The museum reaches over 10,000 visitors annually. While some visit our exhibit gallery on their own schedules, others come for programs, workshops, and events that we offer throughout the year. Programs are offered both for adults and for children and youth groups. Our “Public Education Program” outreach offerings for schools (which we began in 1978 and we continually update) are especially popular and well-attended each year. These units have been designed to mesh with the social studies and science curricula of Rhode Island public school systems. Preschool through grade 4 most usually participate in these enrichment outreach offerings, though middle school classes and high school and college students also visit. Our most popular “Public Education Program” units are listed below.
Programs and Workshops for Classes, Schools and Educators
Public Education Program
The following is a brief listing of our current educational units, programs and workshops:
Native Americans (preschool-grade 6)
In this workshop, children handle authentic tools, grind corn as Native Americans did, create a craft related to the class. The craft is used to illustrate themes discussed during an introductory “circle time.” Grades 3 and up are offered a “Treasure Hunt” to highlight specific objects in our collection.
Dinosaurs and Fossils (preschool-grade 4)
Students touch fossils from the time of the dinosaurs and learn about some of their favorite “terrible lizards.” They then will make their own “fossil” and glimpse the paleontologists’ world as they excavate a dig box.
The Community Walking Tour: The Culture and Ethnicity of Historic Peace Dale (grades 2 – adult)
Step back into the prosperous early days of Peace Dale, Rhode Island. This Walking Tour covers the history of the buildings, businesses and people in this glimpse into the history of a southern New England mill village.
Scout Badges
Boy and Girl Scout Troops are welcome to visit the Museum to work on Badges. Contact us to customize your program.
Birthday Parties
Looking for an unusual Birthday Party venue? Book your party with us for a tour, arts & crafts, and games.
Any of our programs can be piggybacked with the Walking Tour to accommodate more than one class. Most of our workshops can be tailored to meet your curriculum needs. We have many ideas for activities to enhance each visit. Let us know how we can best meet your class’s interests and needs. Call us today and reserve your date and choice of program. If you have a specific area of study you can ask to speak with us to create your unique museum experience.
Program Cost
The cost for each program is FREE
Program Length
Preschool and Kindergarten: 35-40 minutes
Grade 1 and up: 45 minutes to 1 hour
401-783-5711, pdmoac@aol.com