Founded in 1791, the Albany Institute of History & Art is New York’s oldest museum. Its collections document the Hudson Valley as a crossroads of culture, influencing the art and history of the region, the state, and the nation. With more than 35,000 objects in the collection and one million documents in the research library, it is an important resource for the region, fostering a sense of place and the part the Hudson Valley played in the American story. Permanent exhibitions include one of the largest collections of Hudson River School paintings and a history of Ancient Egypt, as well as temporary rotating exhibitions. The Albany Institute’s education programs serve 10,000 students, teachers, adults, and families every year. The museum education department’s mission is to connect our community to our collections and exhibitions through lifelong learning opportunities that serve all ages. Education programs are organized into three areas of learning: schools and educators programs, intergenerational programs, adult programs, and public programs. School Groups: The Albany Institute offers themed tours of our permanent and temporary exhibitions for groups of all ages. We currently offer programs on Ancient Egypt (grades 3–8), the Hudson River School (grades 2–12), and the American Revolution (grades 3–5). We can lead tours at the museum, at your space, or online. The education team at AIHA is happy to customize tours to meet the needs of your curricula, students, and goals. Please contact Janine Moon at moonj@albanyinstitute.org to schedule your tour. Funding might be available for your tour. Educators: The Albany Institute offers professional development workshops for educators, with topics customizable to your needs. We can host workshops at the museum, in your space, or online. Please find a selection of virtual resources online here: albanyinstitute.org/learn/programs/teacher-resources Groups: Themed guided tours are available for adult groups (up to 20 participants) at the museum, your space, or online.

Playful Engineers Traveling Maker Space STEAM-Powered assemblies, hands-on workshops, whole-school events, and family nights featuring Rube Goldberg Machines, and other chain reactions, plus Artful Mechanisms - student-built toys made using principals of mechanical linkages and crankshafts. Kids learn real-world maker skills with our latchkey programs. We bring our traveling Maker Space including all materials, and we love working with all ages. Our play-based programs help kids learn while having loads of fun! In-person, and virtual programs are available from single programs to 2 week residencies!

The T-A-Y Anti Bullying prevention program focuses on students talking, asking questions and showing empathy towards others Tay will lead the topic by discussing the 3 types of bullying: Physical, Verbal and Cyber Bullying T stands for TALK: Tay will encourage ALL students to not be afraid to talk to adults, parents, teachers, principals, older siblings etc when they come across bullying. This can include them being bullied or if they see it happening to others (bystander). Tay will end with a quick activity from a volunteer to demonstrate the importance of TALK. A stands for ASK QUESTIONS: Tay will encourage ALL students to not be afraid to ask questions if they need to find a place to feel safe. We will discuss places for students to go to and things for them to do to escape any negativity going on in their lives which includes being bullied. Y stands for YOU: All students will be asked to repeat after Tay, "IT'S NOT ABOUT ME, IT'S ABOUT YOU." This will teach students about the word EMPATHY. Showing empathy towards each other is important. Flipping the two letters in the word EMPATHY "EM" will result in the word "ME". That's how Tay will teach the concept "IT'S NOT ABOUT ME, ITS ABOUT YOU. Volunteers will be selected to participate in a life changing experience with Tay that they will never forget .

I am the author of a fantasy novel called The Knights: Lost in the Void. The story is assessible to everyone, but has been popular with teen boys who are not necessarily readers because it follows the style of comic books and anime. The story takes place in a fantasy world but the three main characters are facing real life situations regarding severe trauma, bullying, and anger and have to come to terms with those issues before they can succeed in their mission. There are glimpses of depression, anxiety, and grief in the latter part of the book, so the novel can be triggering for some people. I can offer the following programs: Book discussions for teens Book discussions fantasy Book discussions for boys Writing workshops

High-energy 45-minute assembly programs about bullying-prevention, character education, reading, and science. Who knew LEARNING could be this much FUN?!

