seeing from the operational side of educational travel and what makes a student trip successful By Heather Dale
Ready to dive in? Click the page number!
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Click the page number for instant access!
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42 64 Historic St. Mary’s City
New England Air Museum
Museum of Work and Culture
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Historic Odessa
Tsongas Industrial History Center
New Jersey State Museum
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U.S. Capitol Visitor Center
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Seashore Trolley Museum
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John Heinz History Center
Billings Farm & Museum
36 Maine 38 Vermont 40 New Hampshire 42 New York 48 Massachusetts 60 Rhode Island 62 Connecticut 64 Pennsylvania 78 New Jersey 80 Delaware 82 Maryland 88 Washington, D.C. Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
FIELD TRIPS
Tenement Museum
CONTENTS
CONTENTS
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44 Disney on Broadway 50 MetroWest Boston 54 Salem Witch Museum 56 Real Pirates Salem 58 House of the Seven Gables 70 Museum of the American Revolution 84 National Aquarium
Photo courtesy of The House of Seven Gables
SITE INSPECTIONS
TOP LIST ITINERARIES 66 Destination Gettysburg Jump ahead by clicking the page number!
Photo courtesy of MetroWest Boston
73 National Constitution Center
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Field Trips by Rail: Exploring the Northeast Without a School Bus From Amtrak to commuter rail, discover how teachers can plan affordable field trips using trains and public transit—and what to know before leaving the bus behind By Helene Martin 8
2027 NORTHEAST FIELD TRIP GUIDE
Photo courtesy of Amtrak Facebook
Amtrak takes groups throughout the Northeast, including D.C., Philly, Baltimore and NYC.
AMTRAK FOR LONGER HAULS
Amtrak offers thousands of miles of railway travel throughout the Northeast, making it a practical option for some groups. Groups of 15 people or more may be eligible for discounts on coach tickets, while larger groups may qualify for a dedicated train car. Those exceeding 99 people must make multiple reservations. Reservations must follow Amtrak’s chaperone policy, requiring at least one chaperone for every six students under 18. To make boarding as smooth as possible, arrive early and ask about pre-boarding.
WHERE AMTRAK TAKES STUDENTS
Amtrak’s Northeast network connects some of the region’s biggest field trip destinations, including Boston, New Haven, Providence, Philly, Baltimore,
NYC and D.C. For example, from Philly’s 30th Street Station, students can connect with SEPTA to visit museums and historic attractions, while Washington Union Station puts learners within walking distance of Capitol Hill and a short Metro ride from the National Mall.
REGIONAL TRANSIT FOR DAY TRIPS
For schools already within reach of a major city, regional transit can make a day trip possible without chartering a bus. Policies vary by system, so compare chaperone and student pricing and contact the transit agency for details.
Photo courtesy of Amtrak Facebook
INDING THE PERFECT FIELD trip destination for your class is just half of the planning process; now you need to get there. Often, one of the biggest roadblocks to a field trip is charter bus costs. Riding the rails might offer a more cost-effective and practical alternative for some. The Northeast’s extensive network of commuter rails, intercity trains, subways and light rail makes it possible to reach popular destinations without a bus. With careful planning, you can reduce parking and transportation logistics while putting students within walking distance or a short transit ride of historic sites, museums and other attractions.
Photo courtesy of Bing
Train travel opens a world of learning possibilities throughout the Northeast.
Travel by train with Amtrak through Maine’s natural beauty. 2027 NORTHEAST FIELD TRIP GUIDE
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Photo courtesy NJ Transit Facebook
Photo courtesy of MBTA Facebook
SEPTA (PENNSYLVANIA)
The MBTA takes students within walking distance of educational attractions in Salem.
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The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) makes bus-free field trips possible throughout the state with one of the country’s largest transit systems. Although SEPTA doesn’t offer group discounts, children under 12 can ride free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.
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This means one paying teacher can bring their entire class of qualifying children while paying only their own fare. Groups are encouraged to submit a group travel request, and SEPTA’s Multi-Rider feature allows up to five passengers to travel using one SEPTA Key Card. Its Partner Pass Program offers disposable key cards in increments of 50 for larger groups.
MBTA FIELD TRIPS (MASSACHUSETTS)
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) offers another alternative to buses through one of the country’s oldest public transit systems. School groups traveling with 10 or more children must register their field trip with MBTA at least two weeks in advance. Children 11 and younger ride free.
Photo courtesy of MARC FacebooK
NJ Transit connects students to numerous locations with educational sites and attractions statewide.
MARC’s Student Saver Program means a more affordable field trip by rail for qualifying school groups.
MBTA’s field trip services apply to bus and subway travel. For bus travel, show the driver your group’s boarding letter. For the subway, you can confirm ahead of time that a transit ambassador will be present to assit your group.
Photo courtesy of NJ Transit Facebook
LIRR AND METRO-NORTH (NEW YORK & CONNECTICUT)
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North provide another option for field trip groups. With Family Fare, up to four kids ages five to 17 can ride for $1 each way when accompanied by a fare-paying adult, so chaperones factor into your cost calculation.
NJ TRANSIT (NEW JERSEY)
NJ Transit offers travel for groups as small as eight, with savings of up to 25% on train fares and up to 13% on
light rail through NJ Transit’s Group Sales program. Submit reservations at least three weeks in advance, with at least one adult for every 10 students. Groups of 96 passengers or more may also have access to exclusive rail-car arrangements.
MARC (MARYLAND)
For those traveling on the Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC), groups of 10–60 can receive 50% off full-fare MARC tickets, subject to train capacity. Reservations must be made with MARC Group Sales at least two weeks ahead and confirmed before the group receives the fare. Qualifying high school, college and vocational school students can also save 50% on MARC fares through the Student Saver Program. 2027 NORTHEAST FIELD TRIP GUIDE
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Saving on transportation logistics matters only if students can reach their destination once they arrive. Fortunately, many Northeast rail stations put school groups within walking distance of major attractions, historic sites and museums, while others require a short local transit or subway connection.
WASHINGTON UNION STATION (WASHINGTON, D.C.)
Washington Union Station is not only a beautiful architectural sight, but also a great Amtrak school group travel destination. The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center is less than 15
Photo courtesy of Credit - Sam Kittner
Washington Union Station is an exciting experience in and of itself.
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minutes from the station, where students can learn about the history of Congress, the legislative branch and the architecture and art of the Capitol. Or take a short subway ride to Smithsonian Station, the gateway to the National Mall, home to incredible institutions.
SEPTA (PENNSYLVANIA)
Jefferson Station puts you just a 10-minute walk from the Independence National Historical Park, known as “America’s Most Historic Square Mile,” where students can explore some of the city’s most fundamental history at places like the Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall and the President’s House Site.
Photo courtesy of Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park Facebook
STEP OFF THE TRAIN AND START EXPLORING
Walkway Ambassadors lead group tours across the captivating Walkway Over the Hudson.
Many Northeast rail stations put school groups within walking distance of major attractions
MBTA (MASSACHUSETTS)
Salem Station is a nine-minute walk from the Salem Witch Museum, which features the infamous Salem Witch Trials in an immersive history environment. After exploring the museum, students can walk through the historic downtown district toward the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, The House of Seven Gables and the Salem Maritime National Historical Park.
Arrive at the New Haven Union Station by Metro-North or Amtrak, then take the free CTtransit Union Station shuttle to New Haven Green. From there, students can explore Yale’s historic campus, the Yale University Art Gallery and the Yale Peabody Museum, where collections span natural history, art, world cultures and science.
PROVIDENCE STATION (RHODE ISLAND)
Providence Station puts groups just minutes from the Rhode Island State House, where students can connect classroom lessons in state government, architecture, civics and Rhode Island history in a place where legislative work happens.
METRO-NORTH (NEW YORK)
Roughly 0.7 miles from the Poughkeepsie Station of Metro-North is the historic Walkway Over the Hudson, with guided educational programs that take students through regional history and local ecosystems.
Photo courtesy of NPS
NEW HAVEN UNION STATION (CONNECTICUT)
BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE BUS BEHIND
While charter bus prices can often be one of the biggest expenses in a field trip budget, public transportation isn’t guaranteed to be cheaper or work for every trip, so keep these considerations in mind. Compare the Real Cost – Factor in student fares, chaperone costs, and group discounts before deciding whether public transportation beats chartering a bus. Consider What You’re Giving Up – Charter buses provide storage for
personal belongings like coats and lunches, and many have restrooms— amenities you won’t find on public transportation. Avoid Peak Travel – Check peak transportation times, holiday schedules, planned disruptions and major city events that can affect group travel. Build Your Itinerary Backward – Start by finding the last usable return train, then build your itinerary around it so your group has plenty of time to make the return trip home.
Salem Maritime National Historical Site is a walkable educational experience for student groups.
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Beyond the Performance: Showing Students How Music Gets Made Take groups behind the performance with Northeast journeys that explore rehearsals, instrument construction, music careers and recording technology By Abby Shelton 14
2027 NORTHEAST FIELD TRIP GUIDE
Photo courtesy of Martin Guitar Facebook
Discover how the guitar is made at C.F. Martin & Co.
Students connect with Boston Symphony Orchestra musicians to learn about music productions.
The Philadelphia Orchestra’s open rehearsals at Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center allow students to watch the conductor and musicians work through a program firsthand, giving them a rare look at how professionals turn individual parts into a finished performance. Teachers should contact Ensemble Arts/ Philadelphia Orchestra directly to confirm 2026-27 student open rehearsals. Best For: Grades 6–12, particularly band, orchestra and music appreciation groups.
THE BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (MA)
The Boston Symphony Orchestra offers High School Open Rehearsals for grades 8–12 and Youth Open Rehearsals for grades 6–8. Instead of simply hearing an orchestral piece, students see how professional musicians prepare music. Boston Public School groups can attend for free, while other groups can purchase tickets through group sales. Best For: Grades 6–12. Planning Tip: Morning rehearsals can mean an early departure for traveling groups. Allow ample time for traffic, unloading and seating.
Photo courtesy of Pete Checchia
HEAR THE WORK IN PROGRESS THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA (PA)
Photo courtesy of Hilary Scott
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REHEARSAL CAN LOOK VERY DIFFERENT from a concert. The orchestra is halfway through a piece when the conductor suddenly stops, asks the strings to try eight bars again and works through the passage until the balance sounds right. For students, that process can be more interesting than simply watching. Most audiences see only the polished performance. Music field trips can take students behind the scenes to observe a professional orchestra rehearse, see the technology behind a recording, learn how a guitar is constructed, or discover careers that have little to do with performing on stage. These experiences also connect the arts to STEM, design and career education, introducing students to the professionals who work behind every finished production.
The Philadelphia Orchestra welcomes school groups to Marian Anderson Hall. 2027 NORTHEAST FIELD TRIP GUIDE
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BALTIMORE’S JOSEPH MEYERHOFF SYMPHONY HALL (MD)
At Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra open rehearsals are recommended for high school and college groups, with options for select middle school students. During a two-and-a-half-hour experience, students can hear the conductor start, stop and restart passages or skip portions of a piece. Educators should prepare students for a working rehearsal rather than a live concert. Late seating is prohibited, and students should expect to remain in the hall during the designated break. Best For: Serious middle, high school and college music students.
Photo courtesy of Museum of Music Technology Facebook
EXPLORE MUSIC TECHNOLOGY MUSEUM OF MUSIC TECHNOLOGY (PA)
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The Museum of Music Technology in Harleysville introduces students to vintage synthesizers, recording equipment, electronic instruments and other technologies that changed how music is created and recorded. Its collection includes artist-owned equipment and historic technology, providing opportunities to explore the relationship between technology and music. The museum offers guided tours and scheduled experiences, and all visits must be booked in advance. Programs are especially
Explore connections to STEM at the Museum of Music Technology.
Photo courtesy of Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Facebook
Get hands-on in the Montgomery County Community College’s Mix Room in Blue Bell.
suited to high school and college students, while middle school visits can be tailored to the group. The museum can customize school visits around classroom learning objectives, with add-on introductory lessons in sound science, acoustics and historic preservation available upon request. Best For: Middle school and high school music technology, STEM and career-focused groups.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE (PA)
Older students interested in the recording industry can explore another possibility through the Montgomery County Community College’s Sound Recording and
Photo courtesy of Montgomery County Community College FB
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra invites students to experience the joy of music.
Music Technology program in Blue Bell. The college’s Mix Room includes a Solid-State Logic SSL 9000K console, more than 50 pieces of digital and analog recording equipment, sound booths and a Dolby Atmos mixing system. The program teaches recording, mixing, editing, sound engineering and music production, letting students get a firsthand look at career possibilities for those who enjoy music but don’t necessarily see themselves performing. Planning Tip: Contact the department rather than admissions and ask whether an educational visit can be arranged for your group.
