The Lewis Museum offers several Guided or Self-Guided themed tour options for K-12 school groups. Students will encounter heroes, leaders and everyday citizens that contributed to the rich fabric of Maryland African American history and culture. Museum themed tours align with State Curriculum Standards and complement lessons from An African American Journey: A Resource for Learning the History of African Americans in Maryland and the United States developed by the Maryland State Department of Education.
If you are looking to purchase more than 15 tickets, please contact tour.info@lewismuseum.org.
Tour Options
Guided Tours
Guided tours are offered for groups of 10 to 60 students and last 90 minutes. For slightly larger group accommodations please contact terry.taylor@lewismuseum.org or tour.info@lewismuseum.org.
Self-Guided Tours
Self-guided tours are also available to school groups (up to 100 students per visit) and come with a museum overview and gallery activity sheet. Gallery activity sheets are designed to explore the exhibits using observation and critical thinking skills. These gallery sheets can be obtained when scheduling a field trip.
For slightly larger group accommodations please contact terry.taylor@lewismuseum.org or tour.info@lewismuseum.org.
Themed Tours
Heritage
Grades 3–12Experience the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Maryland's African American community by connecting with individuals, places, and traditions that spans over 300 years.
Paths to Freedom
Grades 4–12Explore the story of slavery through the eyes of enslaved and free blacks from Maryland's colonial past through the end of the Civil War.
The Fight for Justice
Grades 4–12Examine the contributions made by Maryland African Americans during Jim Crow and the Civil Rights Movement in the battle for equality.
Exhibition Tours
School groups can tour our latest special exhibitions and participate in a studio art experience or scavenger hunt. Tours and studios are free for Title 1 schools and schools with Free Lunch Programs.
Home School Groups
The Museum welcomes homeschool groups to participate in the museum's school programs which can include a tour and art project. A minimum number of ten students will be required to be eligible for group rates.
To schedule this program, contact Group Reservations at (443) 263-1875.
Studio Art Activities
Enhance your field trip with hands-on studio art activities connected to current exhibitions. Students create their own artwork inspired by the themes and artists featured in our galleries.
$2 per student (additional fee)
Pricing & Fees
School Tours
(Group Rate of 10 or more students)
Groups of 10+
$8 per additional adult chaperone
Studio Art Activities
(Optional add-on)
Financial Assistance
Free Admission & Transportation Available
Financial Assistance is available for free admission and bus transportation for Title I schools through the museum's Children's Access Program (CAP) and the State-Aided Institutions (SAI) Program provided by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
Limited funds are also available for other schools including those with free/reduced meal plans.
To inquire about financial assistance please contact (443) 263-1875 or tour.info@lewismuseum.org.
Bus Transportation Guidelines
- A minimum number of 25 students is required to receive bus assistance. Schools will be responsible for the cost of the bus if you bring less than the minimum.
- We can only provide assistance for two buses per museum visit.
- Schools are responsible for the cost of the bus if field trips are canceled with less than 48 hours' notice.
Planning Your Visit
Plan your field trip at least three weeks in advance as museum tours fill quickly. School group reservation requests must be presented in writing using a reservation form or by calling (443) 263-1875 and/or tour.info@lewismuseum.org. A printed confirmation letter will be mailed to you (or faxed, if requested) in seven to ten days.
Information You'll Need
- School name, contact information, district, and grade level
- Lead teacher's name, phone number, and email address
- Preferred and alternate dates and arrival times for visit
- Estimated number of students, teachers, and chaperones (1 adult per 10 students)
- Lunch plans (The museum no longer has a cafe and has limited space to accommodate brown bag lunches. Please inquire about additional food service options.)
- Any special needs
Chaperone Requirements
- 1 adult chaperone required per 10 students
- Chaperones must remain with their assigned group at all times
- Free admission for required chaperones
- Additional adult chaperones: $8 each
Arrival Tips
- Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time
- Have student groups organized before entering
- Check in at the front desk upon arrival
Request a Tour
Questions About Field Trips?
Our education team is here to help you plan the perfect learning experience for your students.