At Winterthur, learning is not confined to the classroom. The museum and gardens offer dynamic field trips and student programs that bring American history, art, design, and natural landscapes to life. Located on a 1,000-acre estate, Winterthur integrates historical learning with outdoor exploration, providing a variety of hands-on educational experiences designed for students from elementary through high school. These programs align with academic standards, offering an engaging way for students to interact with topics such as decorative arts, museum conservation, and environmental studies, ensuring a rich and engaging learning experience.
Winterthur’s programs are popular among students for their engaging and informative nature. One such program introduces students to 18th- and 19th-century craftsmanship and marketplaces, focusing on the roles of artisans and merchants during that period. Another popular experience, “Discover the Science of Museum Collections,” allows students to explore the science involved in preserving artifacts. Outdoor programs, such as guided hikes and garden tours, are also popular, providing students with the chance to study the estate’s natural landscapes and connect with environmental themes.
The museum’s “Creators, Collectors, & Curators” program offers high school students insight into how museums select and interpret artifacts for public display. Through guided tours of galleries and period rooms, students learn about curatorial decision-making processes and the significance of these choices in preserving history. Programs such as “Careers at the Museum” also introduce students to various professional fields, giving them a glimpse into the diverse career paths available within cultural institutions.