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Photo courtesy of Martin Guitar Facebook
SEE HOW INSTRUMENTS ARE MADE C.F. MARTIN & CO. (PA)
Watch how an iconic guitar is made at Martin Guitar.
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At the C.F. Martin & Co. factory in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, students can take a one-hour guided tour through the manufacturing process and see the craftsmanship behind Martin instruments. Beyond seeing how guitars are made, the factory offers a straightforward connection between music and STEM. Wood selection, measurements, construction techniques and the physical
2027 NORTHEAST FIELD TRIP GUIDE
properties of materials can all influence how a finished instrument sounds. Best For: Middle and high school music, STEM and career exploration groups. Planning Tip: Tours require advance registration and space is limited.
MORRIS STEINERT COLLECTION OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AT YALE (CT)
The Morris Steinert Collection of Musical Instruments at Yale holds more than 1,000 instruments that illuminate their history,
construction and cultural roles. Currently closed for renovation, the collection is projected to reopen in spring 2027, Best For: Middle and high school music, history and arts-science groups. Planning Tip: Confirm the collection’s reopening status before adding it to your 2027 itinerary.
DISCOVER CAREERS BEYOND THE STAGE
Photo courtesy of The Broadway League FB Facebook
Ask students to list every job they think is involved in putting on a professional performance and they’ll probably begin with the musicians or the conductor. But productions also rely on a front-of-house engineer, monitor engineer, mastering engineer, music librarian, orchestra contractor, production stage manager, company manager, arts administrator, marketing staff, and many others.
BROADWAY SPEAKERS BUREAU (NYC)
Operated by The Broadway League, the Broadway Speakers Bureau offers free career panel discussions for high schools and colleges focusing on non-performance theater careers. Topics can include producing, general management, marketing, company management, stage management and design. This is a particularly useful option for students who enjoy music and theater but do not see themselves auditioning for a role. Best For: High school career and collegeprep groups, especially those interested in theater and music professions beyond performing.
BROADWAY BRIDGES PHILLY (PA)
Broadway Bridges Philly, connected with touring Broadway shows at Ensemble Arts Philly, provides local high school students with discounted access to touring productions. Students watch the finished production, but the trip can be paired with a career lesson about the people who make a touring
production possible. Ask students to observe what happens beyond the actors on stage, including sound, lighting, stage management, front-of-house operations, marketing and audience services.
MAKE THE MOST OF A MUSIC FIELD TRIP
The most interesting music trips can also require the most planning. Book early. School-friendly rehearsal programs have limited dates, and schedules change every season, so review venue rules carefully before your group arrives. Give the experience an academic
purpose, too. During rehearsal, ask students to note the conductor’s changes and how the orchestra responds. At a technology-focused location, ask students to identify careers connected to the equipment. During a factory tour, have them consider how an instrument’s materials and construction influence its sound. Finally, consider pairing a factory tour, career program or rehearsal with a nearby educational location. Combining experiences can help keep transportation and logistics more manageable while creating interdisciplinary connections for students.
Students can discuss career pathways with professionals at the Broadway Speakers Bureau.
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15 Northeast Experiences Every Student Should Have Before Graduation From walking historic battlefields to testing lake water from a boat, these educational adventures turn lessons into unforgettable experiences By Abby Shelton 20
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Photo courtesy of NPS
Experience the sheer power of moving water at Niagara Falls State Park.
Exhibition Hall at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center puts students in the place where legislation happens.
OME FIELD TRIPS stay in conversation long after the permission slips are gone, and these 15 experiences stand out for their memorable learning opportunities.
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Best for: Grades 4-12
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SEE DEMOCRACY’S WORKPLACE AT THE U.S. CAPITOL
Touring the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. gives civics a physical setting, making classroom lessons feel less abstract. Students can connect studies on representation, lawmaking and the legislative branch to the institution itself, with educational programs available at the Visitor Center. Best for: Grades K-12
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WALK THROUGH THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION IN BOSTON
Boston’s Freedom Trail turns Revolutionary history into a 2.5mile adventure through the city where much of it unfolded. Walk between meeting houses, burying grounds, churches and other historic sites, tracing the people, protests and arguments that helped lead to independence. Site-specific educational programs and costumed guided tours can deepen the experience. Best for: Grades 4-12
Photo courtesy of Freedom Trail Foundation Facebook
Some natural phenomena need to be experienced at full scale, and students can do that at Niagara Falls State Park in New York. Hear the roar, feel the cool mist and the immense power of thundering water for an unforgettable starting point for lessons in geology, erosion, hydrology and environmental science.
Photo courtesy of U.S. Capitol VC FB
FEEL THE POWER OF NIAGARA FALLS
Immerse students in American history during tours along Boston's Freedom Trail. 2027 NORTHEAST FIELD TRIP GUIDE
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ARRIVE IN AMERICA THROUGH ELLIS ISLAND
New York's Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island offer two parts of the American story in one trip. Stand beneath the Statue of Liberty before following the path of millions of immigrants at Ellis Island, where students can examine artifacts, personal records and individual stories. Best for: Grades 4-12
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The National September 11 Memorial & Museum in NYC.
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Photo courtesy of National September 11 Memorial & Museum FB
UNDERSTAND 9/11 THROUGH THE PEOPLE WHO EXPERIENCED IT
For students born years after September 11, 2001, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in NYC provides important context of America’s worst terrorist attack through artifacts, oral histories and personal stories. Age-appropriate school programs encourage students to examine evidence, ask difficult questions and learn about both the attacks and their continuing significance. Best for: Grades 7-12
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STAND WHERE OUR NATION TOOK SHAPE
At Independence Hall in Philadelphia, students can enter the rooms where delegates debated and signed the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Add the nearby Liberty Bell and other Independence National Historical Park sites, and abstract ideas about government, rights, and building a nation suddenly have tangible walls, rooms and physical evidence. Best for: Grades 4-12
Photo courtesy of NPS
Photo courtesy of Salem Witch Museum Facebook
Salem Witch Museum is a captivating history experience.
Living history experiences engage young learners at Fort McHenry.
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CONFRONT THE STORIES BEHIND SALEM
Visiting Salem, Massachusetts, lets learners move beyond the sensational story to investigate evidence, justice, fear and those affected by it. Places that bring history to life include visits to the Salem Witch Museum and the Salem Heritage Trail for indepth experiences. Best for: Grades 5-12
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COME FACE-TO-FACE WITH THE AQUATIC WORLD IN BALTIMORE
A sea turtle gliding past or a shark swimming overhead can make an ecosystem far more memorable than a classroom diagram. At the National Aquarium in Baltimore, students encounter aquatic animals and habitats up close in an unforgettable setting while exploring conservation, adaptation and STEAM concepts through interactive educational programs. Best for: Grades K-12
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STAND WHERE “THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER” BEGAN
At Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore, the War of 1812 becomes more than a history date to memorize. Students can explore the fort whose Battle of Baltimore defense inspired Francis Scott Key’s poem that eventually became “The Star-Spangled Banner,” connecting military history, national identity and primary-source study to an actual place. Best for: Grades 4-12 2027 NORTHEAST FIELD TRIP GUIDE
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DISCOVER INDIGENOUS HISTORY THROUGH INDIGENOUS VOICES
At the Tomaquag Museum in Exeter, Rhode Island, students encounter Indigenous history and contemporary culture through the perspectives of Native educators. Guided programs explore art, traditions, cultural identity and the experiences of Rhode Island’s first peoples. Interactive activities, including traditional Eastern Woodland games, invite students to engage with the region’s Indigenous heritage while discovering how Native communities continue to shape its story.
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STUDY SCIENCE IN THE WILD AT ACADIA
At Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine, students can trade classroom photographs for tide pools, rocky shorelines, forests and mountains. Ranger-led field trips explore ecology and natural history, giving students a chance to observe how geology, plants, wildlife and human activity shape the land. Best for: Grades 3-12
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CONNECT WITH THE PAST THROUGH SCIENCE AT YALE
Gigantic dinosaurs, earthly minerals, ancient cultures and biodiversity fill the Yale Peabody Museum in New Haven. Immersive programs and workshops encourage K-12 students to investigate museum collections as evidence, connecting natural history to questions about Earth’s past, human cultures and the living world. Best for: Grades 1-12
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Extraordinary science comes into sharp focus at Smithsonian.
Photo courtesy of Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Facebook
Acadia National Park offers students memorable learning experiences.
Photo courtesy of NPS
Best for: Grades K-12
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PUT THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION TO WORK AT HAGLEY
At Hagley Museum and Library in Wilmington, Delaware, students explore the mills, machinery and community that developed along the Brandywine River. Hands-on programs let them investigate water power, machines, manufacturing and 19th-century life, transforming the Industrial Revolution from an economic concept into something tangible. Best for: Grades K-12
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ENCOUNTER THE NATURAL WORLD ON A SMITHSONIAN SCALE
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History transforms familiar science lessons into unforgettable encounters with enormous fossils, rare minerals, human history and millions of years of change. The Washington, D.C. site invites students to move from dinosaurs to deep oceans to human origins, where the sheer scale of the collections can spark curiosity and questions no classroom worksheet could anticipate. Best for: Grades K-12
Photo courtesy of Mount Washington Observatory Facebook
Next generation scientists get handson during a field trip to Mount Washington Observatory.
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EXPERIENCE CLIMATE SCIENCE ON MOUNT WASHINGTON
Stand atop the Northeast’s highest peak, where unpredictable weather, hurricane-force winds and freezing temperatures create a natural laboratory unlike any other. New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Observatory invites K-12 student groups to journey to the summit aboard the historic Cog Railway or by the Mt. Washington Auto Road and explore climate science, meteorology and engineering. Hands-on activities, weather station tours, and investigations of the mountain’s unique climate zones let students learn how scientists study some of the planet's most extreme weather. K-12 field trips are customizable to include weather station activities, engineering challenges and climate explorations, and are designed to support NGSS Weather and Climate and Engineering Design curricula. Best for: Grades K-12
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Living History Field Trips That Bring the Northeast’s Past to Life From colonial villages and working ships to battlefields and immigrant homes, these field trips put students inside the stories that shaped America By Kristen Cerney 26
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Photo courtesy of Old Sturbridge Village
A horse-drawn carryall takes students on an exciting journey through Old Sturbridge Village.
OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE (MA)
Discover 19th-century rural New England at Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, MA. Across more than 200 acres, K-12 groups can encounter costumed historians, mills, historic homes, working landscapes and heritage animals. Explore independently or add a 50-minute hands-on workshop, where students in grades 1-12 can connect to 1830s New England life firsthand.
PLIMOTH PATUXET MUSEUMS (MA)
Catch a glimpse of 17th-century life on an exploration of colonial and Indigenous histories at Plimoth Patuxet Museums in Plymouth, MA. As a major repository of 17th-century archaeological material, groups can experience history through Historic Patuxet, the English Village, a full-scale reproduction of the Mayflower, named Mayflower II, and the Plimoth Grist Mill. Educators can add guided tours
and tailored interactive workshops, with extensive pre- and post-trip resources available.
HANCOCK SHAKER VILLAGE (MA)
In Western Massachusetts, Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield, immerses pre-K through high school students in authentic Shaker community life in the 1840s. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark, the Village is the world’s most extensive interpreted Shaker site, with guided experiences customized to age and curriculum. Groups can explore exhibits, live demonstrations and a working farm,
Photo courtesy of PPM FB
HISTORIC VILLAGES & RECONSTRUCTED TENEMENTS
Photo courtesy of Hancock Shaker Village Facebook
REATHE LIFE INTO YOUR HISTORY textbooks, turning the pages into real-life, tangible moments. The Northeast holds some of the nation’s most significant memories of its beginnings, and these locations help ensure they aren’t forgotten. Explore what the region offers, from authentic period villages and costumed interpreters to hands-on, immersive learning experiences.
The Hancock Shaker Village is an extraordinary living history setting, perfect for interactive lessons.
Plimoth Patuxet Museums named the # 1 Best OpenAir Museum in the nation by USA TODAY for the third consecutive year. 2027 NORTHEAST FIELD TRIP GUIDE
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Interactive experiences create memorable field trips at Mystic Seaport Museum.
Photo courtesy of Mystic Seaport Museum
Lake ecology programs encourage students to get hands-on at the Lake Champlain Museum.
Educational programming aligns with National Education Standards, the C3 Framework and numerous state social studies standards, with Title 1 schools eligible for substantial discounts.
TENEMENT MUSEUM (NYC)
SHIPS & WORKING WATERFRONTS
K-12 students can step into the homes of immigrants, migrants and refugees at the Tenement Museum in New York City. Programs last about an hour and use recreated apartments, neighborhood exploration, handson activities and storytelling to take learners through the urban apartments of working-class residents from the 1860s to the 1970s. Discover the untold stories of real-life people who helped shape America, including immigration, migration, discrimination, human rights and cultural identity.
