Education Programs
We offer a wide variety of educational tours for grades pre-K to twelve. Tours support State Curriculum Standards in History, English, Math, Economics, Science and Technology and are generally available Monday through Thursday from 9:30 – 2:00. Tours are presented with an eye toward the curriculum and the age level of the group.
School Tours
“I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand.”
When your class visits the Antique Auto Museum at Hershey students learn by seeing and doing. Students sit at the counter of a restored 1941 diner, imagine riding in a real Model-T, pack for a 1909 cross-country road trip, or jump on the service bell at a 1940’s era gas station.
...to make learning fun and active... ”
At the “Photo Stop” kids climb into three different antique vehicles using props to recreate life in another time. Touchable artifacts, inquiry methods, role-playing and other participatory activities go across the curriculum to make learning fun and active. A take-home project is completed as part of every K-12 tour. Customized tours, special projects, or extended visits including a lunchtime can be arranged for an additional fee. Length of tour varies according to program.
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“Little Wheelers” Just for 3 to 5 year olds!
“Little Wheelers” is a literacy-based preschool program for children under age five and an adult companion. We read a car-themed story in front of a real antique vehicle, sing songs, make a craft – or even make an edible wheel! Young visitors can try out a pedal car or pretend to take a trip in a 1939 Bantam Roadster, work on a farm or cruise for a soda in a 1969 Cadillac. 1 hour. For groups of 25 or less.
Scouts
Let us help you work on your “How Things Used to Be” badge by using our Children’s Self Guide when you visit the Museum. Did you know Girl Scouts offered an Automobiling Badge from 1916 to 1920? You can purchase our Museum “Car Cruiser” patch in the Gift Shop after you explore ways the automobile forever changed American life. Pre-registration is required for a group rate. Have your Program Request Form information when you call in your request. One adult admitted FREE with every ten students.
Investigation Station
Families, scouts and school groups enjoy this active, free-style learning space. Visitors can investigate gears and other simple machines, make a take home project, or explore car-related books and puzzles for many age levels. Preschoolers can even drive a pedal car - just like the ones grandpa had in the 1950’s! During special programs, Museum “Explainers” share hands-on demonstrations of auto-related topics. Automotive movies are shown on a periodic basis.
The Museum Comes to You
PowerPoint presentations supplemented with touchable artifacts and follow up activities bring the Museum into your classroom. Some fees apply and advance notice is required. The Museum also maintains a fleet of vehicles and trained interpreters that can drive them to your site and explain them to your group. Cars range from a 1934 Ford Pick up Truck to a 1976 Cadillac Convertible. Not all vehicles may be available when you want them, so make your request early!
Adult Education Programs
Drop-in Gallery Talks with the museum curator, car collectors, and other experts take place throughout the year. Focused workshops, rallies and programs augment changing exhibitions seasonally. Public programs include special vehicle displays, movies, music, gallery demonstrations and other forms of special interpretation take place at various times of the year. Visit our News & Events page for the latest updates.
Education Volunteer Program
“Explainers” and tour guides help the public learn more about museum collections. An on-going training program prepares education volunteers to work with school, youth, families and adults in the museum setting. Education volunteers participate in enrichment field trips, hear from experts in the field, and get a “behind the scenes” look at the museum world in addition to the other perks and privileges that come with a commitment to volunteer in the Museum.
Internship Program
Museum Education interns have the opportunity to gain skills in working with children, families and adults in a “free-choice learning” environment. Becoming a museum education intern involves a tour of the facility, an interview process, and the development of a mutually agreed upon project.
