Learn About the Museum

 SCHOOL TOURS

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.

GUIDED TOURS

Guided tours are offered for groups of 10 to 60 students and last 90 minutes. Guided tours are available Monday, Thursday-Friday at 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. 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: 3-12)
  Experience 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: 4-12)
  Explore 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: 4-12)
  Examine the contributions made by Maryland African Americans during Jim Crow and the Civil Rights Movement in the battle for equality.

ADDITIONAL TOUR OFFERINGS

Exhibition Tours & Studio Art Activity

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.  

Scheduled Special Exhibitions for School Year 2023 -2024

Blacks In Whites: African American Health Care Professionals

Sept 28, 2023 – January 7, 2024

This exhibition highlights the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans working in the medical and public health field.

Vision & Spirit: African American Art: Banks of America Collection

October 5, 2023 – January 16, 2024

This exhibition focuses on African American artists’ strength as creative forces whose work continues to shape our understanding of the world. Over 100 artworks by 48 artists born in the 19th and 20th century are on display including Romare Bearden, Dawoud Bey, Jacob Lawrence, Whitfield Lovell, Gordon Parks, Faith Ringgold, Jamel Shabazz and James VanDerZee.

• Studio Art Activity – Create a mixed media self-portrait collage inspired by Vision & Spirit artists.
  
  

Black. Woman. Genius – February 1, 2024 – July 9, 2024

This exhibition in partnership with the Baltimore Museum of Art, celebrates Elizabeth Talford Scott and her legacy as a fiber artist.

• • Studio Art Activity –  Create a fabric quilt block with mixed media objects inspired by quilter Elizabeth Talford Scott.

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 443-263-1813.

TOUR FEES

• School Tours –  $7 per student (Group Rate of 10 or more students)
• Studio Art Activities– $2 per student
• Education Programs– Please see this page for other offerings and fees

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

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 443-263-1813 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) 263-1813 and/ or tour.info@lewismuseum.org. A printed confirmation letter will be mailed to you (or faxed, if requested) in seven to ten days.

To make a reservation, please have the following information handy:

• 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