Educational Opportunities
In addition to guided tours on-site classroom educational opportunities are also available through the Museum. Further information is detailed below. Check out the tour savings by booking a "Crusin' Curator" visit.
The Cruisin' Curator Classroom Visitation Program - FEE $50.00
(Please note that schools planning a trip to the museum after a 2013 Cruisin' Curator visit will receive $50.00 credit towards admission with a reservation for twenty or more students!)
Can't make a visit to the museum? Let the museum come to the classroom. These lecture presentations are accented by the opportunity for students to examine artifacts from the museum's FOR USE collections specifically designated for educational purposes. Available presentations:
The King of Battle: Civil War Artillery - The American Civil War was a turning point in history. The tactics used were old based on the Napoleonic method from the Revolutionary War period. Battles were fought at close range. The only long-range weapons available to Union and Confederate forces was artillery. Cannon and mortars were used to bombard fortifications, terrorize cities and disrupt troop movements. This presentation will discuss the different types of artillery pieces used throughout the war by each side and how they were implemented in battle.
Of Men, Machines and Mules - World War I was the dawn of modern warfare yet despite the invention of the automobile, tank and aeroplane, horses and mules were used on the battlefields of France. Archival film footage of the Pennsylvania National Guard in France highlights this discussion on the mechanization of war.
The Rise of the Beast: How the Nation Changed for Our Entry into World War One. - Americans were evenly divided or unconcerned about the combatants on the killing fields of France in 1914. This classroom presentation discusses Americas slide into war on the decks of sunk merchantmen, and how government sponsored psychological propaganda campaigns manipulated the electorate in supporting the effort after war was declared. It will also make comparisons to recent history. "Freedom Fry" anyone?
The Crusin' Curator Visitation Program opportunities are more available between the months of September and April. For additional information, please contact Joe Horvath at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or call (Wednesday thru Friday 0830-1530) at 814-466-6263 (Dial 0 to speak to a staff member.)
Teaching 20th century Military History: A Pennsylvania Perspective
Military conflict has drastically changed the face of this nation. In 2001, the collaboration between a middle school social studies teacher and museum educator resulted in the development of age appropriate education modules, on the Spanish/American War, World War One and World War Two, that places Pennsylvania history within the context of U.S. and world history. While these modules are not an exhaustive study of a confli
ct, they do orient the reader to the events of a particular time period and the roles that Commonwealth citizens and industry played in the conflict. Subsequent modules designed for junior and senior high on the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War are also available.
The modules are approximately thirty pages in length, divided into seven sections. Each section is illustrated by a time line, factoid boxes and photos.
Section 1- World Overview: This is a short history of what's happening in the world. It will set the stage for the conflict.
Section 2 - Pennsylvania Connection: Short history on what's happening in the Commonwealth within the same time line as the World Overview.
Section 3 - WAR!: The start of the conflict is explained.
Section 4 - Mobilizing for War: How does the Commonwealth respond to the event?
Section 5 - The Home Front: How do the citizens respond to the event?
Section 6 - Innovation and Invention: What type of technologies were used or developed by Commonwealth citizens.
Section 7 - Conclusion: This section will deal with the victors and the vanquished. It discusses the personal as well as the political impact on the Commonwealth and her people. It identifies any ramifications for future events and set the stage for entry into the next module.
Education Modules are available for classroom use. Click the appropriate link below to download the corresponding pdf files.
