Making History Real!
School Programs at the Rensselaer County Historical Society

The Rensselaer County Historical Society and Museum is a dynamic not-for-profit educational organization established in 1927 to connect local history and heritage with contemporary life.

All School Programs have been designated to meet NYS Learning Standards.
Pre-Visit packets accompany each program.
We encourage use of the material to enhance your students' visit.

RCHS school programs fall into one of the categories listed below.

1. Exhibition Related Programs
2. Scavenger Hunts/Walking Tours
3. Hart-Cluett House Tours
4. Bring the Museum to You Programs

Schedule A Visit Today! ~ Contact RCHS at 518-272-7232 x.17 for more information or to request a school program brochure.

1. Exhibition Related Programs

Call for details, 272-2732.

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2. Scavenger Hunts/Walking Tours

Community Scavenger Hunt
Grades 2 - 3
1.5 Hours

Discover the unique buildings of downtown Troy and learn how each plays a role in forming our community. Private homes, businesses, places of worship, government buildings and educational institutions are all within walking distance of the museum. Students participate in an interactive walking tour of downtown Troy that focuses on community relationships.

SS Standard 1, Key Ideas 2 and 4 ~ Cost: $5 per student, teachers and chaperones (1 for every 8 students) receive free admission

Architecture Scavenger Hunt
Grades 3 - 5
1.5 Hours

Students participate in a walking tour of downtown Troy searching for architectural treasure. An orientation at the museum introduces students to architectural vocabulary and architectural details. On the hunt, students travel to a variety of different styles and types of buildings. A wrap-up session back at the museum helps students connect the architecture they viewed to local history.

SS Standard 1, Key Ideas 2 and 4 ~ Cost: $5 per student, teachers and chaperones (1 for every 8 students) receive free admission

Troy's African-American History
Grades 3 - 6
1.5 Hours

To foster students' awareness of the experience of African-Americans in Troy in the 19th century, RCHS offers a walking tour of downtown Troy, focusing on African-American History. Students visit several sites in Troy that show a range of experiences, from a local abolitionist church to the site of a former jail where a mob freed fugitive slave, Charles Nalle. Some role-playing involved.

SS Standard 1, Key Ideas 2 and 4 ~ Cost: $5 per student, teachers and chaperones (1 for every 8 students) receive free admission

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3. Hart-Cluett House Tours

Go back in time and learn about the women who worked in the Marble House. Find these Irish immigrants live by working as servants. Experience for yourself what life was like 150 years ago as you visit the parlors and the kitchen of this beautiful 19th century home. Then return to the present day and discuss your impressions of the past in a guided discussion led by museum teachers. The reflection activity will take place in the museum's Meeting Room

SS Standard 1, Key Idea 4 ~ Cost: $5 per student, teachers and chaperones (1 for every 8 students) receive free admission

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4. Bring the Museum to You - Outreach Programs

Can’t make it to the museum, then have the museum come to you. Museum teachers present exciting and educational programs for your students. Each program meets NYS Learning Standards and relates to Core Curriculum.

Cost: $90 for 1 class maximum 30 students, $60 for additional class, same date and location

Rensselaer County's Industrial History & Child Labor
Grades 4- 6

1 Hour

This program is designed to introduce students to the rich industrial history of Rensselaer County and to the use of children as a labor force in industry. Students will engage in a hands on "industrial revolution activity," and view a PowerPoint presentation containing historic images of local industrial sites and photographs illustrating the working conditions found in the 19th century. Primary source documents and dbq's compliment this type of learning experience.

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Schedule a Visit Today!

Programs start at our newly renovated Carr Building, 57 Second Street, Troy, NY

Cost: See individual program descriptions for cost information.

Cancellation Policy: Tours must be cancelled at least 48 hours in advance. Groups canceling after that time will be billed for the full cost of the tour. Walking tours happen rain or shine.

Group Size: Up to two classes. One chaperone is required for every 8 students.

BOCES Aid Approved

For more information, or to make a reservation, contact us at 518-272-7232 x.17.

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