We offer Theater and Arts Mini Camps where youth learn and develop skills such as acting, singing, dancing, script writing, and other various theatrical skills

The Museum of Innovation and Science (miSci) offers a variety of engaging STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) programs as field trip experiences, virtually, or in-person (off-site) at your location. Each program features a miSci science communicator performing demonstrations and guiding hands-on experiments designed to excite and inform learners. We offer classes in Earth Science, Chemistry, Physical Science, Space, Engineering, Life Science. Our in person outreach classes are 45 minutes long, for up to 25 students in one session. We also have the capability to do the outreach classes as virtual classes in all these subjects. miSci has a Starlab (portable planetarium) that we can bring to a school, or area building to do up to 5 - thirty minute shows in one day. We also have star parties for naked eye viewing, weather permitting. We offer field trips which include a class, a planetarium show and time in the museum to explore. With suggestions from teachers we can adjust the topics in a planetarium show or for a different class topic if we are given a 3 week notice to make the adjustments.

The NYC based dance crew provides a 30 minute non-stop, interactive showcase of their high energy dance choreography that engages and entertains the students. There is a 15 minute lecture period afterwards which discusses spotting and stopping bullying, respecting yourself and others, taking responsibility for your actions and leading a positive life. Anything is possible with hard work, an education and focusing on what you can bring to this world that no one else can.

Our virtual school author talk program brings the magic of stories to inspire, educate, and connect with students in the classroom. Whether it's the laughter from a funny tale, the curiosity kindled by a mystery, or the wonder of discovering new worlds, each BookBreak virtual author talk is designed to spark a love of reading and enhance literacy. Our innovative platform connects students with renowned authors virtually, allowing schools to participate who would not normally be able to afford the speaking fees of bestselling authors. With BookBreak, you can offer your students the excitement and inspiration of a live author event, empowering them to thrive as readers and writers. With over 2,000 subscribing schools and counting, our goal is to embed author talks as an integrated component of student learning. By seamlessly integrating these virtual author sessions into your curriculum, you’ll ignite a fire for reading, kindle a passion for writing, and captivate even the most reluctant readers. These interactive experiences are more than just talks—they’re a catalyst for transforming student motivation and cultivating a vibrant school-wide culture of reading. Use our curriculum aligned virtual author talks and included pre- and post- activities and watch as your students’ enthusiasm soars and their love for literature flourishes!

Your school will be amazed at the magic. They will laugh at the hysterical comedy. But most importantly, they will get excited about being Fit! The bFit Show is a 45-minute elementary fitness and nutrition program designed to get your kids interested in getting Fit. The show uses magic, comedy, juggling, music, and tons of audience participation to deliver a powerful and motivational message that kids in America need to hear! The bFit Show uses magic, comedy, juggling, and audience participation to get your elementary school excited about eating healthy, fitness, nutrition, and exercise! Students, teachers, parents, and administrators will love and talk about The bFit Show for days, weeks, and months to come. And this program may help your school fight child obesity, diabetes, and heart disease! The bFit Show with Brian Richards is an elementary health and fitness assembly that will get your students up and moving!

Perry Ground is a Turtle Clan member of the Onondaga Nation of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy. Perry is a Master Storyteller and Cultural Educator who has shared his stories for over 25 years. He enjoys working with students of all ages to teach about the history & culture of Native Peoples. The Storyteller will bring the stories to life through vivid descriptions, his rhythmic voice, and a VERY active stage presence. These stories become ‘interactive’ as Perry is known to include audience members in the stories. His Storytelling and Cultural Enrichment programs include cultural and historical information that meets the expectations of the NYS ELA and Social Studies Curriculum. Talking Turtle Stories offers a wide range of programs for students of all ages. Three different Storytelling programs include stories from the Haudenosaunee (NY) or from across North America. The Cultural Encounter sessions are curriculum-based presentations and/or hands-on workshops that give deeper insight into the history and culture of the Haudenosaunee. Book individually or combine programs for a full day of learning!! These programs are available year-round and can be done in school or virtually. Contact Perry at TalkingTurtleStories@gmail.com for a full list of presentations and pricing information.

MUSIC OF THE EARTH - A Celebration of World Cultures and Our Planet! Mysterious, exciting, information-packed! World cultures come alive through the powerful vibrations of exotic instruments from around the globe. Unique, interactive assemblies with giant drums, crystal singing bowls, Australian didgeridoos, Chinese gongs, Native American flutes and chants, Indian snake charmer, Aztec wind whistle, Scottish Bagpipes, and much more! Special programs available for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Winter Solstice, Earth Week (April) and St. Patrick’s Day.