Photo courtesy of Lake Champlain Museum
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include a tour of the mill, which saw the country’s first water-powered cotton-spinning technology in action, and optional activities for up to 60 participants. Reservations are required.
2027 NORTHEAST FIELD TRIP GUIDE
MYSTIC SEAPORT MUSEUM (CT)
Climb aboard historic landmark vessels at Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, CT, and discover K-12 programs spanning maritime history, civics, science and navigation. Docked and ready to explore, the Charles W. Morgan is a fan favorite. The 1841 whaling ship spent 80 years at sea and now stands as the last wooden whaleship and the second-oldest commercial ship still afloat. Learn about maritime trade and labor by
Photo courtesy of NPS
rotating between the 1830 Brick Dwelling, the Schoolhouse and the Discovery Barn for place-based learning opportunities.
work for younger students, while other activities explore architecture, archaeology, economics and colonial trades.
STRAWBERY BANKE MUSEUM (NH)
GENESEE COUNTRY VILLAGE & MUSEUM (NY)
Travel through time at the Strawbery Banke Museum, in Portsmouth, NH, with dedicated field trips divided into K-3, grades 4-6 and grades 7-12, through programs connected to curriculum standards. Selfguided visits include an add-on Time Travel Workshop with historic toys and games, colonial cooking and sample
Genesee Country Village & Museum in Mumford, NY, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026 with its mixed media exhibit An Extraordinary Attraction: 50 years of History, Art, & Nature. The Village hosts well-rounded programming with workshops exploring topics like local nature, civil rights and 19th-century STEM. Self-guided K-12
experiences include the Historic Village, Nature Discoveries and other programs, including 19th Century Civics Day. The museum currently offers free field trips and busing assistance.
BLACKSTONE RIVER VALLEY (RI)
Take a tour through the historic villages at Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park in Pawtucket, RI, where students can explore the beginnings of America’s Industrial Revolution at Old Slater Mill. Free field trips for elementary and secondary groups
Discover Slater Mill during a ranger-led tour at Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park.
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explore the 19th-century-styled village, where interpreters demonstrate their skills in ship smithing, blacksmithing, baking and more. Attend a show at the planetarium to learn how to read the stars, a necessary skill for sailors. The museum’s overnight program, Ship to Shore, lets school groups sleep aboard the 1882 Joseph Conrad for a remarkable and immersive experience.
including exhibits and educational programming for students in grades 4 and above. Their programs 1776: The Revolutionary War in the Champlain Valley explores the conflict, local communities and early American naval shipbuilding, while On-Water Lake Ecology puts students aboard boats to use scientific equipment to examine Lake Champlain’s ecological conditions.
LAKE CHAMPLAIN MARITIME MUSEUM (VT)
BATTLESHIP NEW JERSEY MUSEUM & MEMORIAL (NJ)
For an afternoon out on the water, head to Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in Vergennes, VT. With free admission, the museum offers a wide variety of activities,
Travel to the Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial in Camden, for an up-close look at the most decorated U.S. battleship. The
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Explore history in an authentic setting at Battleship New Jersey.
Photo courtesy of Battleship New Jersey
Photo courtesy of Lake Champlain Museum
Lake Ecology programs encourage students to get hands-on at the Lake Champlain Museum.
2027 NORTHEAST FIELD TRIP GUIDE
museum displays America’s naval power in World War II, Korea and Vietnam through exhibits and tours. Guests can even climb inside a 16-inch gun turret to learn how crews loaded massive shells. The Firepower Tour, for grades 3 and up, explores spaces including the captain’s cabin, Navigation Bridge and Combat Engagement Center, while Build a Battleship, for grades 4 and above, lets students investigate propulsion, armor and firepower, then design and engineer their own battleships for hands-on STEM. Circuits and Electricity, for grades 4 and above, allows them to tour the engine room before building electrical circuits.
FORTS & BATTLEFIELDS FORT TICONDEROGA (NY & VT)
Tucked between New York’s Adirondacks and Vermont’s Green Mountains, Fort Ticonderoga stretches over 20,000 acres with gardens, artillery and hiking trails. The 18th-century fort takes guests back to wars that occurred before the Revolution through exhibits, reenactments and team-building programs. In the immersive To Act as One United Body program, students can form a platoon and experience what training was like for soldiers at Fort Ticonderoga.
GETTYSBURG (PA)
Travel to one of the Civil War’s most consequential battlefields: Gettysburg,
Photo courtesy Fort Ticonderoga Facebook
Interactive programs are categorized by grade level to ensure students get the most appropriate learning experience.
PA. Students can choose to join the army, load and fire a Civil War cannon and discover the grisly reality of a field hospital. Other programs include Book-to-Life (K-3), Join the Arm (grades 2-8), Slyder Family Farm (grades 3-8) and Artillery & Teamwork (grades 3-12). These interactive programs are categorized by grade level to ensure students get the most appropriate learning experience.
SARATOGA NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK (NY)
Saratoga National Historical Park, in eastern New York, is where the Battles of Saratoga led to the first British
surrender. Uncover the real people behind the wars that secured the Americans’ victory. Explore the park and learn about the lives of army members, take self-guided drives through the Tour Road or hike the beautiful walking trails. Ranger-led programs depend on seasonal availability and staffing. Rather than learn history through textbooks, every destination asks students to do something with it. They can cook, design a battleship, drill, examine immigrant homes, enter a wetu, study a battlefield and learn the inner workings of a historic village, where they can actively experience the past.
Every learner can join the fun with Homeschool Day at Fort Ticonderoga, filled with interactive experiences.
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Photo courtesy of Courtenay Betts
Courtenay Betts, Director of North American Operations for EF Tours.
Behind the Scenes with a Top Student Tour Operator EF Tours’ Courtenay Betts shares what she’s seeing from the operational side of educational travel and what makes a student trip successful By Heather Dale 32
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COURTENAY BETTS:
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Travel gives them the chance to connect what they’ve learned in the classroom to the real world. - COURTENAY BETTS
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STP
STP: Affordability is a major consideration for schools and families. How is cost affecting the way teachers plan student trips?
COURTENAY BETTS: Cost is always part of the conversation, especially when teachers want as many students as possible to have the opportunity to go. They’re planning carefully around the destination, timing and length of the trip while looking for an experience that feels meaningful and manageable for families. While the bottom line is important, teachers are also looking at what a tour operator can provide in terms of support, safety and resources. Paying a bit more for the peace of mind that the trip will be well run is important.
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STP: From an operations perspective, what makes a student tour successful?
COURTENAY BETTS: It comes down to putting people first and making sure the details are handled. Clear communication, reliable
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logistics and knowledgeable support on the ground help teachers feel comfortable and let them focus on their students instead of worrying about what happens next.
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STP: If you could give teachers one piece of advice before they begin planning their next student trip, what would it be?
COURTENAY BETTS: Trust your instincts and start with what you know about your students. You know what will get them excited, what support they’ll need and what kinds of experiences will stay with them, so let that guide the trip from the beginning.
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Clear communication, reliable logistics and knowledgeable support on the ground help teachers feel comfortable and let them focus on their students instead of worrying about what happens next. - COURTENAY BETTS
FIELD TRIPS
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Photos courtesy of U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Facebook
urn the Northeast into an unforgettable classroom with educational adventures across 11 states and Washington, D.C. From immersive history and cultural discoveries to hands-on STEM and outdoor exploration, these dynamic destinations bring classroom lessons to life. Explore engaging field trip opportunities designed to spark curiosity, deepen understanding and inspire students of all ages.
36 Maine 38 Vermont 40 New Hampshire 42 New York 48 Massachusetts 60 Rhode Island 62 Connecticut 64 Pennsylvania 78 New Jersey 80 Delaware 82 Maryland 88 Washington, D.C. 2027 NORTHEAST FIELD TRIP GUIDE
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MAINE
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Photo courtesy of Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine Facebook
Trolleys, Living History and Wabanaki Stories
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xperience Maine’s culture and history through storytelling, movement and hands-on discovery in places that both teach and inspire young minds. Classroom history lessons come to life during antique electric trolley rides and as students observe historic vehicles being restored. They can also explore 12,000 years of Wabanaki history by examining artifacts and learning from Indigenous perspectives. Younger learners will be dazzled by theatrical performances, playful interactive exhibits and educator-led programs that cater to K-12 groups and encourage them to participate, explore and experience learning rather than simply observing.
Immerse in period experiences, including household responsibilities, schooling, farm work and community life, helping students compare 1800s rural Maine with their own daily routines. Introduce students to the magic of performing arts at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine.
Photo courtesy of Abbe Museum Facebook
Photo courtesy of Seashore Trolley Museum Facebook
Photo courtesy of The Washburn-Norlands Living History Center Facebook
MAINE
Take your students on a 3.5-mile immersive journey through the Maine countryside on an antique trolley.
Immerse students in 19th-century history at Washburn-Norlands.
Exhibits at the Abbe Museum showcase Wabanaki culture through authentic voices.
SEASHORE TROLLEY MUSEUM
WASHBURN-NORLANDS LIVING HISTORY CENTER (LIVERMORE)
ABBE MUSEUM (BAR HARBOR)
(KENNEBUNKPORT)
Home to a world-class collection of trolleys and other public transit cars, the Seashore Trolley Museum lets students learn about local transit history and how public transportation transformed local communities and economies. During a 3.5-mile antique trolley ride through the Maine countryside, guided tours also include several exhibits on the state’s public transit and several display buildings that showcase vintage and historic vehicles. Students can also visit the Restoration Shop to get a close look at trolleys being repaired and restored, dating back to the 19th century. Programming is adaptable for elementary through high school.
Step back in time to learn about rural living in 19th-century Maine and the Washburn family, where visitors are invited to participate in history. At Washburn-Norlands Living History Center, the Norland Sample Program allows students to explore the Center’s campus and exhibits. Guided by costumed staff, groups can live the lives of their long-ago counterparts and participate in the day-to-day homesteading activities. Interact with farm chores and see what school life was like for children back then and immerse in period experiences, including household responsibilities, schooling, farm work and community life.
The authentic voices of the Wabanaki people are at the center of learning at the Abbe Museum, where students can explore more than 12,000 years of Indigenous culture, history, resilience and innovation. School visits can be tailored with specialized programs for age-specific learning. Wabanaki storytelling and environmental programs are adaptable for all ages, and students can discover Indigenous perspectives through art, tangible objects and interactive discussions.
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VERMONT
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2027 NORTHEAST FIELD TRIP GUIDE
Photo courtesy of Billings Farm & Museum Facebook
Farm Life, Lake Science and Presidential History
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ith many beautiful landscapes, Vermont turns its forests, waterways, farms and historic communities into unforgettable learning environments. Students can explore Lake Champlain’s ecosystems and engineer solutions to environmental challenges. They can churn butter and investigate livestock on a working farm, or discover the state’s human history in tangible, immersive ways. Examine an entire preserved village and the setting for an extraordinary presidential inauguration at Plymouth Notch and learn about President Calvin Coolidge. Field trips to Vermont encourage students to connect places and people to deepen their understanding of how natural landscapes influence people’s lives, communities and history.
Raptors, forests and elevated trails create an immersive 47-acre outdoor classroom, featuring nature paths, a Forest Canopy Walk and 17 raptor enclosures. Kids get hands-on making butter at Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock, VT.
Photo courtesy of Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) Facebook
Photo courtesy of ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain Facebook
Photo courtesy of Billings Farm & Museum Facebook
VERMONT
Discover Vermont’s agricultural side at Billings Farm & Museum.
Students build wind-powered vehicles using engineering-design processes at ECHO.
Fascinating up-close science lessons await young learners at VINS.
BILLINGS FARM & MUSEUM
ECHO, LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN (BURLINGTON)
VERMONT INSTITUTE OF NATURAL SCIENCE AND NATURE CENTER
(WOODSTOCK)
Get ready for a fully interactive experience, where grades pre-K through high school can get busy with their hands for immersive discovery. When you visit Billings Farm & Museum, students don’t just meet the animals; they also learn the history behind farming practices and tools from the 19th century. Programs can be specialized to accommodate K-3 and 4-6, with customizable high school programs. Guided tours can focus on aspects of farming, where students rotate between interactive learning stations to explore animal life cycles, meet Jersey cows, visit Southdown sheep, churn butter and try traditional wool crafts.
The ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain offers half-day and full-day field trips for students in grades pre-K-12 to explore the region’s wildlife, ecology and environmental challenges related to the Lake Champlain Basin. Live animal encounters, engineering challenges and hands-on exhibits help students make connections to natural science and STEM subjects for active learning. K-12 student groups can add NGSS-connected, 50-minute programs designed to specific grades. Engineering challenges span K-12 where students can build wind-powered and safety transport vehicles using engineering-design processes.
