In-House Programs
Programs are 90 minutes in length, allowing for exploration time in the galleries. All programs are adaptable to suit the study needs of teachers and students. If classes are studying topics not listed, contact the Education Services Manager for recommendations.
Outreach Programs
The Museum offers programming in your classroom. Our hour-long outreach programs may include such activities as: viewing artifacts, an audio-visual presentation, and an activity relevant to the theme. Elective programs can be created upon request. Temporary exhibit programs are not available for outreach presentations.
Availability
Programs are available Monday to Friday, mornings and afternoons. Temporary exhibit presentations are only available when listed. Evening and weekend programming for youth groups, brownies, guides, cubs and scouts, etc. are based on availability.
Class Size
The Museum can accommodate in-house classes of up to 30 students. Larger classes will be divided into two groups. Please note that this, however, compromises the quality of the educational experience for your students. We cannot accommodate groups of over 60 students for programs. Please contact the Education Services Manager for large group tour options.
Special Needs
The Museum is fully wheelchair accessible. Programs can be adapted to meet the needs of your group. Please discuss your requirements at the time of booking.
Museum Manners
Please discuss with your students and chaperones the importance of following our Museum Manners: we walk slowly and safely and use indoor voices at all times, we only touch things we are invited to touch, and we stay with our group at all times. There is no food, beverages, gum or candy allowed in the galleries. Groups displaying inappropriate Museum behaviour will be asked to leave, and school administration will be contacted.
Chaperones
Chaperones will be responsible for assisting students during the planned activity and with supervision during gallery exploration time. School groups are invited to bring one adult (including teachers) for every 5 students (preschool/primary), one adult for every 7 students (junior), and one adult for every 10 students (intermediate/senior) as part of your program fee. Additional adults are $3.00 each*. The Museum strongly recommends that you bring no more than 5 additional adult supervisors in total. Groups exceeding the classroom maximum capacity may have their program replaced with a guided or self-guided tour. EAs with identification who are working with individual students will not be considered as additional adults.
Cancellations
Cancellations for booked programs must be made 10 days prior to the program date or a fee of $25.00 will be charged*.
PROGRAM FEES
There is a program fee for each class to assist in part with defraying the cost of materials. The fee covers admission charges for required teachers/chaperones. There is no program fee for schools having a School Membership. Fees are as follows:
- $25 minimum for in-house presentations
- $50 for outreach presentations
- $25 for additional outreach presentations on the same day
- $100 for an annual school membership (6 visits for the price of 4)
- $3 each additional adult chaperone
HOW TO BOOK YOUR CLASS VISIT
- Book early to avoid disappointment.
- Select a program and determine at least two dates when your class would be available to visit the Museum.
- Call Christie Parry, Education Services Manager at 623-0801, Monday to Friday, 10:00am to 5:00pm.
- Please have the following information at hand: planning calendar, school name and phone number, email address, teachers’ names, grade(s), class size, and any special needs.
- Your booking confirmation, invoice, and Museum Welcome Kit will be sent to you via email.
Free Thunder Bay Transit
Teachers and their Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12 students ride FREE on regular scheduled bus routes for trips to and from the Museum. Before booking your visit, call Jon Hendel at 684-2190, email jhendel@thunderbay.ca or visit this link to plan your trip. Together you can find out which routes can get your class to and from the Museum and what time options are available to you.
ABOUT
THE EDUCATION SERVICES MANAGER
Christie Parry, OCT, HBA, BEd, has managed the Museum’s Education Department since 2003. In her 16-year career as an educator, she has been a classroom teacher and currently works part-time as an occasional teacher at both the elementary and secondary levels with the Lakehead Public School Board. Christie was honoured as the recipient of the City of Thunder Bay Arts & Heritage 2010 Cultural Educator Award for excellence in the field of Cultural Education.
Planning a Class Outing
Consider combining your Museum trip with a visit to another nearby attraction such as: City Hall, Brodie Street Library, Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, or Kam River Park (James Whalen tugboat & vintage VIA train).
To receive news and e-mail notifications of upcoming programming, join the Museum’s Educator’s Mailing List by e-mailing the Education Services Manager.
* Groups must pay their outstanding balance (incl. all fees*) before booking again.