Education Programs

The Connecticut River Museum (CRM) invites educators, youth group leaders, and students to discover the Connecticut River and explore the natural environment and human experiences along its 410 miles. Our education programs emphasize interdisciplinary studies using local, cultural, and natural resources to engage students.

All CRM programs are designed to meet a variety of State of Connecticut curriculum standards in social studies, language arts, science, and art and are led by trained Museum Educators. CRM is committed to delivering dynamic programs that are student-directed and grounded in inquiry and discovery.

Programs are available on our campus, off-site in schools and other community organizations, and hybrid.

Custom programs meeting the needs of your students and curriculum may also be available. Please contact the Education Department at lbdionne@ctrivermuseum.org for more information.

MUSEUM SCHOLARSHIPS

The Connecticut River Museum has a small scholarship fund intended to expand access to our museum.

Scholarships are considered on a first-come, first-served basis, and are usually disbursed by the beginning of March. Contact the Education department to learn if your school qualifies for this fund.

Wheels to Learning Promotion – “Wheels to Learning provides transportation funding for field trips for Windham County, Connecticut public schools traveling to designated non-profit educational and cultural institutions.”

For more information please go to https://wheelstolearning.org/

PROGRAMS AT THE MUSEUM

The museum can accommodate up to 75 students per day for exhibit and workshop programs. In the spring and continuing through early fall, programs may also be conducted aboard the Onrust, a reproduction of the 1614 Dutch wooden yacht originally captained by Adriaen Block. Maximum capacity is 25 people (students and teachers) per trip. Multiple trips may be scheduled in one day. Our other vessel, the RiverQuest, is also available during most of the year and can fit a group of 30 comfortably. Programs are also available at Bushnell Farm in nearby Old Saybrook. These hands-on and interactive programs focus on New England colonial life. For information on onsite educational programs and rates, please contact the Education Department at lbdionne@ctrivermuseum.org.

On-Land Educational Program Fees at CRM:

Includes regular museum admission plus your choice of a 90-minute program.

Up to 25 students; $15 per student

25-49 students; $12 per student

50-75 students; $10 per student

On-Water Boat Program Fees at CRM:

One hour boat excursion on Onrust or RiverQuest; must accompany at least one 90 minute program.

Up to 25 students; $25 per student

25-49 students; $20 per student

50-74 students; $18 per student

BOOKING AN EDUCATION A PROGRAM

PROGRAMS AT YOUR SCHOOL OR ORGANIZATION

The Connecticut River Museum is happy to bring a program to your school or organization. All traveling programs cost $225 per class (maximum of 25 students) and $0.67 per mile traveled round trip. Some programs require an additional materials charge.

SCHEDULE A PROGRAM

We recommend scheduling your program at least two months in advance and require at least 2 weeks notice. Contact the Education Department at 860-767-8269, extension 113 or email lbdionne@ctrivermuseum.org. Please provide your school name, grade level, number of students, contact information, program of interest, requested date (please give 3 dates), and requested start and end time.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Payment

Payment in full is due two weeks prior to program date and made be made by one check or by credit card. If program is being booked within two weeks, full payment with a credit card must be made at the time of booking.

Please note that no refunds will be awarded if your group arrives with fewer students than stated on the confirmation invoice. Additional tickets may be purchased on the day of your visit.

All payments are payable to the Connecticut River Museum Education Department, Attn: Director of Education.

Lunch

Indoor and outdoor spaces may be available for lunch. Please request a lunch space during booking. Students should bring brown-bag lunches. We do not have food services on site but local eateries may offer discounts to school groups.

Chaperones

Chaperones are required at a rate of 1 adult chaperone per 10 students. These chaperones are offered complimentary admission to the museum. Additional adults must pay $10 each for any museum program and $25 for a boat program.

Address, Bus Instructions, and Parking

Our address is 67 Main Street, Essex, CT 06426. Please be sure to include our zip code in the map application that you use.