(QUECHEE)
At the VINS Nature Center, raptors, forests, and elevated trails create an immersive 47-acre outdoor classroom, featuring nature paths, a Forest Canopy Walk, 17 raptor enclosures, and incredible natural scenery. Programs bring students up close to STEM and ecology subjects through hands-on discovery, observation and animal encounters. Glimpse live birds, explore dinosaurs, and investigate natural habitats.
FIND MORE VERMONT FIELD TRIPS 2027 NORTHEAST FIELD TRIP GUIDE
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NEW HAMPSHIRE
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2027 NORTHEAST FIELD TRIP GUIDE
Photo courtesy of Wright Museum of WWII Facebook
Shakers, Revolutionaries and Wild New England
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ich in New England heritage, New Hampshire invites students to explore American history in ways that inspire curiosity and appreciation from many perspectives. They can wander through historic buildings and examine vast art collections to deepen their understanding of religious movements, early American history and recent formative periods. Discover how faith influenced innovation, investigate WWII events through objects and artifacts, and become scientists in outdoor laboratories, where native wildlife, habitats and ecology converge in memorable ways. Other educational opportunities give students a look into the natural world and equip them with tools to continue investigating phenomena within the sciences.
Indoor and outdoor experiences bring students up close with living creatures, including along the Live Animal Exhibit Trail, enveloping them in natural settings designed to encourage active learning. M7 Snow Tractor and M4A1E8 Sherman Tank on display at the Wright Museum of WWII.
Photo courtesy of American Independence Museum Facebook
Photo courtesy of Canterbury Shaker Village Facebook
Photo courtesy of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center Facebook
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Canterbury Shaker Village’s new Bee House is now open and ready for discovery.
Middle School Sustainability and Action Summit at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center.
History comes to life at the American Independence Center in Exeter.
CANTERBURY SHAKER VILLAGE
SQUAM LAKES NATURAL SCIENCE CENTER (HOLDERNESS)
AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE CENTER (EXETER)
(CANTERBURY)
Students can learn about a unique Christian religious sect at the Canterbury Shaker Village, a remarkably preserved Shaker community revealing more than 200 years of history. The Village preserves a campus of historic buildings and artifacts that act as a snapshot of the Shakers in New Hampshire. Two-hour field trips immerse groups in Shaker life through collections of artifacts, manuscripts and other cultural material, with hands-on, Shaker-inspired activities. The Village offers a living-history setting with lessons on the religious group’s life and its impact on the surrounding community, technology and agricultural practices of the time.
The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center offers numerous programs for students to strengthen interest in ecology, the natural world and environmental sciences. SLNSC programs align with the NGSS, and visits encourage students to ask questions about their experiences in nature and to find resources that deepen their understanding. Pre-K-12 programs connect classroom science with animals and ecological systems through hands-on discovery. Indoor and outdoor experiences bring students up close with living creatures, including along the Live Animal Exhibit Trail, enveloping them in natural settings designed to encourage active learning.
Students who visit the American Independence Center, housed in the historic Ladd-Gilman House and Folsom Tavern, can explore the American Revolution through a New Hampshire lens. The museum’s collection holds thousands of Revolutionary-era artifacts, weapons and everyday objects. Tours and educational programs are designed for varied ages, from early elementary through secondary history and civics lessons.
FIND MORE NEW HAMPSHIRE FIELD TRIPS 2027 NORTHEAST FIELD TRIP GUIDE
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NEW YORK
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Photo courtesy of Historic Huguenot Street Facebook
Soulful Music, Immersive History & Inspiring Stories
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ew York boasts some of the most memorable and exciting field trip locations, from the Big Apple and beyond. K-12 student groups can experience interactive music programs that showcase legendary musicians and live performances, while other locations provide up-close learning opportunities with immigration, transit history, colonial-era life and culture. In-depth programming gives educators enriching learning opportunities that align with classroom goals while bringing lessons to life in memorable ways.
Immigration and migration history come to life inside historically recreated Lower East Side apartments and guided tours of the surrounding neighborhood, showcasing immigrant life in the 19th and 20th centuries. A guided tour of Historic Huguenot Street invites students to walk in the path of history.
Photo courtesy of Tenement Museum Facebook
Photo courtesy of Louis Armstrong House Museum Facebook
Photo courtesy of New York Transit Museum Facebook
NEW YORK
Louis Armstrong House Museum trumpet students performing at Mets Stadium.
Explore authentic railcars at the New York Transit Museum.
On the Meet Victoria tour, step into the Confinos’ apartment at the Tenement Museum.
LOUIS ARMSTRONG HOUSE MUSEUM & LOUIS ARMSTRONG CENTER (CORONA, QUEENS)
NEW YORK TRANSIT MUSEUM
TENEMENT MUSEUM
(BROOKLYN)
(NEW YORK CITY)
At the Louis Armstrong House Museum & Louis Armstrong Center, students can explore the life, music and legacy of one of the most iconic jazz musicians in history through tours of Armstrong’s preserved home, recordings and a multimedia experience. K-12 programs include Welcome to Pops’ House, combining a house tour with an interactive presentation by a professional jazz musician. Experience live jazz through Pops is Tops!, designed for K-6 student groups. The Trumpet Learning Program introduces children ages 8-16 to an iconic jazz instrument, helping them build skills and deepen their love of music.
Housed at the historic Court Street subway station in Brooklyn, the New York Transit Museum turns history into an immersive experience. Students can explore the decommissioned subway station and museum exhibits highlighting vintage vehicles, archival materials, photographs and artwork. Grade-specific tours last 60 minutes, incorporating observation, inquiry and hands-on activities. Younger students can explore vintage trains through movement, sensory experiences and stories, while grades 4-12 can investigate engineering and problem-solving. Other educational programs examine public art, transit history, workers, inventors and civil rights.
Immigration and migration history come to life inside historically recreated Lower East Side apartments and guided tours of the surrounding neighborhood, showcasing immigrant life in the 19th and 20th centuries. The Tenement Museum offers specialized one-hour programs for students in grades K-12 using storytelling, educator-led conversations, and immersive activities that connect past residents’ experiences with students’ own lives.
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DISNEY ON BROADWAY D
isney on Broadway is more than showstopping performances and unforgettable songs. Behind the curtain is a world of innovation, artistry, and storytelling that continues to captivate generations of theater fans. Here are 25 details that showcase the magic, from iconic productions to planning tips and memorable extras.
THE LION KING ON BROADWAY
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2027 NORTHEAST FIELD TRIP GUIDE
Photo courtesy of Disney ©
25 Things You Might Not Know About Disney on Broadway
THE LION KING continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Broadway audiences. Now playing at the Minskoff Theatre, the production offers more than spectacle. Under the direction of Julie Taymor, the story unfolds in a way that feels open and shared, inviting audiences to see both the artistry and the people behind it. By bringing puppets and performers together in full view, the show creates an immediate sense of connection. The result is a story that resonates through shared emotion and meaning. 1. The production uses more than 200 puppets to bring the story to life. 2. Since its Broadway premiere, the production has been seen by more than 130 million people across 24 countries and every continent except Antarctica. 3. The opening number, “Circle of Life,” features performers entering through the aisles, immediately immersing the audience in the Pridelands. Disney’s Aladdin brings the beloved story to life with captivating performances, romance and adventure.
SITE INSPECTION
ALADDIN ON BROADWAY
At the historic New Amsterdam Theatre, ALADDIN brings the vibrant city of Agrabah to life in dazzling fashion. Filled with magic, comedy, and heart, this energetic production transforms the beloved tale into a full theatrical celebration, complete with vibrant costumes, bold choreography, and astonishing stage effects. The New Amsterdam itself, a jewel of Art Nouveau design, provides a fittingly grand backdrop for this truly “shining, shimmering, splendid” Broadway favorite. 6. Nearly 350 custom made costumes appear in the show, each designed and built by hand specifically for the Broadway production. 7. ALADDIN performs at the historic New Amsterdam Theatre, once home to the legendary Ziegfeld Follies. 8. The show stopping number “Friend Like Me” is known for its exceptionally fast costume transformations and dazzling stage effects. 9. Each performance relies on a company of more than 180 cast members, musicians, and backstage professionals working together onstage and behind the scenes. 10. Intricate automation and rapid scenic shifts continuously transform the stage, creating a visually stunning world that moves seamlessly from moment to moment.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: A BELOVED CLASSIC ON TOUR
Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST returns to audiences across North America on tour, bringing its timeless romance and breathtaking music to stages nationwide. This reimagined production honors the original while introducing fresh design elements and theatrical magic for today’s audiences. 11. The show features Alan Menken’s Academy Award winning music, including “Belle,” “Gaston,” and “Be Our Guest.”
12. The Broadway stage adaptation expanded the original film’s story and musical world, elements that continue to be featured in the touring production. 13. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST was Disney’s first animated film adapted into a Broadway musical. 14. The Enchanted Objects are brought to life through innovative costume design that combines movement, illusion, and character. 15. The touring production introduces refreshed staging while honoring the heart of the original Broadway production.
Photo courtesy of Disney ©
4. THE LION KING is the highest grossing Broadway musical of all time. 5. Director Julie Taymor became the first woman to win the Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical for THE LION KING.
Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway showcases stunning visuals, music and innovative theatrical design. 2027 NORTHEAST FIELD TRIP GUIDE
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BEYOND THE STAGE: ENRICHING THE THEATER EXPERIENCE
Disney on Broadway extends the experience beyond the curtain through educational workshops, backstage tours, and interactive add ons for students and groups. These offerings invite guests to engage more deeply with the art form and the stories on stage. 16. Disney on Broadway Workshops led by Disney Teaching Artists offer hands on learning inspired by the shows.
PLANNING A GROUP EXPERIENCE: WHAT TO KNOW
17. The Behind the Magic Tour at the historic New Amsterdam Theatre gives groups access to explore Broadway costumes, props, theater architecture, and behind-the-scenes stories from Disney Theatrical Productions. 18. Cast and Crew Talkbacks, facilitated by Disney Theatrical Teaching Artists, allow audiences to ask questions and hear firsthand stories from the stage and backstage. 19. These add on experiences make Broadway more accessible and engaging for students and groups. 20. For many guests, these extras turn a great show into a lasting Disney memory.
The Disney Group Sales team is ready to help you plan a seamless Broadway experience for your group. 21. Broadway’s most beloved titles transport groups into unforgettable worlds of storytelling and imagination. 22. Complimentary holds and group rates are available when booking tickets for groups of 10 or more. 23. Exclusive group pricing and special merchandise offers are designed specifically for group orders. 24. Educational and custom enhancements, including workshops, talkbacks, and the Behind the Magic Tour, can elevate your outing. 25. A dedicated Group Sales team provides support from the initial proposal to the final curtain call.
Photo courtesy of Disney ©
Visit disneygroupsales.com or call 212 703 1040 (or 800-439-9000) to contact a Group Sales Associate and start planning.
Performers bring the magic of Disney’s Aladdin to life on Broadway.
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CONTACT Disney Group Sales 214 West 42nd Street New York, NY 10036 212-703-1040 | 800-439-9000 DisneyGroupSales.com DTG.Group.Sales@disney.com
BRING THE MAGIC TO YOUR GROUP
GROUP RATES AVAILABLE FOR 10 OR MORE
ADD EVEN MORE MAGIC TO YOUR GROUP EXPERIENCE WORKSHOPS
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
It’s time to dive into the exciting world of Disney on Broadway! Become a part of the show as you experience an exclusive and interactive Disney Broadway Workshop.
Education is a vital part of our world at Disney on Broadway. With study guides and more, you can find the educational resources you need to add some magic to your classroom!
STUDY GUIDE PREPARED BY
©Disney
DISNEY THEATRIC AL PRODUCT EDUCATIO N DEPARTM IONS ENT
800-439-9000 • DisneyGroupSales.com Start planning your Disney on Broadway group trip today! ©Disney
MASSACHUSETTS R
Discover Fascinating History, From Witches to the War of 1812 48
2027 NORTHEAST FIELD TRIP GUIDE
Photo courtesy of Tsongas Industrial History Center Facebook
ich with early American history and maritime heritage, Massachusetts is a small state that offers big learning experiences for K-12 student groups. Explore Industrial Revolution sites that highlight America’s growth, step into the roles of orchestra musicians, and discover what life was like for young sailors aboard an authentic warship while tracing events of the War of 1812. Other experiences highlight thought-provoking events in history, including the Salem Witch Trials and the Boston Massacre, through interactive sessions that promote participation and bolster place-based learning.
Students can test their Bill of Rights knowledge and weigh evidence during an interactive Salem Witch Trials experience during 90-minute guided tours that bring history to life. The Engineer It program at Tsongas Industrial History Center invites students to become makers and problem-solvers.
Photo courtesy of Boston Symphony Orchestra Facebook
Photo courtesy of Tsongas Industrial History Center Facebook
Photo courtesy of USS Constitution Museum Facebook
MASSACHUSETTS
The USS Constitution Museum offers students an in-depth look into Massachusetts’ maritime history.
