Educational Programs 

Education is the primary function of every successful museum.

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.  Thanks to support the Museum receives from York County and from area businesses, the program cost is only $2.00 per student.  To reserve space for your students, or to receive more information on the program, please call (757) 887-2641.

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 Marcia Smith at the Museum for more information.

Education is 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.