Schoolchildren benefit from MAC’s educational programs

During the 2008-09 school year, 11,892 students benefited from educational outreach programs provided by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC), and there is still plenty of time to take advantage of this year’s educational offerings.
MAC’s mission of historic preservation, interpretation and cultural enrichment extends into the classroom and beyond with its long-standing commitment to educating area schoolchildren. These programs enhance and expand the classroom experience by bringing history to life.
Dr. Robert E. Heinly, MAC’s Museum Education Coordinator, said, “MAC’s wide variety of programs and specially trained museum education staff offer schools a valuable resource at little or no cost. Many of our offerings are unique and we customize them to each teacher’s and class’ needs. We have received very positive evaluations from those who have used them.”
MAC’s educational outreach programs include field trips, classroom and assembly programs, either live or via distance learning, and regular tour offerings and special events that include an educational component like Keeper’s on Duty (a free program about the Cape May Lighthouse’s history) and Kids Day (a day of discovery at the Emlen Physick Estate).
New school programs for the 2009-10 school year include a visit with Cape May’s Civil War Hero, Henry Washington Sawyer, and interactive and educational stories with MAC’s professionally trained storytellers. Teachers can choose from a list of 19 available stories on area history.
Now is the time for teachers to sign up for MAC’s educational holiday programming. The Victorian Christmas program teaches students how Prince Albert brought Christmas traditions to England from Germany when he married Queen Victoria, and how these traditions spread to America.
For more information on MAC’s educational outreach offerings, or to receive MAC’s education brochure contact Dr. Robert E. Heinly at 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278, Ext. 134 or rheinly@capemaymac.org