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
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
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.
- 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.
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.
It is important to dress for the weather, as all of our programs have outdoor portions that take place rain or shine.
This answer varies depending on the program, please reach out to 585-294-8200 with questions about your specific field trip date/program.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!