As teachers, you know the value of primary source documents but they can be a challenge to present to students. Let the Rosenbach help! We’ll start by helping students to understand why and how the Rosenbach brothers collected primary source documents. Then students will discover for themselves the power that lies within rare books and manuscripts. The Rosenbach offers five curriculum-based presentations for students. All presentations are appropriate for kindergarten through twelfth grade and can be adapted to meet the needs of the individual students.
- All K-12 school visits include hands-on activities on a selected topic, as well as a tour of the Rosenbach brothers’ historic home.
- All scheduled visits start at 10 a.m. and may last 60-90 minutes.
- School visits cost $5 per student. Payment is due on or before the day of your visit. We accept cash, check, and credit cards.
- We require 1 chaperone for every 10 students. There is no charge for chaperone admission.
K-12 Tour Topics
- America’s Founding Fathers. In this presentation, we’ll look at letters by founding fathers (and mothers) which provide a fascinating look into both the professional and personal lives of these famous founders.
- Fever 1793. Even George Washington was affected by the Yellow Fever epidemic that raged through Philadelphia in the late 18th century.Created especially for students reading Fever 1793, this tour will look at letters from George and Martha Washington as well as the notes and personal letters of Dr. Benjamin Rush.
- How to be a Writer. During this tour, we’ll explore what it means to be a professional writer. Where do they find their inspiration? What are the tools of their trade? How do they collaborate with editors and illustrators? Featured writers on this tour include Phillis Wheatley, Marianne Moore, Bram Stoker and Lewis Carroll.
- Letters of the Civil War. During this tour, you will get the chance to see personal letters written by families during the war which allow students to get to know the people behind the conflict.
- Mapping Philadelphia. In this tour, we’ll travel back to a time when map makers were artists, before we carried maps with us on our phones. Students will see maps of Philadelphia from the 18th and 19th centuries and compare and contrast them to maps of today.
To request a school visit, please complete and submit this form and we will respond within 48 hours. To arrange a visit for a group of students at the college level or above, please submit your request through our Group Tours page.