Hands-On History: Weaving & Water Power program gets students active with history at Tsongas.
Youth performers entertain guests during the annual Concert for the City event.
USS CONSTITUTION MUSEUM
TSONGAS INDUSTRIAL HISTORY CENTER (LOWELL)
SYMPHONY HALL & THE BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (BOSTON)
(BOSTON)
STEM, maritime history and civics converge at the USS Constitution Museum in Boston beside “Old Ironsides.” Elementary through high school groups can engage in immersive programming that incorporates interactive exhibits, authentic artifacts and activities that challenge students and encourage them to investigate naval life and the War of 1812. Learn about the daily lives of young sailors in Join the Crew or build and race model vessels during a Built to Win Challenge. Other experiences let students practice negotiation and diplomacy as they construct LEGO ships in Civics at Sea, and take on more advanced lessons with a Ship Design Challenge.
At the Lowell National Historical Park, the Tsongas Industrial History Center offers students a unique glimpse into America’s Industrial Revolution through curriculum-connected, fullday field trip programs. Hands-on opportunities range from weaving on handlooms and assembly line work to testing water wheels and designing a functioning canal system. During River as a Classroom, students move outdoors for ecological observations and water-quality testing. Engineering programs challenge learners to design solutions, while workshops and visits to authentic industrial sites connect classroom lessons to firsthand experiences.
Introduce students to professional orchestra music and performances with the Boston Symphony Orchestra inside historic Symphony Hall. Immersive one-hour Youth Concerts are designed especially for grades 4-6 and connect musical repertoire with conductorled discussions and engaging themes. Grades 8-12 students can attend High School Open Rehearsals, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the rehearsal process.
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METROWEST BOSTON METROWEST BOSTON OFFERS UNIQUE STUDENT PROGRAMS JUST 30 MINUTES FROM THE BIG CITY AT A FRACTION OF THE COST.
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our next STEM- or history-focused field trip should include these hidden gems in MetroWest Boston—a region just 3060 minutes from downtown Boston that offers easy access to unique, experiential learning at economical rates.
HISTORY:
Allow students to get up close and personal with our history, helping them draw meaningful connections to their lives today at:
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Photo courtesy of MetroWest Boston
AMERICAN HERITAGE MUSEUM
(Hudson, MA) - The American Heritage Museum’s extraordinary collection of antique tanks, planes and automobiles are laid out in immersive exhibits that bring both US and world history to life through old newsreels, video interviews, artifacts, and more. Students explore everything from the rise of fascism in Europe and Asia to the treatment of POW’s in the Vietnam War to the heroic efforts of many during 911, and much more. AHM offers limitless connections to the history lessons you are teaching in your classes!
Explore authentic antique war machines through interactive exhibits during a field trip to the American Heritage Museum.
Photo courtesy of MetroWest Boston
SITE INSPECTION (Sturbridge, MA) - The largest living history museum in New England, Old Sturbridge Village brings history to life through costumed historians, restored buildings, a working farm and mills, vast collections, and incredible stories from life in the early 19th century. They also offer seasonal hands-on workshops where students try authentic 19th-century activities. From cooking over a hearth to weaving on a loom to writing with quill pens, these tactile experiences forge a tangible connection between past and present.
Hands-on experiences at Old Sturbridge Village.
FRAMINGHAM HISTORY CENTER
STEM:
(Framingham, MA) - The Framingham History Center provides exhibition group tours, guided walking tours and behind-the-scenes collections access for students to explore documents and artifacts of enormous importance in American history. This includes John Hancock’s signature, two of only four suffragette pins in existence, tune books from the American Revolution, Civil War-era slavery documents, Indigenous artifacts, and more.
Explore these hands-on learning opportunities that inspire curiosity, innovation and critical thinking:
CHRISTA MCAULIFFE CENTER
(Framingham, MA) - The Christa McAuliffe Center at Framingham State University is an interactive hub that immerses students
Students of all ages can run a space mission in the McAuliffe Center’s Challenger Learning Center.
(Sudbury, MA) - Groups can take selfguided tours of Longfellow’s Wayside Inn grounds, historic buildings and museum exhibits highlighting over three centuries of history at the oldest inn in America. With prior arrangement, students can also examine pieces from the inn’s archives, and receive a history talk from the innkeeper over lunch in the preserved dining room.
Photo courtesy of MetroWest Boston
LONGFELLOW’S WAYSIDE INN
Photo courtesy of MetroWest Boston
OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE
Live animal encounters at Southwick’s Zoo in the wonders of space, astronomy and environmental science. With a cutting-edge planetarium and collaborative Challenger Learning Center simulation lab, students can take on mission challenges—like launching a spacecraft to Mars and back—that inspire critical thinking and teamwork.
ECOTARIUM
(Worcester, MA) - At the EcoTarium, science and nature meet for a day of exploration and discovery! With engaging planetarium shows, hands-on exhibits, and live animal habitats, students can explore the natural world in fun, educational ways. The museum’s group programs, lectures, and scenic nature trails make it an ideal destination for those looking to dive deeper into scientific concepts, from the environment to astrophysics. 2027 NORTHEAST FIELD TRIP GUIDE
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SOUTHWICK’S ZOO
(Mendon, MA) - From keeper talks to animal encounters to hands-on activities, students explore animal conservation, ecosystems and zookeeping through the EARTH Discovery Center educational programs at the largest zoo in New England—Southwick’s Zoo.
NATIVE PLANT TRUST’S GARDEN IN THE WOODS
(Framingham, MA) - The Garden’s tours and educational programs promote awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the botanical and natural world through experiential and inquiry-based learning, taught by experienced Teacher Naturalists.
MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY’S GARDEN AT ELM BANK
with many schools’ Science and Technology, Engineering, and Next Generation Science curriculum standards, as well as specific Girl and Boy Scout programs about plants, animals, ecosystems and more.
DAVE & BUSTER’S PLAY ACADEMY
(Natick, MA) - Dave & Buster’s Play Academy is a STEAM-accredited, educator backed, student approved way to take field trips to the next level and show kids that serious learning can be seriously fun! Topics include Strategy, Health, Finance and Physics for Grades 4-12.
BROADMOOR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
(Natick, MA) - With wetlands, meadows and woodlands, Broadmoor is a 624-acre living classroom for students to engage with ecology, conservation and environmental science. Hands-on group programs and guided field studies offer learning about wildlife habitats, climate change and water conservation while hiking the sanctuary’s scenic trails.
START PLANNING TODAY
Don’t hesitate to reach out to the MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau for assistance in planning your next student itinerary, including STEM, history, performing arts, outdoor rec, and just plain fun! For additional educational opportunities, activities, and student-friendly lodging, please visit www.metrowestvisitors. org/agents
NEW ENGLAND BOTANIC GARDEN AT TOWER HILL (Boylston, MA) - Tower Hill offers guided educational tours of the garden that align
Photo courtesy of MetroWest Boston
(Wellesley, MA) - All programs at the Garden at Elm Bank focus on plants and horticulture as a way to learn about the world around us.
Hands-on lessons on Plant Parts and Functions, Weather and Climate, Soil Ecosystems and Decomposition, Pollination, and Botanical Art fully explore ideas in a fun way. Girl Scout troops can also earn badges during a 90-minute session on gardening, bugs, trail hikes, ecosystems, and native plants and animals.
Teacher Naturalists at Garden in the Woods help students explore botany through hands-on learning. 52
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CONTACT MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau Stacey David, Executive Director sdavid@metrowestvisitors.org (508) 434-4433 www.metrowestvisitors.org
SALEM WITCH MUSEUM
Discover authentic artifacts, antique books on witchcraft and pop culture references
T
he Salem Witch Museum in Massachusetts is proud to announce the unveiling of several new artifacts in the exhibit Witches: Evolving Perceptions. These unique objects join a number of fascinating displays in this exhibit dedicated to the long and dark history of the witch.
Magical History Through Extraordinary Exhibits 54
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Photo courtesy of Salem Witch Museum
NEW EXHIBIT ARTIFACTS
Among these are four rare books published during the witch trials period. These include a 1600 edition of Heinrich Kramer’s infamous Malleus Maleficarum (“The Hammer of Witches”), a 1586 edition of Johann Weyer’s De Praestigiis Daemonum, a 1729 edition of The Secrets of the Invisible World Disclos’d written by Daniel Defoe (author of Robinson Crusoe), and a 1796 edition of Robert Calef’s famous condemnation of the Salem witch trials More Wonders of the Invisible World. Each of these books offers an important perspective on the early modern belief in witchcraft, ranging from the notorious Malleus Maleficarum, a witch hunter’s manual second only to the Bible in terms of sales for nearly two centuries, to De Praestigiis Daemonum considered to be the first notable book to openly criticize the witch persecutions in Europe. The exhibit also includes several objects relating to the Salem witch trials of 1692. These include a signed 1650 edition of A Large and Complete Concordance to the Bible owned by
Explore rare books and witchcraft relics to learn about the dark time in American history.
Photo courtesy of Salem Witch Museum
Start with...
Salem’s Most
Visited Museum
Malleus Maleficarum (“The Hammer of Witches”) 1586 rare edition is on display in the Witches: Evolving Perceptions exhibit. witch trials Judge Samuel Sewall as well as a number of artifacts discovered on the property once owned by Elizabeth and James How. Elizabeth How was one of the 19 innocent people hanged during the Salem witch trials. While the recovery of seventeenth century artifacts is always remarkable, the discovery of items connected to a victim of the Salem witch trials is exceedingly rare. Only a handful of personal items from the individuals executed during this witch hunt have been preserved over the generations. Items now on display at the Salem Witch Museum include a clay pipe, a pewter spoon, a glass bottle neck, pewter buttons, a buckle, and shards of glass (likely from a window). Have you ever wondered why witches fly on broomsticks in pop culture? Or if anyone was burned at the stake during the Salem witch trials? And just how old is the famous magician’s spell “Abracadabra?” At the Salem Witch Museum, visitors of all ages are immersed in this fascinating and important history. The exhibits explore the Salem witch trials of 1692, the European witch hunts, the evolving image of the witch, and the enduring relevance of these events in the modern day. For more information, visit our website www.salemwitchmuseum.com CONTACT Merry Ward, Director of Sales merryw@salemwitchmuseum.com Rachel Christ-Doane, Director of Education rachelc@salemwitchmuseum.com www.salemwitchmuseum.com
On Historic Salem Common • Open Year Round 19 1/2 Washington Square North • Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Scan Me ®
Take the
or ride the Salem Ferry. Visit our Museum store onsite & online!
978.744.1692 • salemwitchmuseum.org 2027 2026 NORTHEAST NORTHEAST FIELD FIELD TRIP TRIP GUIDE GUIDE
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REAL PIRATES SALEM A
An extraordinary museum that captivates groups with authentic artifacts and pirate history
hoy there! Are you looking for a new “field trip” for your organization this year? Real Pirates Salem is a very unique museum in historic downtown Salem, MA:
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Photo courtesy of Real Pirates Salem
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Located at 285 Derby Street on historic Charlotte Forten Park, the museum is one of the top-rated Google and TripAdvisorrated exhibits (over 2,000 5 star reviews). • Awarded Best New Massachusetts Attraction by Yankee Magazine (2023); TripAdvisor’s Travelers Choice Award and many others. • The shipwreck’s story has been featured most recently on Discovery Channel’s “Expedition Unknown” and History Channel’s “Beyond Oak Island.” • Open year-round, the primary website for further details is www.realpiratessalem. com. This is one of only two places where you can see the world’s only fully authenticated pirate’s treasure from the Whydah Gally, which sank off of the coast of Cape Cod in 1717. The museum addresses three topics: • The relationship between piracy, slavery and the oppression of the 1700s. • The trials and tribulations of pirate Captain Black Sam Bellamy (as reported by Forbes, the highest earning pirate of all Groups can glimpse pirate treasure recovered from the depths of the ocean for unique history.
Photo courtesy of Real Pirates Salem
One-of-a-kind exhibits bring pirate history and culture to life.
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time) and his beloved Maria Hallett, otherwise known as the “Witch of Wellfleet.” The science behind the underwater recovery efforts of the Whydah’s artifacts by famed explorer Barry Clifford. Guests see and touch real pirate treasure and artifacts pulled from the sea bottom, hearing all of the stories that led to their recovery. Onsite and Offsite Student Experiences General Admission Tickets - discounted, non-docented visits - our lowest cost per person. Admission includes complimentary pirate tattoo and two photo experiences. (Average visit: 45-60 minutes) Directors Tours - fully docented tours through the museum (Average visit: 60-90 minutes). Includes complimentary tattoo, photo experiences and a museum gift shop discount. Private Evening Events - for groups of 20 or more, evening museum rentals for corporate events, birthdays and other celebrations. Events can be theme-based or scripted by you! Offsite “Show and Tell” - at your facility, a museum docent will bring the story of the Whydah to your location with real artifacts.
