School Programs
Glencairn Museum has an active education department. These full-time and part-time museum educators are supported by a talented group of interns from Bryn Athyn College. School programs are available September through May. The best times are between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., but some flexibility is possible. Outdoor and indoor space is available for eating lunch. Many groups combine a visit to Glencairn with a tour of Bryn Athyn Cathedral (just across the street, open weekdays, 267-502-4600).
Teachers/Home Schooling parents can select one or two programs per visit. If selecting one program, any of the three described below are available. If selecting two programs, one must be the Stained Glass Program, which can be combined with either the Student Highlights Tour or the Castle Tour. The cost per student and adult is $4.00, regardless of the number of programs selected. School programs must be arranged in advance by calling the Education Office at 267-502-2995, or by sending e-mail to Diane Fehon, education coordinator, at diane.fehon@glencairnmuseum.org.
Student Highlights Tour
45 minutes
One adult chaperone required for every 8 students
Recommended for grade 3/age 9 and above
With an emphasis on history, art and religion, the Student Highlights Tour features a variety of ancient cultures: the collections used for the tour are in the Egyptian, Near East, Greek, Roman and Medieval galleries. A trip to the Tower is included in each tour, which offers a panoramic view of the area, including the skyline of Philadelphia (weather permitting). Students learn about the building itself and its place in the history of the community. The Student Highlights Tour is flexible, allowing adapting the Museum experience to support classroom work. Other galleries are available upon request.
Castle Tour
45 minutes
One adult chaperone required for every 8 students
Younger Castle Tour: recommended for students pre-K/age 4-5 through 2nd grade/age 8
Older Castle Tour: recommended for students grade 3/age 9 and above
This interactive school program teaches students about life in a medieval castle and how religion of the Middle Ages was woven into many aspects of the medieval world. Using "magical hourglasses," students travel back to the 1200s to meet casle characters, such as a king, queen, knight, servant, monk or nun, who teach them about stained glass windows, castle defense, the knighting ceremony, weapons, medieval feating and medieval virtues.
Two versions are available, geared for younger or older students. The younger version does not visit the Armory or focus on weaponry, and includes a hands-on activity. The older version does include the Armory and does not have a hands-on activity.
The Stained Glass Program
45 minutes
One adult chaperone required for every 8 students
Recommended for all grades/ages
The Stained Glass Program explores the symbolism inherent in medieval art by looking at the Museum's best 13th century stained glass and 20th century replicas from the famous Chartres Cathedral in France. How can you find angels in the windows? How can you tell men and women apart in medieval art? What kind of people have halos? What are the clues for finding King David or St. Peter? These questions and more are answered in this interactive program.