Education Programs
As a 501©3 non-profit organization, the Hudson River Maritime Museum’s mission is to preserve and interpret the maritime history of the Hudson River, its tributaries, and related industries. We do this through immersive tours, hands-on workshops, boat tours, and in-school presentations.
Regardless of the age group or grade, all our programs are flexible and adaptable to each teacher’s unique student needs and curricular goals. This customization process is easy and exciting. Before your visit, you will collaborate with the Education Department to select a historical theme that reinforces your academic goals. If you have a specific theme in mind that’s not listed, we’re here to listen and accommodate your needs! All programs align specifically with New York State Social Studies and Science Learning Standards.
If you choose, you can get a pre-visit reading list provided to prepare you and expose the students to the theme before their visit to HRMM. You can also discuss any onsite activities and other details not addressed here before your visit. Also, if you would like one of our professional educators to visit your classroom and offer one of these programs to your students, please inquire.
Regardless of the age group or grade, all our programs are flexible and adaptable to each teacher’s unique student needs and curricular goals. This customization process is easy and exciting. Before your visit, you will collaborate with the Education Department to select a historical theme that reinforces your academic goals. If you have a specific theme in mind that’s not listed, we’re here to listen and accommodate your needs! All programs align specifically with New York State Social Studies and Science Learning Standards.
If you choose, you can get a pre-visit reading list provided to prepare you and expose the students to the theme before their visit to HRMM. You can also discuss any onsite activities and other details not addressed here before your visit. Also, if you would like one of our professional educators to visit your classroom and offer one of these programs to your students, please inquire.
2025 Program Topics
Pre-K and Early Childhood
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Boats, Boats, Boats!
We will explore the many different types of boats: rowboats, tugboats, sailboats, ferries, etc. Let's introduce various kinds of boats and then read a story about them in "The Boat Book" by Gail Gibbons or "Boats" by Byron Barton while doing an exciting, hands-on activity involving all the different boats that called the Hudson River home! |
The Little Red Lighthouse
Lighthouses flash bright lights and blast loud sounds! We will learn why lighthouses must be so bright and loud as we read about a particular one in “The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge.” After learning about different lighthouses on the Hudson River, especially a little lonely red lighthouse, we will do an activity and play the “Lighthouse Game.” |
*These are in-class (off site) programs designed for early childhood learners. Each program includes an exciting story and activity. 50-minute program. A museum tour, including a story, and an activity can be arranged onsite, if desired.
Grades K-5
Life on the River
Take a trip through time as we explore the lives of those who lived along the Hudson River from the 19th and 20th centuries, including children whose lives depended on local industries, like the D&H Canal, fisheries, and local shops, and who lived ordinary yet extraordinary lives. Using hands-on materials and oral histories before exploring the museum's exhibits and artifacts, students learn how families that lived in the Hudson Valley over 200 years ago used resources and why this area was a magnet for immigrants coming to America looking for a better life.
Take a trip through time as we explore the lives of those who lived along the Hudson River from the 19th and 20th centuries, including children whose lives depended on local industries, like the D&H Canal, fisheries, and local shops, and who lived ordinary yet extraordinary lives. Using hands-on materials and oral histories before exploring the museum's exhibits and artifacts, students learn how families that lived in the Hudson Valley over 200 years ago used resources and why this area was a magnet for immigrants coming to America looking for a better life.
Rapid Industrialization
The activities on the Hudson River in the early 19th century introduced new technology and industries to the whole county. With Rondout Creek, the terminus of the D&H Canal at Eddyville, industrialization was felt here in Kingston, New York. We will explore the inner workings of the D&H canal system, the introduction of the steam engine, the use of clay, cement, and coal, and the mobilization of these products to the rest of the world, helping to build the financial behemoth that is New York City and increase the population numbers and value of places like Rondout.
The activities on the Hudson River in the early 19th century introduced new technology and industries to the whole county. With Rondout Creek, the terminus of the D&H Canal at Eddyville, industrialization was felt here in Kingston, New York. We will explore the inner workings of the D&H canal system, the introduction of the steam engine, the use of clay, cement, and coal, and the mobilization of these products to the rest of the world, helping to build the financial behemoth that is New York City and increase the population numbers and value of places like Rondout.
Traveling on the Hudson
Why travel the Hudson River, and how? We explore the river’s geographic location through maps, images, and models but keep sight of the oral histories of those who found their work tied to the Hudson River. What once required the use of canoes, quickly after industrialization, was modernized in ways that changed life around Rondout Creek. Thanks to its location as the terminus of the D&H Canal, a transportation revolution quickly revolved around Rondout Creek, where sailing vessels, passenger ferries, trolleys, steamboats, freight trains, and tugboats pushing large barges filled the area with people and activity.
Why travel the Hudson River, and how? We explore the river’s geographic location through maps, images, and models but keep sight of the oral histories of those who found their work tied to the Hudson River. What once required the use of canoes, quickly after industrialization, was modernized in ways that changed life around Rondout Creek. Thanks to its location as the terminus of the D&H Canal, a transportation revolution quickly revolved around Rondout Creek, where sailing vessels, passenger ferries, trolleys, steamboats, freight trains, and tugboats pushing large barges filled the area with people and activity.