CONTACT Carolyn Shapiro 508-941-8203 info@realpiratessalem.com RealPiratesSalem.com 2027 2026 NORTHEAST NORTHEAST FIELD FIELD TRIP TRIP GUIDE GUIDE
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THE HOUSE OF THE SEVEN GABLES
B
Maritime, Literary and Local History 58
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Photo courtesy of The House of Seven Gables
uilt for Captain John Turner and his family in 1668 and expanded over the course of the 17th and 18th centuries, the TurnerIngersoll Mansion is an iconic example of early American architecture. It owes its fame, however, to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel, The House of the Seven Gables. Hawthorne’s cousin, Susanna Ingersoll, owned the home for much of the 19th century, and the author drew inspiration from her stories of old Salem and the house’s history. By the 1890s, literary tourists had begun to visit the property on a regular basis. In 1908, activist Caroline O. Emmerton purchased the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion with the intention of establishing both a museum and a Settlement House. Emmerton, heir to a shipping and railroading fortune, came from a long tradition of social service. Upon learning about the difficulties of recent immigrants living in Salem’s Derby Street neighborhood, Emmerton determined to help. Using the mansion as her headquarters, she organized The House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association in 1910. Emmerton, working with historic architect Joseph Everett Chandler, restored the exterior of the house to its 18th-century appearance. They decorated and furnished the interior to reflect the space Hawthorne had seen, as well as to suggest fictional spaces from his novel. Emmerton’s vision was unique in all the world—
Photo courtesy of The House of Seven Gables
Students learn about literary history firsthand. she opened the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion to the public as a historic house museum, with proceeds from admissions and souvenir sales supporting her organization’s Settlement work. Today, The House of the Seven Gables continues to carry out Caroline Emmerton’s vision through offering daily Mansion Tours and free ESL and Citizenship classes for our immigrant neighbors. We host approximately 100,000 visitors per year, sharing the legacy of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Salem’s maritime history, the stories of individuals who were enslaved on the site, the Indigenous presence in the area, and both the historical and present-day immigrant experiences in America. On a field trip to The House of the Seven Gables, students will gain a deeper understanding of Salem-born Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Salem’s social and maritime history. Online educator resources help teachers connect classroom learning with firsthand knowledge of social studies, history, literature, and environmental science.
Contact 7Gables.org | 978-744-0991 | info@7gables.org
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RHODE ISLAN ISLAND
B
Discover Living History, Outer Space & the Gilded Age 60
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Photo courtesy of Museum of Natural History and Planetarium Facebook
ig adventures await student groups in Rhode Island. Unique learning experiences offer hands-on activities like interactive astronaut training, up-close fossil examinations, cosmic dome shows and roleplaying in living history settings. Educational tours provide immersion into American and state history, Gilded Age culture, the Industrial Revolution, Earth science and space exploration for diverse academic options that bring learning to life. K-12 student programs encourage participation and collaboration through interactive workshops that strengthen problemsolving skills, teamwork and educational impact.
Guided tours bring to life the stories of mill workers and immigrant families as groups investigate industrialization, labor and the search for a better way of life. Hands-on science and space exhibits at the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium.
Photo courtesy of The Newport Mansions Facebook
Photo courtesy of Museum of Work and Culture Facebook
Photo courtesy of Coggeshall Farm Museum Facebook
RHODE ISLAND
Interactive field trips to Coggeshall Farm Museum.
Fascinating exhibits wow students at the Museum of Work and Culture.
The Breakers Newport Mansion dazzles with Gilded Age authenticity.
COGGESHALL FARM MUSEUM
MUSEUM OF WORK AND CULTURE
THE NEWPORT MANSIONS
(BRISTOL)
(WOONSOCKET)
(NEWPORT)
Step into a living history classroom at Coggeshall Farm Museum, a 48-acre salt marsh farm showcasing 18th-century Rhode Island heritage with historic buildings, heritage-breed animals and heirloom plants. Interactive learning stations allow students to rotate between hands-on experiences like tackling seasonal chores, playing colonial games, hiking through natural habitats, meeting farm animals, sawing wood and exploring historic farm skills. Grade-specific programs delve into citizenship, ecology and the experiences of Indigenous people, enslaved residents and settlers through objects, stories and interactive opportunities.
An immersive journey into Rhode Island’s industrial past awaits at the Museum of Work and Culture. Explore immersive recreations of a 19th-century farmhouse, immigrant home, bustling textile mill floor, parochial classroom and union hall. Guided tours bring to life the stories of mill workers and immigrant families as groups investigate industrialization, labor and the search for a better way of life. Students can participate in hands-on activities that make them part of the story: act as historians and examine an immigrant family’s belongings, compete as rival companies on an assembly line or negotiate opposing sides of a labor dispute.
The Newport Mansions bring the opulent world of the Gilded Age into clear focus. These spectacular summer “cottages” were built for some of America’s wealthiest families, and groups can explore properties that connect the past to the present. Kid-focused tours incorporate characters and sound effects for immersive storytelling, while self-guided audio tours offer insight into the people, craftsmanship, and lifestyle behind the incredible homes.
FIND MORE RHODE ISLAND FIELD TRIPS 2027 NORTHEAST FIELD TRIP GUIDE
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CONNECTICUT
C
Science, Innovation and Indigenous Stories 62
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Photo courtesy of New England Air Museum Facebook
onnecticut offers student groups an impressive mix of curriculum-focused experiences that make learning active and memorable. Explore hands-on STEM exhibits, learn the principles of flight and take on engineering challenges at renowned institutes. Discover incredible works of art, explore Indigenous history and contemporary Native cultures, and inspire curiosity through inquirybased interactive experiences. Reconstructed settings offer groups opportunities to interact with history and culture through hands-on activities and authentic artifacts, helping students connect classroom learning to firsthand experiences.
Uncover Indigenous perspectives on colonization, resilience and identity through inquiry and art interpretation. The New England Air Museum invites pre-K-12 students to explore aviation up close.
Photo courtesy of Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center Facebook
Photo courtesy of New England Air Museum Facebook
Photo courtesy of Connecticut Science Center Facebook
CONNECTICUT
Interactive STEM experiences at the Connecticut Science Center make for memorable learning.
Climb aboard authentic aircraft for immersive exploration at the New England Air Museum.
Corn-husk doll-making at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center.
CONNECTICUT SCIENCE CENTER
NEW ENGLAND AIR MUSEUM
(HARTFORD)
(WINDSOR LOCKS)
MASHANTUCKET PEQUOT MUSEUM & RESEARCH CENTER
At the Connecticut Science Center, students can observe, touch, test and manipulate science through more than 165 hands-on exhibits. Spanning engineering, space, physics, health and the natural world, groups can experiment, investigate and challenge themselves in meaningful ways. Learn about forces and motion, take on building challenges for problemsolving opportunities and investigate real-world phenomena. Deepen the field trip experience with NGSS-aligned Discover Center Labs, where participants conduct facilitated scientific investigations or enter a lush tropical greenhouse for up-close encounters with butterflies.
Aerospace, innovation and engineering are on full display at the New England Air Museum, featuring historic aircraft and authentic artifacts. Pre-K through grade 12 students can engage in programs designed to bring aviation history and inquiry-driven STEM lessons together. Young students can experiment with flight and gravity by building and launching machines and deploying parachutes. Grades 3-8 can investigate lift, thrust, weight and drag by designing and test-flying straw gliders. Guided tours enhance trips for grades 3-12 and trace centuries of New England innovation and aviation history, from early aircraft to space exploration.
(MASHANTUCKET)
Explore 20,000 years of Native history in Mashantucket. Students connect with the past through Indigenous storytelling, demonstrations and authentic sights in a recreated 16th-century Pequot village. Educator-led experiences provide deeper insights and encourage inquiry and cultural understanding. Hands-on archaeology activities let students examine three different periods of Pequot history and interpret artifacts.
FIND MORE CONNECTICUT FIELD TRIPS 2027 NORTHEAST FIELD TRIP GUIDE
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PENNSYLVANIA PENNSYLVAN T
Rails, Industry and Living History 64
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Photo courtesy of Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm Facebook
hroughout Pennsylvania, students encounter history in motion through railroad experiences and with handson activities that encourage inquiry and collaboration. In Washington and Strasburg, working trolleys and historic locomotives reveal how transportation transformed communities, technology and commerce in authentic settings. Pittsburgh’s Heinz History Center offers groups interactive exhibits that examine immigration, industry, invention, sports and regional culture. Immerse students in Pennsylvania’s agricultural heritage at a historical farm that brings the past to life through traditional farming skills and hands-on activities like churning butter and making bread from scratch.
Six floors of interactive exhibits, artifacts and remarkable Western Pennsylvania history transform ordinary field trips into memorable learning journeys. Immerse your students in farm life through hands-on activities at Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm.
Photo courtesy of John Heinz History Center Facebook
Photo courtesy of Pennsylvania Trolley Museum Facebook
Photo courtesy of Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania Facebook
PENNSYLVANIA
Get hands-on at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.
Students can become junior conductors at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum.
RAILROAD MUSEUM OF PENNSYLVANIA (STRASBURG)
PENNSYLVANIA TROLLEY MUSEUM
All aboard enormous locomotives and historic railcars for immersive history lessons at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, where transportation history meets engineering and technology through hands-on discovery. Curriculum-focused programs use artifacts, vintage vehicles and primary sources to connect railroading to math, history, science and economics. Young students can explore a recreated 1915 train station and build a model railroad track. Older groups are encouraged to investigate the ingenuity and tools used by railroad workers, while high schoolers can compare diesel, electric and steam engines.
(WASHINGTON)
Discover history in motion at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum for an unforgettable learning experience riding aboard a historic streetcar. Field trips incorporate a guided exploration of the Trolley Display Building, an exciting ride along the museum railway, and interactive exhibits that showcase how electric transit transformed everyday life, including communities and technology. Students in pre-K through high school can explore the 21,000-square-foot Welcome and Education Center for hands-on discovery, with programs aligned with Pennsylvania academic standards.
Planet Ice: Mysteries of the Ice Ages, a new exhibition at Pittsburgh’s John Heinz History Center.
SENATOR JOHN HEINZ HISTORY CENTER (PITTSBURGH)
Six floors of interactive exhibits, artifacts and remarkable Western Pennsylvania history transform ordinary field trips into memorable learning journeys at the Heinz Center. Students in pre-K through high school can explore Pittsburgh’s evolution from the frontier settlement to becoming an industrial and innovation powerhouse. Students can uncover Underground Railroad history, examine inventions, explore immigration and more.
FIND MORE PENNSYLVANIA FIELD TRIPS 2027 NORTHEAST FIELD TRIP GUIDE
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DESTINATION GETTYSBURG TTYSBURG DAY 1: ARRIVAL & ORIENTATION
History Comes to Life Around Every Corner 66
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Photo courtesy of Destination Gettysburg
MORNING ARRIVAL: 11:00 AM: Arrive in Gettysburg. LUNCH: Enjoy lunch at The Farmhouse at the Barn. AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM • Visit the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center and enjoy a unique film experience and the Cyclorama painting, an immersive history lesson, along with intriguing museum exhibits to tie together lessons. • After your museum visit, enjoy a two-hour battlefield tour led by a licensed battlefield tour guide for a firsthand look at the hallowed grounds. CHECK-IN: 4:30 PM hotel check-in. DINNER: 6:30 PM at the Dobbin House Tavern. EVENING: Enjoy an Evening with the Painting (GNMPVC Cyclorama Program), an “after-hours” program exclusively designed to give visitors a close-up look at the historic rendition painting of “Pickett’s Charge” featured in the Cyclorama.
DAY 2: IN-DEPTH EXPLORATION
BREAKFAST: 7:00 – 8:00 AM breakfast at the hotel. MORNING ACTIVITIES: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM • Visit the Seminary Ridge Museum and enjoy a Cupola Tour that affords a 360-degree, unparalleled view of the battlefield. Three floors of exhibits showcase captivating war artifacts to explore with student Explore Gettysburg during a thought-provoking and interactive tour led by knowledgable guides for in-depth learning.
Photo courtesy of Destination Gettysburg
ITINERARY unique glimpse into the historic battle. DINNER: 6:00 PM at Appalachian Brewing Company – Battlefield location. EVENING: Enjoy a thrilling nighttime ghost tour of Gettysburg and hear chilling tales based on eye-witness accounts of alleged hauntings. Led by period-dressed tour guides equipped with candle lanterns, this experience sheds light on an enigmatic aspect of Gettysburg.
Jennie Wade House.
