Field Trips

On-site Field Trips

Step right into the story!

Questions? Contact our Education Team at education@gcv.org or (585) 294-8200.

Historic Village

Wednesday - Friday | May 1 - August 29

Grades K - 12

This self-guided tour through the Historic Village allows you to see all 68 or our historic buildings to better understand what like may have been like in Upstate New York 200 years ago.

Nature Discoveries

Various Weekdays April - June | September - November

Grades K - 12

During this guided field trip, your class will rotate through hands-on activities, a nature walk, a live animal presentation, and games.

Nature Rocks!

Various Weekdays April - June | September - November

Grades 6 - 12

Our naturalists will guide your class on an interactive, inquiry-based walk through the Museum’s woodland and meadow habitats. Students will explore erosion, fossils, biodiversity, competition for natural resources, and much more!

19th-Century Civics Day

October 2, 2025 | 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Grades K - 12

Students will participate in a real Naturalization Ceremony, welcoming new American citizens! This is a moving and joyous ceremony that should not be missed!

Preparing for Winter

November 7, 2025

Grades K - 12

Stroll the Historic Village where preparations are underway for the cold season ahead. Students will learn about how the needs and duties of 19-century New Yorkers shifted as they prepared for the season to come

Home for the Holidays

December 3 - 5, 10 - 12, 17, 18 | 2025

Grades 2 - 12

On this guided tour through the wintery Historic Village, students are encouraged to make connections with 19th century traditions to their own winter experiences.

Maple Festival Feild Trip "Maple Madness"

March 7, 2026

Grades 2 - 12

This self-guided tour that takes place in BOTH the Historic Village AND Nature Center brings history, chemistry, math, and ecology to life.

Sap, Syrup, and Sugar

March 11 - 13, 18, 19, 25, 26 | 2026

Grades 2 - 12

This guided tour takes place at the Nature Center ONLY. Allowing groups to explore the history of maple sugaring guided through a series of stations.

Civil War Living History Day

May 2026

Grades 4 - 12

This self-guided tour features timed programming throughout the Historic Village, allowing your students to understand the impact of the Civil War on our nation and the actions New Yorkers took to engage in the momentous event.

Honoring Juneteenth

June 18, 2026

Grades 4 - 12

Juneteenth is considered the oldest celebration of the end of enslavement in the United States – and an official state holiday here in New York! We will spotlight the events, experiences, and people fundamental to our collective understanding and appreciation of freedom.

Grant Funding

Several generous donors allow GCV&M to offer limited grant funding to schools that meet certain qualifications.

Visit this page to see more details about the grant funds we have available.

FAQs

Does my school qualify for grant funding?

The museum has several generous donors who allow us to offer grant funding to schools that meet certain qualifications. 

To see if your school qualifies, follow this link: Teacher Resources

How much do non-staff adult 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.

Thanks to a partnership with Museums for All, if a chaperone brings a valid EBT card and ID they 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?

This answer varies depending on the program, please reach out to 585-294-8200 with questions about your specific field trip date/program.

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. 

Will the Museums restaurants and gift shop be open?

Retail locations are open Wednesday – Sunday from May 1 until October 10. The Museum Store is open on select days throughout the rest of the year. Click here to learn more. 

What are enrichments?

Enrichments are 30 minute guided activities that cost an additional fee 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. However, you will still need to check in at the Red Admissions Building, even if you are coming for a Nature Center field trips.

What is my role as the teacher who registers?

The teacher who registers for the field trip 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 that this teacher give 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. Non-school staff adult chaperones are not staff and thus have to pay admission to the museum.

Are these programs available for homeschool groups?

Homeschool groups may sign up as a “school group,” as long as there are 10 students in the group. In these instances, only the adult registering is free and other parents must pay the chaperone fee.

We have a robust year of homeschool-specific programming, which can be found here: Click here 

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.

If the parent comes for any general admission day, they are free!