Education

Through programs at the museum, in the classroom, and public outreach, we provide opportunities to learn about local, national, and global history through our collections.
- Learners of all ages are welcome and encouraged
- Schedule a group visit with a hands-on activity at the museum
- Schedule a guided historical walking tour through the downtown
- Select an outreach program visit for your school class, home school, or club
- Borrow one of our History-To-Go Loan Cases to use in your classroom or with youth groups
- Attend a talk, workshop, or plan your next staff development workshop at the museum
- Special programs are available for club meetings and adult groups
Ask us how we can be of assistance call (607) 734-4167 or email our Education Director, Susan Zehnder at: educator@chemungvalleymuseum.org
Teacher Resources

At the Chemung Valley History Museum operated by the Chemung County Historical Society (CCHS) we offer a variety of opportunities for teachers. We’ve worked with students from preschool to adult to provide programs that are interactive and engaging. Programs cover a variety of topics and may include: Haudenosaunee Culture, Civil War, Underground Railroad, Mark Twain and his tools, Victorian Elmira, Colonial Life, Elmira Celebrities, Natural Disasters, and the American Revolution.
Teachers may also work with the Education Director to develop customized tours and programs for their students designed around a specific theme or an exhibit currently on display at the museum. There is a fee for museum tours and programs please contact our Education Director Susan Zehnder for details.
Can’t come to the museum? Then bring resources to your classroom. Borrow a History-To-Go Loan Case. These cases are a collection of hands-on artifacts and activities that are designed to engage students while teaching them about local history through primary resources. Each traveling unit is housed in a suitcase and can supplement existing classroom activities for any grade level.
Loan cases are distributed on a first come, first serve basis and are available for up to two weeks at no charge. The loan cases must be picked up and returned to CCHS.
Click here for more information about the History-To-Go Loan Cases.
For more information about education programs at CCHS contact Susan Zehnder, Education Director at 607-734-4167, ext. 205 or educator@chemungvalleymuseum.org.
Homeschool Resources

The Chemung County Historical Society has many resources available for homeschool families, including our loan case program and special classes and programs. Please contact the museum’s Education Director, Susan Zehnder at 607-734-4167 ext. 205 or educator@chemungvalleymuseum.org for more information.
Adult Programming
Throughout the year we offer a variety of programs for adults, including book talks, art workshops, and other events. Visit our upcoming events page for information on upcoming programs.
Video of some of these programs as well as a wide array of local history videos are available online. From dramatic readings to lectures to fun facts, there is something for every history lover.
To view videos on our YouTube channel, CLICK HERE.
To view videos on our Facebook page, CLICK HERE.
