Little Learners' Series

Little Learners' Series - For PK-First Graders
The Mariners’ Museum has developed this fun series of programs specifically for young homeschool learners. During each session, students will participate in an interactive lesson and make a craft to take home.

Anansi & Other African Folktales
This interactive program introduces students to the storytelling traditions that helped shape and preserve African culture in the New World. These stories expressed human emotion, explained animal behavior, and even poked fun at the world around them. With the help of musical instruments, students will participate in several stories that will give them a better understanding of African culture during this unique and entertaining program.

Wednesday, February 17, 10:30 A.M.-Noon.

Riding in a Log Canoe
Before the English reached the shores of Virginia, our area was inhabited by a thriving culture of Native Americans. With the interpretation of artifacts, your student can explore the world of the Powhatans—their methods of travel, trade, hunting, and fishing, as well as learn about the daily lives of men, women, and children in Powhatan society.

Wednesday, April 21, 10:30 A.M.-Noon.

Be sure to visit our online exhibition, Chesapeake Bay: Our History and Our Future, to learn more about the world of the Powhatans. 

Christopher Columbus & the Great Exchange
Imagine a world without vanilla ice cream, tomato sauce for pizza and pastas, or even chocolate! Sadly, this is the world Europeans endured before Christopher Columbus “sailed the ocean blue” in 1492. Get ready to celebrate Columbus Day at The Mariners’ Museum as we retrace his historic voyage and examine the impact the Great Exchange of plants, animals, and diseases had on the Old and New World alike.

Wednesday, October 6, 10:30 A.M.-Noon.

Sailing into Thanksgiving
Leaving England for the New World, the Pilgrims sailed across the ocean on their small ship the Mayflower. Join us in learning about life on board the Mayflower and how the ship moved, about the Pilgrims and their life in America, and what inspired the Pilgrims to celebrate a feast of Thanksgiving. Students will learn a Thanksgiving song and have an opportunity to make a miniature Mayflower.

Thursday, November 11, 10:30 A.M.-Noon.
Wednesday, November 17, 10:30 A.M.-Noon.

Thar She Blows!
This informative program investigates the lives and habitats of whales. We’ll also uncover why whalers were willing to endure the “Nantucket Sleigh Ride” in order to capture them! Using replica tools and teeth, students will get a chance to touch a whale bone; feel the artwork carved into a whale’s tooth; and grasp how large a whale is compared to a real whaling boat.

Wednesday, December 8, 10:30 A.M.-Noon.

Program Cost

*Cost per student, per program

One adult chaperone per student will be admitted free of charge. Chaperones are required to stay with their children for the duration of the program. Additional chaperones and accompanying 2nd–12th graders will be charged the student price. Children ages 4 years old or younger, who will not be participating, will be admitted free of charge.

To Register:
Space is limited to 15 students per session. Pre-registration is required. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate walk-ins.

To register, call (757) 591-7743 or send the completed registration form and payment to the address or fax number listed on the form. Both the form and payment must be received by the registration deadline. A confirmation email will be sent to your inbox within one week.

Please notify us of cancellations two weeks prior to the program to receive a full refund, or 72-hours prior to qualify for a partial refund or exchange. Refunds will not be issued without at least 72-hours notice of cancellation. However, if the Museum must cancel, a full refund will be issued.