DAY 3: DIVERSE EXPERIENCES & DEPARTURE BREAKFAST/CHECK-OUT: 7:00 – 8:00 AM
Photo courtesy of Destination Gettysburg
programming available for all ages. •E xplore the Jennie Wade House and learn about a heroic martyr and what life was like for her, her family and others during the Civil War. • Tour the Shriver House Museum and glimpse preserved bullet holes and original artifacts while listening to intriguing and harrowing stories of survival and perseverance from costumed interpreters. LUNCH: 12:30 – 1:45 PM at Hickory Bridge Farm. AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES: 2:00 – 5:00 PM •E xplore the Eisenhower National Historic Site, once a prominent weekend retreat for President Eisenhower and a meeting place for world leaders. • Take a guided walking tour of the town of Gettysburg and hear the stories of those who lived and worked there, and the aftermath of war. • Visit the Gettysburg Heritage Center for engaging history lessons and interactive learning experiences. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the Battle of Gettysburg from two perspectives—the civilians and the soldiers—offering a
breakfast at the hotel, followed by check out. FINAL MORNING EXPERIENCES: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM •L and of Little Horses – Explore the 100acre interactive animal theme park and farm and enjoy pony rides, wagon rides and train excursions. Educational shows and animal performances provide a fun environment that engages students and creates a memorable experience. •W WII American Experience Museum – Discover WWII through authentic battle vehicles, soldiers’ uniforms and artifacts that tell the story of the world’s most
Guided battlefield tours immerse students in the historic events that took place. 2027 NORTHEAST FIELD TRIP GUIDE
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Photo courtesy of Destination Gettysburg
Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center.
significant conflict of the 20th century. •H ollabaugh’s Orchard (seasonal) OR Fields of Adventure (seasonal) – Seasonal activities include U-Pick opportunities, hayrides, a zip line, a petting zoo, and corn mazes. LUNCH: 12:30 PM boxed lunch aboard the Gettysburg Excursion Railway during a scenic, narrated train ride through the picturesque landscape. The 1950s-era Budd-built cars were transformed into luxury passenger coaches, where riders can sit back, relax and listen to stories as the
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train passes the battlefield, the Eternal Peace Light Memorial and through the open countryside. AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES: 2:15 PM at Daniel Lady Farm – This Civil War field hospital, coupled with immersive programming, helps students understand the difficulties faced on the battlefield and how the wounded were cared for during wartime. AFTERNOON DEPARTURE: 3:45 PM departure for home.
CONTACT Director of Sales Sandy Stewart sandy@destinationgettysburg.com 717-338-3062 www.DestinationGettysburg.com
nspired learning IN
GETTYSBURG!
Gettysburg, a town whose very name speaks to the American story. Allow your students to experience one of the most dramatic turning points in our country’s history — and gain a firsthand insight into this pivotal chapter of our nation’s journey.
Immerse your students in living history!
DestinationGettysburg.com
LEARN MORE
MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN E REVOLUTION Pivotal History Through Captivating Exhibits 70
2027 NORTHEAST FIELD TRIP GUIDE
Photo courtesy of Museum of the American Revolution
njoy a journey through the remarkable story of America’s founding and gain a deeper understanding of the diverse people and ideals that gave birth to the nation at the Museum of the American Revolution. Through the Museum’s unmatched collection, immersive galleries and powerful theater experiences, visitors gain a greater appreciation for how this nation came to be and feel inspired to consider their role in ensuring that the promise of the American Revolution endures. Located just steps away from Independence Hall, the Museum serves as a portal to the region’s many Revolutionary sites, sparking interest, providing context and encouraging exploration.
ENGROSSING EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES
The American Revolution was dramatic, gritty and full of uncertainty — it was anything but dry and inevitable. During their visit, students and educators are invited to explore this rich and complicated era — and its connections to our world today. Through hands-on encounters with objects, documents and stories, students will experience the Revolution through the lens of real people of the Revolutionary era.
Explore early American history with engaging interactive displays that immerse students in historical lessons.
Students explore a map of Trenton at the American Revolution Museum, discovering the history and strategy behind a pivotal Revolutionary War battle. As they visit select galleries, students will consider questions such as: • Who are the people of the Revolution? • How did people become Revolutionaries? • What was it like to live during the Revolution? •H ow did the Revolution survive its darkest hour? • How revolutionary was the war? • What kind of nation did the Revolution create? Through immersive exhibits, middle and high school students will learn about the early stages of colonists’ life and rebellion and get first-hand accounts from enslaved and free people of color to colonists and loyalists.
authentic printings of the Declaration of Independence. •O neida Nation Gallery: Stand among lifesize replicas of members of the Oneida Indian Nation and listen to the intense debate that led to their decision to break with the Iroquois Confederacy and join the American cause. •B attle of Brandywine Theater: Experience the fear and frenzy of the front lines as you are confronted by an all-out British infantry charge at the Battle of Brandywine. •T he War at Sea Gallery: Climb aboard a replica privateer ship to experience the war at sea. A favorite of kids of all ages! •F inding Freedom Digital Interactive: Learn about the wartime reality that faced many freed and enslaved African Americans through interactive storytelling and explore the contradictions between the fight for American liberty and the persistence of American slavery. •T he Revolution’s Veterans: Come face to face with the men, women, and children of the nation’s first Greatest Generation, many of whom lived into the age of photography.
GALLERY HIGHLIGHTS
•W ashington’s War Tent film: Follow General Washington’s remarkable journey and sit in the presence of his original Revolutionary War headquarters tent. •B oston’s Liberty Tree: Stand beneath the branches and lanterns of a life-size reproduction of the Boston Liberty Tree. • I ndependence Gallery: Read the list of grievances leveled against the King from
CONTACT Museum of the American Revolution Group Sales 267-579-3623 groups@amrevmuseum.org
Photo courtesy of Museum of the American Revolution
SITE INSPECTION
Learn about the American Revolution and more through fascinating exhibits that tell the story of America’s birth. 2027 NORTHEAST FIELD TRIP GUIDE
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Not the Same Old Same Olde.
The American Revolution was dramatic, gritty, and full of uncertainty — it was anything but dry and inevitable. Explore this rich and complicated era — and its connections to our world today.
In-Museum and Distance Learning Programs Available. Find free resources for your classroom at AmRevMuseum.org/Educators
BOOK YOUR VISIT TODAY!
GROUPS@AMREVMUSEUM.ORG
AMREVMUSEUM.ORG
THE ONLY MUSEUM DEDICATED TO THE
U.S. CONSTITUTION
BOOK YOUR GRO UP EXPERIEN CE TODAY! For more information, contact groupsales@constitutioncenter.org or call 215-409-6800.
LOCATED IN HISTORIC PHILADELPHIA
NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER
T
he National Constitution Center in Philadelphia stands as one of the most compelling and inspiring destinations for anyone interested in the American story. Located just steps from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, the Center is more than a museum; it’s a vibrant hub of history, education and civic dialogue that brings the U.S. Constitution to life for visitors of all ages. Below are some of the most memorable artifacts and experiences you can explore in our exhibits.
1.) CIVIL WAR AND RECONSTRUCTION: THE BATTLE FOR FREEDOM AND EQUALITY
Top 7 Exhibits and Experiences for Students 74
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Photo courtesy of Jason E. Miczek
Students can learn about the story and significance of the new flag Abraham Lincoln raised at Independence Hall on February 22, 1821, when he stopped in Philadelphia while traveling to his inauguration. Listen to recordings of formerly enslaved people recorded during the Great Depression by the Works Progress Administration to preserve their life stories. Gain insight into the experiences and hardships African Americans faced before and after emancipation, such as Laura Smalley’s account of her liberation on June 19, 1865.
2.) THE 19TH AMENDMENT: HOW WOMEN WON THE VOTE
Decades before the 19th Amendment passed, American women fought for the right to vote. Groups can inspect ballot boxes from the period, discover where and when suffragists waged these battles, and learn about their victories.
Interactive exhibits bring the Constitution to life for visitors of all ages at the National Constitution Center.
SITE INSPECTION Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. Dart organized and petitioned for the ADA’s passage and sat beside President George H.W. Bush as he signed it on July 26, 1990, continuing the ongoing pursuit of equal rights.
students can explore all five First Amendment freedoms—religion, speech, assembly, press and petition.
7.) KENNETH GRIFFIN GREAT HALL OVERLOOK
Look up and find your state’s flag or choose a new favorite design on the Overlook, where colorful flags representing the 56 states and territories of the United States are displayed. The Center’s Fun with Flags Challenge offers students opportunities to uncover the stories behind the flags and details about American identity, history and geography.
5.) AMERICA’S FOUNDING
Step into March 3, 1913, and join the women who marched in the Woman Suffrage Procession in Washington, D.C., demanding the right to vote. Try on sashes, carry pro-suffrage banners, and take your photo as part of the procession. Students can also explore an interactive map showing when states extended women’s voting rights.
3.) SIGNER’S HALL
Snap a selfie with iconic signers of the Constitution, such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton, then join the delegates and sign the Constitution – or respectfully abstain, like the three dissenters (Elbridge Gerry, George Mason, and Edmund Randolph) who objected to the proposal. Students can walk among 42 life-size bronze statues representing delegates and are encouraged to consider the disagreements, compromises and decisions behind America’s founding document.
4.) GOVERNING THE NATION
Groups can explore legislative, executive and judicial branches of government through immersive displays. See the wheelchair Justin Dart Jr. used on the day the Americans with
Explore the causes of revolution and the courage of those who broke from Britain. Visitors encounter early acts of protest and can view an original petition to King George III to repeal the Stamp Act and notes from a 1775 meeting of the Second Continental Congress.
6.) THE FIRST AMENDMENT
Discover the story of the famous armband behind the landmark student free speech case, Tinker v. Des Moines. The case began when Mary Beth Tinker and other students wore black armbands to school as a silent protest against the Vietnam War and were suspended for doing so. In 1969, the Supreme Court ruled that neither students nor teachers “shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.” Through historical artifacts and interactive challenges,
CONTACT National Constitution Center Gina Romanelli 215-409-6695 gromanelli@constitutioncenter.org www.constitutioncenter.org
Photo courtesy of Jason E. Miczek
Students sit in the glow of an immersive projection at the National Constitution Center, where a colonial harbor scene brings the nation’s founding era to life.
Students explore the principles of American government through hands-on exhibits at the National Constitution Center. 2027 NORTHEAST FIELD TRIP GUIDE
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TEACHER’S
Travel
GUIDE TO
PENNSYLVANIA
Bring classroom lessons to life across Pennsylvania with student-ready experiences in history, STEM/STEAM, career exploration, the arts, culture and outdoor learning. Inside the Teacher’s Travel Guide to Pennsylvania, educators and trip planners will find expert planning tips, customizable itineraries, feature stories and practical tools for building an impactful student experience.
Click here for the complete Pennsylvania Teacher’s Travel Guide
H
ol at e W or ld er sh ey 's Ch oc
, H er sh ey
Explore by Region Western Pennsylvania
Discover fascinating railroad history, battle stories, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exciting theme parks, expansive outdoor classrooms and career-oriented learning.
Get tys bur g Na tio nal Mil
C a r n e g ie
ita ry Pa rk, Get tys bur g
f N a tu r a Museum o
l H is to r y ,
PARTNERS
Central Pennsylvania Investigate authentic battlefields, presidential history, agriculture and farm tours, Earth science, geology, STEM experiences and sweet attractions.
Eastern Pennsylvania
Examine defining American history, sports-related learning and STEM/STEAM immersions, and explore educational theme park adventures and haunted history tours.
Click here for the complete Pennsylvania Teacher’s Travel Guide
www.studenttravel.pro
P it ts b u r g h
NEW JERSEY
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Photo courtesy of New Jersey State Museum Facebook
Inventors, Revolutionaries and Hands-On Discovery
T
he Garden State is filled with field trip opportunities that put students directly in the footsteps of inventors, farmers, scientists and Revolutionary soldiers. They can engage with innovation, science, technology and experimentation as they learn about groundbreaking ideas that became life-changing inventions. Hands-on activities, like maple sugaring, planting crops and sheep shearing, provide active learning opportunities that connect to social studies, agriculture and science in memorable ways. From art, astronomy, and archaeology to natural history and lessons on the American Revolution, these destinations transform classroom learning into immersive, unforgettable experiences.
Active participation brings students into a turn-ofthe-20th-century farm where seasonal programs immerse learners in real agricultural activities. Out-of-this-world experiences await students at the New Jersey State Museum’s planetarium.
Photo courtesy of New Jersey State Museum Facebook
Photo courtesy of Howell Living History Farm Facebook
Photo courtesy of Thomas Edison National Historical Park Facebook
NEW JERSEY
Thomas Edison National Historical Park invites students to become young inventors.
Children get their hands dirty while learning at the Howell Living History Farm.
Gigantic dinosaurs captivate young learners at the New Jersey State Museum.
