The Holocaust Memorial Center’s Field Trip Program

 

Scheduling a Field Trip:     

 

You may reserve a field trip date by calling Mitch Bloomer at 628-0555 x283.  A request may also be faxed or sent via

e-mail.  The following information will be needed when you call:

 

1.            a preferred date and at least one alternate date

2.            approximate times for arrival and departure

3.            the approximate number of students and chaperones

4.            information about any special needs of the group or individual students

5.            any request for specific content to meet your curriculum needs

 

Field trips are available throughout the school year, but high demand during certain periods may make finding an open date difficult.  March, April, and May are very popular for field trip bookings.  Dates coinciding with special exhibits are also in high demand.  If you want to schedule your trip during one of these periods, please try to call as far in advance as possible.

 

Components of the Field Trip Program:

 

The standard field trip lasts two hours and consists of a museum tour, a film presentation, and a question and answer session.  The duration and content of each part are flexible according to your needs.

 

The Museum Tour:

 

Students are given the opportunity for individual exploration of the exhibits at the beginning of the museum tour.  The museum contains photo and text displays, art works, artifacts, and short video presentations.  Temporary exhibits are periodically on display in the museum, as well.  The length of time dedicated to individual viewing is flexible according to the needs and developmental level of the students.  A guided tour is then given highlighting key themes expressed in the museum displays.  Students are encouraged to ask questions throughout the guided tour program.  More information about the museum exhibit is given in the next section of this guide.

 

The Film Presentation:

 

This portion of the field trip program is conducted in the Holocaust Center’s Film and Exhibit Hall. The standard film presentation is designed to highlight the survivors’ perspective.  If you prefer, you may request a specific tape or topic.  Over 500 videotapes are available through our library.  Many of these are appropriate in length and content for the field trip experience. If there are any special art or history exhibits in this room, time will be given to view them, as well.

 

The Question and Answer Session:

 

The question and answer session is most meaningful for students when they have had a chance to think about possible questions before their arrival.  Teachers are encouraged to carry out a pre-visit brainstorming-type activity to help students identify the topics they would most like to discuss. 

 

Customizing the Field Trip Experience:

 

The goal of the Holocaust Center is to make the field trip as meaningful as possible.  The program has been designed with maximum flexibility in mind.  The number of students you may bring varies from 1 to 160.  The duration of your stay may be shorter or longer than the standard two hours.  Activities besides those already described may be planned.  The tour and film presentations may be tailored to the specific needs of your group.  When you schedule your field trip, all of these possibilities may be arranged.

 

Organizational Details:

 

·      Cost:                    There is no charge for the field trip program. 

 

·      Transportation:        Transportation must be arranged by the teacher privately or through the school district.  At least ten days prior notice is usually required.  Costs may vary greatly depending on distance and carrier.

 

·      Grade Level:           Standard field trips may be scheduled for classes from 5th to 12th grade.  Trips for younger students are possible, but require a pre-visit conference to determine appropriate content for the presentation and exhibit viewing.

 

·      Parking:                 Finding parking space for buses is difficult in the small parking lot of the Jewish Community Center.  Buses may stay in the fire lane directly in front of the Holocaust Center if the drivers remain with them for the entire duration of the trip.  If not, buses may park in the grass lot to the west of the Holocaust Center or in the lot to the south of the Hebrew Day School.

 

·      Lunch:                  Some teachers prefer to have students eat lunch while on the field trip.  There are several fast food type restaurants in the vicinity.  There are also two nice parks nearby. Maitland Community Park and Lake Lilly Park have picnic tables and rest rooms available.  Arrangements must be made directly with the parks.  For more information, please call the park office at (407) 539-0042.

 

·      Large Groups:         Field trips with over 70 students must be divided into two groups.  One group will take the museum tour, while the other views the film presentation.  The groups will then change places with each other and complete the field trip experience.  This arrangement allows the Holocaust Center to host large groups without diminishing the content of the program.  Timing between the museum tour and the film presentation must be precise; therefore the number of appropriate films from which to choose is reduced.