July 16, July 23, August 13, August 20, September 10, September 11, September 18 (3 pm and 4 pm), September 24 (

Maira Kalman returns with her new children’s book Thomas Jefferson, whom she describes “optimistic and complex and tragic and wrong and courageous.” Families will listen to her read excerpts from the book—which aims to cover everything about Jefferson—as well as describe her research process, and hold a book signing.

Fans of this Founding Father will learn surprising facts, and children who are new to Jefferson will be introduced to a great and complex man. Kalman painterly illustrations add to the uniqueness and whimsy of the book.

Free with Museum Admission

How would you dress up to stand in front of Federal Hall? How about the Empire State Building? The Washington Mews? Inspired by the exhibition Bill Cunningham: Façades, families are invited to choose their favorite New York City landmark and decorate their own matching paper doll in this drop-in art making program. We’ll have images of historical paper dolls from our collection for families to see as well. Recommended for ages 4–10.

Free with Museum Admission

How would you dress up to stand in front of Federal Hall? How about the Empire State Building? The Washington Mews? Inspired by the exhibition Bill Cunningham: Façades, families are invited to choose their favorite New York City landmark and decorate their own matching paper doll in this drop-in art making program. We’ll have images of historical paper dolls from our collection for families to see as well. Recommended for ages 4–10.

Ages 6+ and adults
Tickets include the price of Museum Admission

A whaler's life was never easy in the 18th or 19th centuries. Come learn the history behind the unique art form of scrimshaw, painstakingly practiced by men on long, seafaring voyages. See examples of scrimshaw, images carved into the bones of whales and other arctic creatures, and then create your own version in the studio.

Tickets are $15 per person ($12 for members) and include the price of Museum admission. Adults must accompany their children to the programs. For ages 6+.

Ages 6+ and adults
Tickets include the price of Museum Admission

Celebrate Mother's Day with this special family program! Explore and learn together, and then decorate a beautiful china plate to commemorate the day. Don't forget to make a reservation for brunch at Caffè Storico!

Ages 6+ and adults
Tickets include the price of Museum Admission

People have been making quilts for hundreds of years; however quilting took on new significance during the American Civil War. Come explore the fascinating quilts in our exhibition Homefront and Battlefield: Quilts & Context in the Civil War. Then create your own quilt pattern in our studio.

Ages 6+ and adults
Tickets include the price of Museum Admission

At a time when adults were fearful of heeding Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s call to “fill the jails” of Birmingham, Alabama in protest of segregation and racial violence, the children of the city stepped in to do their part. Come to the wrap on February 2nd for a Skype discussion with author Cynthia Levinson, and celebrate young activists in the Civil Rights Movement and throughout history through our museum collections. Ages 9-12 and their adults.

Whaling used to be big business in the United States- and it was extremely dangerous. Come discuss the amazing rescue of hundreds of men whose ice-encrusted whaling ships left them trapped in the arctic for the harsh winter of 1897. What it took to get these men to safety is almost unbelievable. At the meeting, we will discuss the history of the whaling industry through our amazing Museum collections. Ages 9-12.