The Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center is an educational resource for student groups of all grade levels. Options include guided tours of historic downtown Albany, local history programs, and a wide variety of educational programs in the Henry Hudson Planetarium (an official NASA Space Place).
Early Life in Albany: A Dutch Fur Trading Town
Students learn about life in 17-18th century Albany in this history program that includes a student re-enactment emphasizing the importance of trade between Native Americans and Dutch settlers; an audio-visual presentation of A Voyage to Albany detailing Henry Hudson’s voyage and discovery, Albany’s colonial history and its influence on the Albany of today; and an interactive History Mystery Game between student teams tailored to re-emphasize many of the topics learned during the program. (Grades 2-12) |
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Historic Downtown Albany Walking Tour
Albany will be celebrating 400 years of history in 2009! During this guided walking tour, students follow the footsteps of some of the most important figures in American history. (Grades 3-12)
The Hudson River Way Walking Tour
A guided walking tour of The Hudson River Way, a pedestrian bridge linking historic downtown Albany to the Hudson River. Each of the thirty lampposts along the bridge is painted in a style know as trompe l'oeil and recounts Albany’s diverse history. (Grades 3-12)
Henry Hudson Planetarium Twinkle Time: This program features a friendly sun, planets and twinkling stars and is especially geared to young skywatchers. Crafts and storytelling follow the show. (Grades PreK – 1) Zoo in the Sky: Students discover stars and planets in the sky, as well as the variety of plants, animals and insects that come to life after the sun goes down. Famous animal constellations, magical night life sounds and puppetry are featured. Students create night sky pictures in a star connection activity. (Grades K-2) Stargazing–What’s Up In The Sky Tonight?: Students learn the basics of viewing the night sky including an introduction to the tools and techniques needed to identify stars, planets and constellations. Students make Celestial Dome Planispheres to find their favorite heavenly bodies. (Grades 2-12) Follow the Drinking Gourd: Albany and the Underground Railroad: Students view a sky show and learn the important role constellations played in freedom seekers’ search along the Underground Railroad. The people and places of importance in local Underground Railroad history are explored in the Center’s exhibit. (Grades 2-12) Skytellers Program: Native American Stories of Stars: Traditional Native American legends about the sky are presented. Stories are complemented by current scientific explanations and hands-on activity. (Grades 2-5) Egyptian Astronomy–Ancient Horizons Alive Again: Journey back in time to explore the astronomy of ancient Egypt and to discover how Egyptians used horizons to tell time, make calendars, create zodiacs and align tombs and temples of their leaders. An interactive presentation of the stars and planets and a showing of Stars of the Pharaohs bridges modern astronomy with ancient views of the sky. (Grades 3-12)
Above programs are $3.00 per student. Minimum group fee is $60 unless otherwise stated. |
Double the History
A two-part program that incorporates Voices from the Hill: 1787-1963 at Historic Cherry Hill with an Early Life In Albany: A Dutch Fur Trading Town (see above) at the Visitors Center. At Cherry Hill, students become both performers and audience participants during skits that give “voice” to Van Rensselaer family members, servants, immigrants and other real people who lived in the past. Grades 4-5 • Call Historic Cherry Hill at 434-4791 for details and reservations
Half Moon: The Replica of Henry Hudson’s Ship
At the Visitors Center, students view the show Voyage to Albany, re-enact the story of Henry Hudson’s journey up the Hudson River, and briefly tour through an exhibit gallery that focuses on the development of Albany in the 17th century. A tour of The Half Moon completes the program, as students explore authentic equipment of the period and learn about life aboard the ship during Henry Hudson’s voyage. Grades 3-12 • Most appropriate for fourth and seventh grades due to its strong emphasis on NYS history.
Voyage to Albany
Students view the show, A Voyage to Albany, re-enact the story of Henry Hudson’s journey up the Hudson River and discover what life was like in early Albany at the Visitors Center. The program continues aboard the Albany Aqua Ducks, the only amphibious vehicle in NYS, for a guided tour of Albany’s historic downtown and beautiful Hudson River. (Grades 3-12)
The Wild Side of the Hudson River Ecosystem
Dive into an investigation of the Hudson River’s ecosystem! At the Visitors Center, students learn about the amazing critters and plant life whose homes are in and around this watery habitat. The program concludes aboard the Albany Aqua Ducks, New York State's only amphibious vehicle. A narrated tour explains the river’s role in the environment as well as its importance in American history. (Grades K-12)
The above programs are seasonal.
Fees vary per program. Call for further information.
Programs are available by appointment only.
Reservations are required at least three weeks in advance.
All programs address New York State curriculum and National Standards.
For specific information and to make reservations contact the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center
via email - accvb@albany.org or call (518) 434-0405.
Inquiries will be forwarded to the appropriate staff member for a prompt reply.
Fees are subject to change. |