THOMAS EDISON NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK (WEST ORANGE)
HOWELL LIVING HISTORY FARM
NEW JERSEY STATE MUSEUM
(LAMBERTVILLE)
(TRENTON)
Explore innovation and invention in one of the world’s earliest industrial research and development facilities at the Thomas Edison National Historical Park. Students are placed in the authentic setting where Edison and his team conducted research, experiments and transformed ideas into life-changing inventions. Guided educational visits connect history with STEM, entrepreneurship and creativity during 60-minute lab tours and a 30-minute handson activity. Grades 4-8 can follow Edison’s engineering process where they invent a product of their own, while high schoolers can compare Victrola phonographs with Edison’s.
Active participation brings students into a turn-of-the-20th-century farm where seasonal programs immerse learners in real agricultural activities. At Howell Living History Farm, programs serve a range of ages, with dedicated Preschool Fridays for groups in pre-K through early elementary school and numerous activities that incorporate NGSS concepts spanning kindergarten through upper elementary grades. Seasonal opportunities include maple sugaring, planting wheat and corn, sheep shearing and caring for farm animals, offering interactive tasks that connect well with elementary science and social studies standards.
Ancient archaeology, dinosaurs, fine art, Garden State history and the universe come to life at the New Jersey State Museum. Field trip experiences are organized for pre-K-1, grades 2-5, grades 6-8 and grades 9-12, allowing educators to choose age-appropriate workshops, planetarium programs and gallery experiences. School groups can explore four floors of impressive galleries, including objects and interactive activities aligned with learning standards.
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DELAWARE
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Photo courtesy of Historic Odessa Foundation Facebook
Colonial Life, Aviation and Stories of Freedom
F
or a small state, Delaware offers field trip experiences that span centuries of history, cultural change and innovation. Step into an 18th-century classroom in Historic Odessa or investigate the lives of enslaved and free people at John Dickinson Plantation. Military aviation history is on full display, where enormous aircraft invite students to explore, discover and learn in authentic settings. Wilmington offers opportunities to connect Delaware’s past with broader American stories of resistance, colonization, civil rights and the fight for freedom, while dedicated student programs encourage active participation through hands-on discovery, inquiry and collaboration for memorable learning.
Historic military aircraft become the classroom when students stand beneath and step aboard authentic machines, immersing them in classroom subjects. Students can actively experience colonial life at Historic Odessa.
Photo courtesy of Air Mobility Command Museum FB
Photo courtesy of John Dickinson Plantation Facebook
Photo courtesy of Historic Odessa Foundation Facebook
DELAWARE
Learn about the risks Freedom Seekers took at Historic Odessa.
Interactive tours immerse students in period history at John Dickinson Plantation.
Challenge your students with a handson flight simulator experience at the Air Mobility Command Museum.
HISTORIC ODESSA FOUNDATION
JOHN DICKINSON PLANTATION
AIR MOBILITY COMMAND MUSEUM
(ODESSA)
(DOVER)
(DOVER)
At Historic Odessa, students can step into the 18th century for a fully immersive experience, where tailored workshops transform preserved homes and landscapes into interactive classrooms for K-12 groups. Students in grades K-2 can join 30-minute workshops, while older visitors can explore more complex issues and experiences. School Days introduce learners to quill pen writing, while the 18th Century Cooking Hearth lets them prepare period recipes. Discover the town’s connections to the Underground Railroad through explorations of routes and hiding places used by local abolitionists.
Educational tours at John Dickinson Plantation take students on a journey through history, where they examine the experiences of the Dickinson family, tenants, free black residents, enslaved people and tradespeople. The K-3 program, Then and Now, compares daily life and colonial childhood with today; Politics and Plantation (grades 3-12) explores Dickinson’s world through the mansion and outbuildings; and A World Apart teaches about free and enslaved Black communities through storytelling and artifacts. Hands-on activities encourage students to examine how historians use primary and secondary evidence to interpret the site.
Historic military aircraft become the classroom when students stand beneath and step aboard authentic machines, immersing them in classroom subjects during a trip to the Air Mobility Command Museum. Learn about the technology, science and stories aviation through exhibits that provide natural connections to STEM, engineering, military history and technology. Take the controls in an interactive flight simulator experience for firsthand learning.
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MARYLAND
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Photo courtesy of Maryland Center for History and Culture FB
Railroads, Living History and Maryland Voices
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xplore American history through immersive student experiences throughout Maryland, where past and present voices tell stories of events that shaped the state and the nation. Educational destinations statewide offer K-12 groups opportunities to immerse themselves in authentic period settings for memorable history, interact with STEM subjects in active learning environments, and discover the past through archaeological discovery and exploration. These locations provide opportunities for students to question, touch and experience history through discussion and participation, shedding light on slavery, civil rights and cultural identity.
Age-differentiated programming allows educators to craft a curriculum-focused field trip that explores the museum’s vast collection and connects state history to broader American stories. Interactive Maryland history awaits students at the Maryland Center for History and Culture.
Photo courtesy of Reginald F. Lewis Museum FB
Photo courtesy of Historic St. Mary’s City Facebook
Photo courtesy of National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation FB
MARYLAND
The B&O No. 147 Thatcher Perkins train at the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation in Baltimore.
History becomes visible and tangible in Historic St. Mary’s City in Maryland.
Thought-provoking exhibits at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum encourage students to explore different perspectives.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF RAILROAD HISTORY & INNOVATION
HISTORIC ST. MARY’S CITY
REGINALD F. LEWIS MUSEUM OF MARYLAND AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY & CULTURE (BALTIMORE)
(BALTIMORE)
Formerly the B&O Railroad Museum, the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation features two centuries of transportation history through hands-on discovery. Standards-aligned programs span pre-K through high school, with carefully selected topics to match age levels. Railroad safety and commerce become immersive lessons for pre-K-2 students, while grades 3-12 can investigate the environmental impacts of railroads and Maryland’s rail history. Middle and high school students can tackle railroad engineering challenges tied to technology and STEM and learn Morse code.
(ST. MARY’S CITY)
Stroll through an incredible outdoor museum where history surrounds students during a tour of Historic St. Mary’s City. Designated a National Historical Landmark, this archaeological site introduces students to 17th-century history through reconstructed buildings and landscapes, with costumed interpreters bringing Maryland’s stories to life. Programs are standards-aligned for pre-K through high school groups and explore a Colonial Town Center, a Woodland Indian Hamlet, plantation and waterfront landscapes. Students can learn firsthand about Indigenous ways of life, trade, religion, colonization and the experiences of enslaved and free people.
Discover more than 300 years of African American Maryland history at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, where stories of creativity, culture, achievement and resilience come into focus. Grades 3-12 can connect to important places, people, events and traditions on the Heritage Tour, while the Paths to Freedom program allows grades 4-12 to examine slavery through free and enslaved Black Marylanders.
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NATIONAL AQUARIUM AQU T
he National Aquarium, located in the heart of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, is home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species in awardwinning exhibits. Just minutes from I-95 and I-83 and within driving distance of other popular student destinations (including Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and New York City), the National Aquarium is an exceptional field trip experience.
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Photo courtesy of National Aquarium
CAPTIVATING EXHIBITS & EXPERIENCES
Student groups visiting the National Aquarium can discover incredible animals and habitats through educational programs and interactive learning opportunities. Immerse your students in our Australia: Wild Extremes exhibit, where groups can explore Australia’s unique animals. Get up close to crocodiles, turtles, lizards, birds and more while walking through a replica of a river gorge in Australia’s Northern Territory. Explore our Upland Tropical Rain Forest, an open-air exhibit that showcases native horticulture, as well as freely roaming birds, poison dart frogs and two-toed sloths for a unique learning experience. With an average temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll feel as though your class is trekking through the humid jungle in this fascinating living exhibit. Explore tropical marine life, vibrant fish and numerous exotic creatures during an educational field trip to the National Aquarium.
SITE INSPECTION
EXCITING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
At the National Aquarium, educators can choose from numerous educational program add-ons to enhance their field trip. Older students can engage in Aquarium Careers programming that focuses on sea turtle and seal rescue, squid dissection labs, marine science experiments and more. Younger learners can join programs like environmental story time and biome explorations. There’s something for every student!
ACCESSIBLE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
The National Aquarium is committed to making learning accessible for all, with various services for guests with special needs, including complimentary wheelchair rentals. Our First Saturday/Sunday events provide leisurely opportunities for those with disabilities to experience the Aquarium 30 minutes before other guests arrive. Audio tours offer guidance for guests with visual impairments by utilizing wireless audio devices. Guests can explore 22 exciting audio learning stations and learn about diverse aquatic and animal life and ecosystems. The 4D Immersion Theater is equipped with closed-captioning (CC) and assistive listening systems (ALS). Guests can pick up CC units and ALS headsets before entering the theater.
Student field trip planners can find the Aquarium’s complete accessibility guide at www.aqua.org/accessibility.
Main Entrance, making the pre- and post-trip transition smoother.
PLAN YOUR AQUARIUM FIELD TRIP
With an array of educational programming, dynamic exhibits and interactive opportunities, a field trip to the National Aquarium in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is an enriching experience for all learners.
LUNCH AT THE AQUARIUM
At the National Aquarium, boxed lunch and meal vouchers are available for field trip groups. For the safety of our animals and guests, outside food and drinks are not permitted in the National Aquarium. However, we offer an array of in-building dining options, including box lunches or food and beverage vouchers for groups of 10 or more guests, plus quick-serve dining in the Pier 3 Cafe near the Main Entrance and the Pier 4 Canteen near Jellies Invasion.
STUDENT GROUP PERKS
The STEM/STEAM-approved National Aquarium has a free chaperone policy for student groups, with one chaperone required for every 10 students and one chaperone permitted for every five children. Note: Each additional chaperone beyond the required amount must purchase a ticket. Registered student groups also have exclusive front-door access for drop-off and pick-up in Gunther Circle at the Aquarium’s
CONTACT National Aquarium Contact Center 410-576-3833 reserve@aqua.org www.aqua.org
Photo courtesy of National Aquarium
Plus, visit our award-winning National Aquarium Harbor Wetland® presented by CFG Bank for an engaging experience tailored for student groups. This free, outdoor exhibit is a re-created salt marsh habitat that mimics those that existed in Baltimore City hundreds of years ago and is an excellent way to learn about the local environment firsthand.
Interact with aquatic species at touch tanks.
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Let the tides awaken
the adventurer within. Book now at aqua.org/groups
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor
YOUR NEXT TRIP STARTS HERE.
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TRAVEL IDEAS
WASHINGTON, D.C. F
History, Language, Flight and Performing Arts 88
2027 NORTHEAST FIELD TRIP GUIDE
Photo courtesy of National Air and Space Museum Facebook
ew destinations can match the sheer variety of learning locations packed into one field trip that Washington, D.C. boasts. Students can step into history to explore significant events and people and take to the skies to encounter icons of aviation and spaceflight. Use play as a learning tool for the mechanics of language, and discover music, world-class dance and theater performances in an authentic setting. D.C. offers educators a variety of programs for K-12 groups, with handson activities, interactive workshops and pre- and post-trip resources that help connect student travel experiences to classroom lessons in meaningful ways.
Explore interactive galleries where words spring from book pages and come to life, becoming something to experiment with and learn about. Smithsonian’s interactive simulators let students take flight using the yoke and pedals.
Photo courtesy of Duhon Photography, Scott Suchman
Photo courtesy of Historic St. Mary’s City Facebook
Photo courtesy of Ford’s Theatre Facebook
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Ford’s Theatre is a historic venue showcasing talented performing artists from around the world.
American Ballet Theatre’s The Winter’s Tale at the Kennedy Center’s Opera House.
Planet Word Museum’s hands-on activities immerse students in literary learning.
FORD’S THEATRE
JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
PLANET WORD MUSEUM
Bring your students to where history happened and explore the events of April 14, 1865, at Ford’s Theatre. Students can learn about President Lincoln’s legacy, his assassination and the worldwide aftermath through thought-provoking exhibits. Historic site visits let groups enter the theatre to see the President’s Box and examine artifacts that follow the chase for John Wilkes Booth and his co-conspirators, giving students a powerful firsthand experience. For grades K-2, Lincoln’s Garden takes young learners on a 40-minute guided experience with hands-on activities. Older students can participate in Ford’s interactive investigation using clues, featuring Detective James McDevitt.
The Kennedy Center is one of the nation’s premier performing arts environments where theatre, multidisciplinary performances, orchestral music and dance become creative gateways into cultural understanding and expression. Educational programs reach pre-K through college students, with individual student performances and experiences available for different ages. Immerse your group in the magic of live theater with performances for young audiences and hands-on activities that help students move from simple observation to interpreting, discussing and creating for active, memorable learning.
Let your students sing, speak, read, write and play their way through literary learning at Planet Word Museum. Self-guided visits explore interactive galleries where words spring from book pages and come to life, becoming something to experiment with and learn about. Teacher-led workshops for grades 3-12 offer sharply focused curriculum options, while grades 3-5 can play with idioms, grades 5-7 can examine poetry, grades 7-10 become copywriters, and high schoolers can practice fact-checking.
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