The Watermen’s Museum Educational Programs

Program Overview Education is the primary function of every successful museum. It is also a lifelong process and does not end with graduation. Our exhibits are designed to illustrate and explain the importance of the work done by those who work the Chesapeake Bay. They are our most important means of educating our visitors. Adult education programs include lectures, videos, and demonstrations scheduled periodically by the museum. Check the museum schedule for upcoming events of interest to you. Our educational programs begin at the start of each school year. Most programs are half-day.

We are an ideal addition to any school field trip visiting the Historic Triangle area. Schools sometimes request special programs to address the interests of older students, preschoolers or those with special needs. We are happy to work with your school to help teachers find ways to bring their teaching objectives to life. Call Education Director, Mike Steen, at the Museum for more information.

Educational Programs

"Catch of the Day" – K-3rd Grade

The Watermen's Museum's Education Department has been very successful with its "Catch of the Day" program, designed to address Virginia's Standards of Learning for Kindergarten through third graders. Every year, over 1,500 students from our region participate. Each classroom involved receives a pre/post visit activity book to help teachers prepare and reinforce the lessons learned in the program. Once they arrive for their Museum visit, students see and touch live oysters, clams and crabs; learn to identify and sort shellfish by type; tong for oysters; and hear about the methods used locally to gather seafood, from those used by the region's Native Americans to the ones used today. Each student participating receives a take-home activity bag and coupons to return free with family members.

A Maritime Nation (grades 5-12)

The United States has always been a maritime nation. This 90-minute, hands-on program explores the ongoing relationship between our citizens and our waterways. Students explore historic maritime trades and cultures, the life of sailors, and traditional methods of working the water.

Chesapeake Bay Ecology (grades 5-12)

This hands-on, 90-minute program allows students to explore the Chesapeake Bay estuary through its history, bounty, and ecology. Beach seining, aquaculture, and seagrass restoration activities help students to understand the complex nature of estuarine systems and our coastal environments

Under the Hill: Local Life during the Siege of Yorktown. (grades 5-12).

This active, 90-minute, hands-on program puts students into the fighting at the Siege of Yorktown. From storming a gun battery to tending sails on a coastal gunboat, organizing a line of infantry, to preparing meals in world without refrigeration, students will explore the realities of life for soldiers and sailors in the Yorktown Campaign.

What To Bring

The coastal environment is subject to many changes in weather and students should plan accordingly. In order to make your trip more comfortable your students should bring:

• Sunscreen
• A hat
• Sunglasses
• Water shoes
• A towel
• A full water bottle
• Insect repellant

What To Wear

The coastal environment is subject to many changes in weather and students should plan accordingly. In order to make your trip more comfortable your students should wear:

• Layered clothing
• A change of socks
• A hat
• Closed-toed shoes
• Water shoes

Pricing/Schedule a visit

Thanks to support the Museum receives from York County and from area businesses, the program cost for the Catch of the Day Program is only $3.00 per student. The remaining programs are $5/student and include Museum admission. To reserve space for your students, or to receive more information on the program, please call (757) 887-2641 or fill out the educational form here.