School Busses: Please drop off and pick up on the right side of the circle at the bottom of Main Street by pulling close to the curb (disregard the sign on Main Street that directs “Tour Buses and RVs” to make a left turn. This does NOT apply to school buses). Directly in front of the bus will be a grey boat house. Do not block the public boat ramp. Students should proceed along the sidewalk, crossing the boat ramp, and enter through the museum’s entry sign pavilion. Buses should park on Pratt Street or at Essex Town Hall, 29 West Avenue.

We are happy to provide your bus driver a complimentary admission to explore the museum during your school visit.

Passenger vans may park in our parking lot.

For more information click the link below:

https://ctrivermuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/School-Bus-Parking.pdf

Programs are available for K-12 students. In each program, students will participate in a variety of learning experiences that allow them to:

Discover the River and its people through observation, experimentation
and exploration.
Use Museum objects, primary documents, lab activities and the River itself
to explore natural and cultural environments.
Discuss the physical changes of the River Valley landscape over time.
Explore the role of industrial and cultural development and the direct
impact their own lifestyle has on the environment.
Develop skills for conserving and protecting one of America’s Last
Great Places.

Programs are delivered by skilled Museum Teachers

At the Museum campus on the River in Essex
At our partner site, historic Bushnell Farm in Old Saybrook
At schools across the state
Aboard the historic vessel Onrust or aboard the vessel R/V RiverQuest

Kids Summer Camp at the Connecticut River Museum
July 1 – August 9, 2024 | 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Hands-on learning in a fun, small group environment for children ages 6-11 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Each day is different and includes a learning activity thematically tied to the River. Activity examples include:

Catch critters with dip and seine nets
Spend the morning in coves or on the water’s edge
Be a history detective
Hoist sails, tie knots, learn the sailor’s life

To hold your camper’s spot with a $100 non-refundable deposit, please email the Camp Director, Lauren Bennett-Dionne, at lbdionne@ctrivermuseum.org with your camper’s name, age, and desired camp dates.

CRM also has limited scholarship funds available to defray the cost of summer camp for participants with a financial need. Inquiries will be reviewed on a rolling basis for as long as funding is available. If interested, please email Lauren Bennett-Dionne at lbdionne@ctrivermuseum.org for more information.

CLICK THE CAMP NAME TO REGISTER

Summer Days at Bushnell Farm

July 1, 2, 3 & 5

Kick-off your summer with a unique, historical experience at Bushnell Farm in Old Saybrook. Travel back in time to glimpse what life was like for kids during the colonial era. Try your hand at farming activities, woodworking projects, and cooking on an open hearth. You may even get to spin your own yarn! We’ll also play games and explore the surrounding forested grounds.

Can’t commit to a full week of summer camp? Then this week is for you! You can sign up for one day or all four!

Questions? Email our Camp Director, Lauren Bennett-Dionne at lbdionne@ctrivermuseum.org

Register for each day of Camp separately. Camp runs daily, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

$77 for Non-Members | $70 for Members.

Camp is open to adventurers from ages 6-11.

River Explorers

July 8 – 12

This is a week for outdoor discovery! Join us in exploring the creatures of the Connecticut River through binoculars, microscopes and dip-nets! We will sail the Onrust (a replica 17th century Dutch yacht) and cruise RiverQuest, our 64’ eco-friendly research vessel, to search for eagles, ospreys, plant life, and more! Campers will learn about the importance of native and non-native animals and plants within our ecosystem. Plus, we will try our hand at crabbing!

Questions? Email our Camp Director, Lauren Bennett-Dionne at lbdionne@ctrivermuseum.org.

Camp runs daily, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

$385 for Non-Members | $347 for Members.

Camp is open to adventurers from ages 6-11.

Digging into the Past

July 15 – 19

Ready to get dirty? Campers will dig into what it means to be an archaeologist and unearth mysteries of the past. We will learn about the Connecticut River’s history through a simulated archaeological dig, explore the Museum’s artifacts and collections, and even complete a scavenger hunt or two. Of course, we’ll also take time to sail the Onrust (a replica 17th century Dutch yacht) and cruise RiverQuest, our 64’ eco-friendly research vessel so campers can experience all aspects of the River firsthand!

Questions? Email our Camp Director, Lauren Bennett-Dionne at lbdionne@ctrivermuseum.org.

