Rhode Island Historical Society to host Teacher Appreciation Week

PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Historical Society has announced the full schedule of programming for its second annual Teacher Appreciation Week, taking place August 7 through August 13 at various RIHS sites in Providence and Woonsocket.

During Teacher Appreciation Week, educators can enjoy free workshops and museum admission; information sessions about the resources that the RIHS offers in and out of the classroom; as well as special discounts on membership, gift shop purchases, and walking tours.

Teachers will also have the opportunity to learn more about the RIHS’s new Free for All program, which extends free field trips to all school groups who wish to tour RIHS sites.

This Teacher Appreciation Week programming lineup includes (please see full descriptions below):

• Monday, Aug. 7: Robinson Research Center Orientation

• Tuesday, Aug. 8: “Think Like a Historian” at RI Teacher Fest

• Wednesday, Aug. 9: “Helping History & Heritage Happen” Meet & Greet

• Thursday, Aug. 10: Special Education Information Session + Tour at Museum of Work & Culture

• Friday, Aug. 11: John Brown House Museum Information Session + Walking Tours

Teachers may register for all programs at rihsteacherweek.org.

Additionally, throughout the week, teachers and their families get free admission (up to four people) at the John Brown House Museum and the Museum of Work & Culture, and can enjoy a 20% discount on gift shop items. Walking tours that are not already free as part of Teacher Appreciation Week programming (as outlined below) will be discounted $2 per ticket for teachers and their guests (registration required by contacting Jennifer Wilson at jwilson@rihs.org). Plus, educators will save 25% at any membership level by joining the RIHS during Teacher Appreciation Week.

On Monday, Aug. 7, 9am, teachers can join RIHS Librarians for an orientation at the Robinson Research Center. Teachers will learn about resources available and discover how our manuscripts, print, and graphics collections can enhance lessons and bring history into the classroom. There will also be discussion about how the RRC can support students working on projects such as National History Day.

On Tuesday, Aug. 8, Geralyn Ducady, Director, Newell D. Goff Center for Education and Public Programs, and Sarah Carr, Education & Program Manager at the Museum of Work & Culture will lead an interactive session at RI Teacher Fest. They will review strategies teachers can utilize in their classrooms to help students relate to historical themes through interaction with historical objects and primary sources. In addition, they will demonstrate how the use of primary sources and artifacts in teaching allows students to actively engage with history and learn to “think like historians,” use evidence in their arguments, think critically, and build 21st Century Skills. Teachers wishing to attend should register at riteacherfest.org.

On Wednesday, August 9, 9:30am, participants will network with staff from Rhode Island’s many history, heritage, and cultural sites and museums at the Aldrich House. Teachers can learn how they can connect to opportunities and resources.