Hudson River Stewards/Grade 4
Hudson River Stewards reinforces an essential concept: learning from our past to shape the future. The program inspires students to make connections between the region’s history and their behaviors, acknowledging how the past shapes New York State’s future. In his book 'Pale Blue Dot', Carl Segan invited people to consider our planet not just as a mere stage for historical dramas but as the lone home for the countless lives that have lived upon its surface. Therefore, HRS invites students to reposition the stage in Kingston or Rondout.
In this renewed appreciation for “home,” students become stewards of the Hudson River Valley, its river, and the nearby community. We explore the region’s natural geography and investigate how the river influenced the behaviors of everyone who once called this area home or worked in one of its industries. By examining the long arc of this area’s maritime history and industrial practices, students will follow the linear flow of time, observing as the city under their feet changed, thrived, declined, and, yet, carried on.
In this renewed appreciation for “home,” students become stewards of the Hudson River Valley, its river, and the nearby community. We explore the region’s natural geography and investigate how the river influenced the behaviors of everyone who once called this area home or worked in one of its industries. By examining the long arc of this area’s maritime history and industrial practices, students will follow the linear flow of time, observing as the city under their feet changed, thrived, declined, and, yet, carried on.
Grades 6-8
Solutions for a Changing Climate
At the museum, two exhibits, Warning Signs: Climate Change in the Hudson Valley and A New Age of Sail: The History and Future of Sail Freight on the Hudson River, look at the impact of human activity along the river and how our everyday choices can determine our future climate. During this program, we will look critically at the information presented and think of creative and necessary actions that we can take to be a part of the climate solution.
At the museum, two exhibits, Warning Signs: Climate Change in the Hudson Valley and A New Age of Sail: The History and Future of Sail Freight on the Hudson River, look at the impact of human activity along the river and how our everyday choices can determine our future climate. During this program, we will look critically at the information presented and think of creative and necessary actions that we can take to be a part of the climate solution.
Indigenous Americans and the Early Explorers
As European explorers came up the Hudson, they encountered the many different groups of Native Americans living in the area. We will use evidence to explore the interactions with the Indigenous Americans living here, like the Lenape, Wappinger, Esopus, Munsee, and Mahicannitcuk, or “the Waters That Are Never Still,” and the resulting policies and impacts on the Hudson Valley. This program examines the lives of those Indigenous peoples living in the Hudson Valley for thousands of years before Verrazano came upon present-day New York Bay in 1524 and when Hudson sailed upriver in 1609.
As European explorers came up the Hudson, they encountered the many different groups of Native Americans living in the area. We will use evidence to explore the interactions with the Indigenous Americans living here, like the Lenape, Wappinger, Esopus, Munsee, and Mahicannitcuk, or “the Waters That Are Never Still,” and the resulting policies and impacts on the Hudson Valley. This program examines the lives of those Indigenous peoples living in the Hudson Valley for thousands of years before Verrazano came upon present-day New York Bay in 1524 and when Hudson sailed upriver in 1609.
The American Revolution on the Hudson River
The boundaries that mark Kingston, New York, were initially inhabited by the Lenni Lenape. However, only fifteen years after Henry Hudson, the area was a thriving Dutch settlement. Not before long, it fell to the English, who went on to claim ultimate power in North America. Eventually, as relations between King and Colony soured, it was the seat of the NY state government and, in 1777, during the American Revolution, was burned to the ground in a scorched earth campaign by the British. Situated on Rondout Creek with access to the Hudson River, HRMM is uniquely positioned to teach New York’s role in the American Revolution
The boundaries that mark Kingston, New York, were initially inhabited by the Lenni Lenape. However, only fifteen years after Henry Hudson, the area was a thriving Dutch settlement. Not before long, it fell to the English, who went on to claim ultimate power in North America. Eventually, as relations between King and Colony soured, it was the seat of the NY state government and, in 1777, during the American Revolution, was burned to the ground in a scorched earth campaign by the British. Situated on Rondout Creek with access to the Hudson River, HRMM is uniquely positioned to teach New York’s role in the American Revolution
For information or to make reservations, email education, or call our education team at (845) 338-0071 ext 16.
Year-Round HRMM School Programs for 2025
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School Programs for 2025 are available year-round. Themes are selected in conjunction with the Director of Education. Please contact the Education Department to review choices and options.
Guided Museum Tours Explore all the museum offers with an interpretive guide providing information and interesting facts. 50 Minute Tour Minimum of 10 Students Guided Museum Tour & Interactive lesson A museum professional leads a topic-specific guided tour, providing information and interesting facts. Students then participate in a fun, educational, and exciting interactive lesson/activity. Tour themes are adjustable and changeable. 60 Minute Program Minimum of 10 Students Guided Museum Tour & Rondout Walking Tour A museum professional leads a topic-specific guided tour, providing information and interesting facts. This program concludes with a stroll along Rondout Creek, where a guide discusses the area’s industrial history. An exciting interactive lesson/activity can be added. Tour themes are adjustable and changeable. 90 Minute Program Minimum of 10 Students Wooden Boat School This is an introduction to our woodworking shop, woodworking skills, and a chance to try your hand at some basic practices. Contact us for details. Grade 5+ or at least 11 years old Minimum of 10 Students |
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Seasonal HRMM School Programs for 2025
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These 2025 School Programs are available from May through October. Themes are selected in conjunction with the Director of Education. Please contact the Education Department to review choices and options.