Camp runs daily, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

$385 for Non-Members | $347 for Members.

Camp is open to adventurers from ages 6-11.

Sailor Life & Pirates

July 22-26

Don’t miss the Museum’s most popular week of camp! Have you ever wondered what life was like out on the open water? This week, we will learn about real pirates & sailors—what they did, what they looked like, and where they traveled. We will dress in pirate garb as we learn about the vessels they sailed, the flags they flew, and how they navigated. We’ll also set sail out on the open water of the Connecticut River aboard the Onrust. Arrrr you ready?

Questions? Email our Camp Director, Lauren Bennett-Dionne at lbdionne@ctrivermuseum.org.

Camp runs daily, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

$385 for Non-Members | $347 for Members.

Camp is open to adventurers from ages 6-11.

Blown Away

July 29- Aug 2

In this survival-themed week, campers will learn valuable and fun skills specific to New England outdoor living. We’ll create our own simulations of hurricanes and learn about their effects on the Connecticut River. We’ll find out how the River Valley was impacted by the Great New England Hurricane of 1938 and how people prepare for hurricanes today. Get ready to dive into survival games, skills, and immersive exploration.

Questions? Email our Camp Director, Lauren Bennett-Dionne at lbdionne@ctrivermuseum.org

Camp runs daily, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

$385 for Non-Members | $347 for Members.

Camp is open to adventurers from ages 6-11.

Hometown Originals

August 5-9

Have you ever wondered what it was like to live in Essex hundreds or even thousands of years ago? This week, campers will learn about the Indigenous peoples of Essex and how they thrived on the riverfront for thousands of years. We’ll also imagine the lives of the early European settlers, captains, and merchants and remember the burning of the ships in Essex in 1814. We’ll explore Essex to complete a scavenger hunt and work together to solve an old Essex mystery.

Questions? Email our Camp Director, Lauren Bennett-Dionne at lbdionne@ctrivermuseum.org.

Camp runs daily, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

$385 for Non-Members | $347 for Members.

Camp is open to adventurers from ages 6-11.

Museum Teachers create exciting lessons including theme based games, art activities and science experiments. Programs take place at the Museum.

Spring Break Workshops: Summer Camp Sampler at the Connecticut River Museum

Looking for something fun to do this spring break? Why not spend it exploring the Connecticut River?

Between April 8 and 12, the Connecticut River Museum is hosting a five-day Spring Break Camp Sampler! We’re giving you a sneak peek into all the fun we have planned for summer camp this year. Come to one day or all five!

Spring Break Workshops run from 9:00 to 1:00 p.m. Anyone between the ages of 6 and 11 is welcome!

Monday: Digging into History, Archaeology along the Connecticut River

Dig into what it means to be an archaeologist and unearth mysteries of the past. We will learn the basics of site excavation through a tabletop-simulated archaeological dig. We’ll also explore the Museum’s artifacts and collections with our Museum Curator.

This day of Spring Break has been canceled

Tuesday: River Explorers & RiverQuest

Join us in exploring the ecosystems of the Connecticut River through binoculars and microscopes. We’ll take a trip out on RiverQuest and to see the River’s curious creatures in their natural habitat.

Members: $60 Non-Members: $70

Wednesday: Sailor Life, Pirates & RiverQuest

Have you ever wondered what life was like out on the open water? During this sample of our most popular week of camp, we’ll learn the crucial sailor skill of knot tying and rope making. Arrrrgh you ready matey?

Members: $60 Non-Members: $70

Thursday: Blown Away: Outdoor Survival Skills

Do you know how to start a fire without a lighter or matches? What about identifying plants growing near the River that could get you out of a sticky situation? This day is all about survival and the valuable skills needed for outdoor living.

Members: $40 Non-Members: $50

Friday: Hometown Originals & RiverQuest

Take a trip back in time to when the Connecticut River Museum was a steamboat dock. When the River was frozen, the Essex Steamboat Dock would host a roller rink on the 2nd floor where they would even sometimes have pig races! Join us for a day of history, games, and even a few surprises.

Members: $60 Non-Members: $70