WHAT IS OUTREACH

WHAT IS OUTREACH?

An outreach program is intended to travel beyond the walls of a museum, science center or historic site. Outreach teachers travel to classrooms and other community gathering places in order to extend the reach of an educational institution. We realize that travel to a museum or cultural center is not always possible. Outreach programs can bring the resources of a national park, history museum, state historic site or interpretive center to students, teachers and the community.

What can I expect from outreach?

Every museum, historic site and cultural center develops outreach programs which best present the sponsoring institution’s mission, goals, and abilities. Outreach programs can be as simple as an informative slide lecture on local history or as multi-faceted as living history presentations by costumed interpreters and craftspeople.

An outreach program could include:

· web based learning

· interpretive print materials

· audiovisual presentations

· “travel trunks” with hands on activities

· primary resources from a museum’s educational collection

· demonstrations and participatory activities

Why use an outreach program?

Outreach programs supplement classroom instruction by offering educators access to the resources of institutions which collect, preserve and exhibit our cultural heritage. National and regional institutions provide printed and web-based learning plans, research aids and curriculum guides. Local institutions with outreach programs provide a resource for enrichment opportunities. If field trips are not possible, an outreach program can bring the excitement of new discoveries into the classroom and introduce students to the resources offered by museums in our communities.

Beth Woodward

Bwoodward@atlantahistorycenter.com

(404) 814-2060