Solaris Boat Tour & Museum Tour Guided Museum tour with a ride aboard the 100% solar-powered tour boat Solaris. This program covers various topics, including the ecology, Industrial, and maritime/marine history of the Rondout Creek and Hudson River. Tour themes are adjustable and changeable. 2.5-hour program Minimum of 10 Students ADD-ONS: You can add an excursion to Rondout Lighthouse with a Guided Tour. This would be a 3.5-hour program. Contact the Education Department for additional information. Trolley Ride & Museum Tour This program includes a themed tour of the museum and a guided trolley ride to Kingston Park, with a focus on Hudson Valley transportation and industrial history. Tour is in partnership with the Trolley Museum of NY. 2-hour Program Minimum of 10 Students A Solaris Boat Tour, Trolley Ride & Museum Tour This program includes a themed museum tour, a Guided trolley ride to Kingston Park, and a voyage onboard the 100% solar-powered vessel Solaris. Tour themes are adjustable and changeable. 3-hour Program Minimum of 10 Students |
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Program Pricing
Below is the pricing for the 2025 School Programs. For all programs, excluding off-site in-classroom options, there is a per-student price requirement and a required minimum and maximum student number per group. Themes are selected in conjunction with the Director of Education. Please contact the Education Department to review choices and options.
Off-Site Classes (Pre-K/Early Childhood)
$100 per class.
Guided Museum Tour
$10. Per person*
Museum Tour & Interactive Lesson
$12. Per person*
Museum Tour & Walking Tour of Rondout Creek
$18. Per person*
Solaris Boat Ride & Museum Tour
$30. Per person**
Trolley Ride & Museum Tour
$20. Per person**
Trolley Ride, Solaris Boat Ride & Museum Tour
$40. Per person**
Intro to Woodworking
$25. Per person.
*Program requires one chaperone per 6 students at no charge. Additional adults are $10 each
**Program requires one chaperone per 6 students at no charge. Additional adults are charged the per person rate.
Off-Site Classes (Pre-K/Early Childhood)
$100 per class.
Guided Museum Tour
$10. Per person*
Museum Tour & Interactive Lesson
$12. Per person*
Museum Tour & Walking Tour of Rondout Creek
$18. Per person*
Solaris Boat Ride & Museum Tour
$30. Per person**
Trolley Ride & Museum Tour
$20. Per person**
Trolley Ride, Solaris Boat Ride & Museum Tour
$40. Per person**
Intro to Woodworking
$25. Per person.
*Program requires one chaperone per 6 students at no charge. Additional adults are $10 each
**Program requires one chaperone per 6 students at no charge. Additional adults are charged the per person rate.
Things To Know
Before booking one of HRMM’s School Programs for the upcoming 2025 year, please take a minute to review our current policies and procedures. There are a few things that you should know about:
Cancellation
Most HRMM programs take place rain or shine. You may cancel your trip up to two weeks before the scheduled date with no penalty. Trips canceled with less than two weeks’ notice or without notice will forfeit the deposit. Cancellations due to extreme weather with NOAA-issued no-travel warnings are exempt from penalty. Programs with a large outdoor component may have one rain date built ahead of time with no penalty.
- These programs are for all public, private, and homeschool students, as well as scout and other youth groups.
- Reserving your spot at least two weeks in advance is a proactive step that ensures you don’t miss out on our engaging programs.
- All our programs are meticulously designed to align with the current NYS Learning Standards, which assures you of their educational value.
- Our professionally trained educators can customize programs for your group’s individual needs.
- Program Themes are selected in advance and conjunction with the Director of Education.
- One adult per 6 students receives free admission (this includes teachers). One-on-one aides, school nurses, and teaching assistants always receive free admission.
- Students are welcome to bring their lunch. Please leave lunches on the bus or pack them in totes and leave them in a designated area. The museum yard has many creekside benches, a gazebo, and a covered picnic area. Our educators will help arrange eating space in the event of rain.
- A $50 deposit is required to hold your date and is due upon receipt of your invoice. This deposit will be subtracted from your total cost. The remainder of your payment is due the day of your visit. Please arrange to have one check or credit/debit card payment per group. Cash is accepted, but not preferred. HRMM accepts Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and American Express.
- Spring 2025 dates, especially those from late-April to June, fill up fast, so make your reservation today by contacting our Education Department at [email protected] or calling 845-338-0071 ext. 16.
Cancellation
Most HRMM programs take place rain or shine. You may cancel your trip up to two weeks before the scheduled date with no penalty. Trips canceled with less than two weeks’ notice or without notice will forfeit the deposit. Cancellations due to extreme weather with NOAA-issued no-travel warnings are exempt from penalty. Programs with a large outdoor component may have one rain date built ahead of time with no penalty.