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Field Trips

On-site Field Trips

Step right into the story!

Visit the Historic Village, Genesee Country Nature Center, or the John L. Wehle Gallery. There is nothing like a face-to-face, in-person, hands-on experience at GCV&M. On-site field trips are available on select dates in March, April, October, and December and regularly May through September. Scroll to the bottom of this page to explore our Frequently Asked Questions. 

Questions? Contact our Education Team at education@gcv.org or (585) 294-8216. Ready to book? 

Self-Guided Tours

Whether your group is visiting for two hours or all day, you and your students can explore at your own pace. Several locations throughout the village provide hands-on activities for students to do during their visit. Be sure to review our 30-minute Enrichment Activities hosted by a museum interpreter as a capstone to your visit.

Self-guided tours are available on limited Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from May – October. Grant funding may be available for your school. 

GCV&M Theme Days

Attend the museum on one of our monthly theme days! Key locations throughout the village are set up to guide your group along – with activities, games, and costumed experts – theme days allow your students to make clear connections between life in the 19th century and today. Each theme covers specific curriculum standards.

Grant funding may be available for your school. Pre-registration is required. 

Homeschool Days

Calling homeschool families! Join us for a fun and educational exploration of the Historic Village to experience history come to life! Explore our nearly 70 historic buildings on a day that the Village is geared up for families or homeschool groups. Homeschool Days are often themed, more details are below.

Homeschool days only occur on the dates listed below. Admission on Homeschool Days is reduced for families and homeschool groups. Pre-registration is required. 

Enrichment Activities

Enhance your self-guided tour by scheduling a structured hands-on 30-minute Enrichment Activity lead by a museum educator. Options include:

  • Tin Tapping – Learn about an important 19th century trade and make a tin ornament to take home.
  • Little Red School House – Experience a one room school house and practice writing in cursive with a quill pen.
  • History Stinks – Learn about many smelly aspects of 19th century life and make a lavender sachet to take home. 
  • History’s Mysteries – Use objects to compare life in the 19th century to today. Play a game to determine the identity of common 19th century objects. 
  • 19th Century Games – Explore what children played with in the past. Try your hand at whimmy diddles, pommawongas, jackstraws, graces and more!
 Groups are charged for a minimum of 15 students. 

Grant Funding

At times throughout the year, various generous donors allow GCV&M to offer limited grant funding to schools that meet certain qualifications. 

Currently, there are no grant funds available.

Contact education@gcv.org to learn more.

FAQs

Does my school qualify for grant funding?

Various generous donors allow GCV&M to offer grant funding to schools that meet certain qualifications. All RCSD schools, including public charters, are eligible for free student admission and transportation. Any rural/suburban school district where 50% or more students qualify for free/reduced lunch is also eligible for free student admission. Each teacher at qualifying schools can use these grants for two programs per academic year.

How much do parent chaperones have to pay?

The cost of chaperone admission is $13/individual. Chaperones will pay upon arrival at the admissions tunnel – do not collect their payment in advance. If you bring an EBT card and ID you are eligible for $3 admission.

How many parent chaperones can we bring?
  • This varies depending on the type of program. On a regular, non-guided, field trip day we recommend a 1:10 staff/chaperone to student ratio. For guided field trips – there will be a set number of chaperone spots available.
How do we contact First Student for bussing?

You need to fill out the bus order form in your main office and put GCV&M down as the person to bill. Specific contact information for First Student is: William Simpson, Rochester First Student, 1-585-288-8080.

What should my students wear?

 It is important to dress for the weather, as all of our programs have outdoor portions that take place rain or shine.

What time can my group arrive for a field trip?

Groups can arrive as early as 9 a.m. for field trips at GCV&M!

Can we eat lunch at the Museum?

Yes, we recommend bringing lunch for your students to enjoy while at the Museum. Upon arrival you will receive a lunch location where you can both store your lunches and eat. On busy days, lunch times will be assigned by the Museum.

Will the Museums restaurants and gift shop be open?

Retail locations will be open Wednesday – Sunday from May 6th until October 9th. The Museum Store may be open on select days throughout the off season. Click here to learn more. 

What are enrichments?

Enrichments are ½ hour activities that cost an additional $3 per student. They allow students to engage in hands on historical activities. The extra cost of enrichments can not be covered by grant funding. Enrichments must be booked at the time of registration.

Where is the Nature Center?

The Nature Center is located to the right of the Museum, just before the first two parking bays. You will see a turn-off to the right at this location; turn in there and pull up to the Nature Center Loop for student drop-off and check-in.

What is my role as the lead teacher?

The lead teacher is responsible for collecting student payment, presenting a final headcount upon arrival, communicating with GCV&M about any changes to your confirmation, and receiving and distributing materials from the museum upon arrival (maps, schedules, etc.). We also recommend the lead teacher gives their cell phone number to all parent chaperones and bus drivers to facilitate communication.

Who counts as school staff?

All necessary teachers, aides, nurses, and bus drivers count as school staff and are admitted at no charge. Parent chaperones do not count as school staff.

Are these programs available for homeschool groups?

Yes, homeschool groups may sign up, as school groups, for any regular, non-guided field trip day. In these instances, only the lead teacher is admitted for free and grant funding is not available. Other parents must pay the chaperone fee. Additionally, we offer specific homeschool theme days throughout the year. Click here to learn more about Homeschool Programs at GCV&M. 

If a student’s parents have a Museum membership – can that student be admitted for free?

Thank you for being a Museum Member! In the instance of school programs, all students must pay regardless of membership status.