Norman Rockwell Museum offers many kinds of opportunities for school visits. You may tour the galleries on your own with specially designed materials. Or, you might prefer to explore the illustrations with one of our tour guides. Perhaps your students would like to do a hands-on activity, write about a favorite painting or make a mural of your town’s Main Street.
Whichever you choose, you and your students will have an enjoyable and enriching Museum experience. After any school tour, enjoy the museum for as long as you like!
Education Department: 413.298.4100, ext. 260 or 252
Interactive Tours: Curriculum Connections for K-12
Available: Monday through Friday
Please note: these tours are not available from September 20 to October 20
Time: About one hour
Cost per student: $3.25
Maximum group size: 75
Narrative and Nuance
Language Arts
Students of all ages appreciate the stories in Norman Rockwell’s images. Investigate the narrative aspects of his work and discover a wide range of stories communicated through illustration and the artist’s uses of character, plot, and setting.
Art and Inspiration
Studio Arts
Examine Norman Rockwell’s processes and techniques for making illustrations. Students investigate how color, shape, rhythm, texture, composition, line, and perspective contribute to the impact of visual art.
Moments in History
History/Social Studies
Discover America through the eyes of Norman Rockwell. During his long and prolific career, Rockwell chronicled a changing society and painted images of historical issues, both large and small.
Media & Methods: Hands-on Extended Experiences
Available: November through April
Time: About two hours
Cost per student: $6.25
Maximum group size: 30
The Write Stuff
Original works of art can inspire creative use of language. Experience art-based creative writing in the galleries through different kinds of writing that may include poetry, dialogue, reporting, free writing, descriptive writing, and the development of character, plot, and setting. For grades 4-12.
Drawn to Art
Explore the art of illustration with discussion in the galleries about how illustrators use color, shape, rhythm, texture, line, composition, and perspective to express ideas and emotions. Activities reinforce the gallery experience and are tailored to fit the needs of your group. For grades K-12.
Mirror on America
Discover connections between the past and present times through original works of art that reflect a changing society. Students will create personal expressions that draw upon current ideas and issues. For grades 6-12.
Advanced Art Tours
Available: November through April
Time: About two hours
Cost per student:$7.25 for high school, $10 for college
Maximum Group size: 20
Advanced high school or college art students, are invited to explore the art and working methods of illustrators featured in the museum’s exhibitions. Participate in stimulating discussions and hands-on art experiences in the galleries or classroom.
In-School Presentations
You may arrange for a PowerPoint presentation or guided classroom activity in your school by Museum education staff.
Available: November through April
Time: from 40-60 minutes depending on class times and grade level
Cost per presentation: $125 per presentation plus travel expenses
Group size: flexible
Tour Tips
Chaperones
Please bring at least one chaperone for every ten students.
There is no charge for chaperones or teachers.
Timing
Plan to arrive ten minutes before the time scheduled. This enables tours to begin on time. If your arrival is delayed, we may need to change the format or length of your program.
Customize
If you wish to design an individualized tour on Norman Rockwell or illustration, please call to discuss specific arrangements.
Food
Schools often bring lunches, and are welcome at any of the picnic areas.
Picnic in a Bag/Terrace Cafe: Groups of 15 or more can reserve lunch at $12 per person (includes sales tax). Picnic in a Bag includes choice of sandwich, chips, cookie, and bottled water. The Terrace Cafe can comfortably seat 105 people on a scenic, tent-covered terrace, or patrons may dine at one of our outdoor picnic areas. Please download the Order Form / Menu (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader), print, then mail in or fax or call Leslie at (413-298-4100 ext 225).
Galleries
During the school tours, we’ll concentrate on just a few of the many paintings in the galleries. Therefore, after your tour we encourage you to explore on your own in small groups with chaperones.
Grounds
Enjoy the Museum’s scenic landscape and view outdoor sculptures by Norman Rockwell’s youngest son, Peter.
Rockwell’s Studio
Between May 1 and October 31 groups may visit Rockwell’s studio. Classes are asked to visit in small groups with chaperones.
You may be able to fund your Museum visit through the PASS program offered by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
- There are two ways to find out more about it:
- Contact your local cultural council.
- Contact the MCC at 800-232-0960 or www.massculturalcouncil.org
PowerPoint Presentation CD
PowerPoint presentation CDs are available for teachers to use-and-return. Each disc contains examples of popular Rockwell images, a script designed to interpret the works from different disciplines, and lesson plans for extending the learning. The $25 fee covers postage & handling; each may be kept for up to 4 weeks.
Professional Development for Educators
Interdisciplinary workshops explore ways to integrate the visual arts in a variety of curriculum areas. Programs may take place at the Museum or at your facility. Consult with us to create an experience tailored to your needs. Earn Professional Development Points (PDP’s). Prices vary according to program and location.
To schedule a tour call:
Tel. 413.298.4100 ext. 260 or 252
or email us at Schools@nrm.org
Please notify the museum prior to your visit if someone in your group requires special assistance. Wheelchairs are available.
Museum Store
Teachers receive 20% off of items purchased for educational purposes. Visit our Museum Store on the web at store.nrm.org or call 800-742-9450 to place your order with a school Purchase Order number, or mail it to us on school letterhead. In addition to the items in the catalogue, other choices for teachers include:
Cobblestone Magazine
Volume Ten Number Twelve, December 1989.
This issue is totally devoted to Norman Rockwell and his work. Written at a level appropriate for elementary school. COBBL341 $4.00
Willie Was Different
Norman Rockwell’s only children’s storybook!
Hardcover, full color. BERK372 $16.95
