Education Programs

 Guided Tours:  Docents costumed in 18th century clothing introduce students to daily life on an 18th century New Jersey farm.  As they are guided throughout the historic house and other buildings on the grounds, children experience first-hand what life was like during that time.  As we examine artifacts and period furnishings, students are encouraged to think critically and ask questions.

Our one hour tours can accommodate up to 40 children divided into smaller groups so all can see. The museum is available for school and homeschool tours weekday mornings or afternoons depending on availability of docents. 

The cost is $5 for each adult and $4 for each student, with a minimum of $25.  Programs must be arranged in advance by emailing the museum office at MillerCoryMuseum@gmail.com or calling 908-232-1776. 

The museum offers a unique program called the Showcase of 18th Century Skills, during which costumed volunteers visit local schools to discuss or re-enact 18th century life in New Jersey and/or to demonstrate colonial era crafts. Students may also make a craft as part of the program.  Current Showcase topics are subject to docent availability and include, but are not limited to:

Sabra Miller – Colonial Living.   Samuel Miller built the Miller-Cory House for his wife, Sabra, around the time of their marriage in 1740.  Together they had 8 children.  Sabra comes alive at your school, bringing with her items typically used in her daily life.  As she shows these to her audience and explains their uses, she describes life on an 18th century farm and the work required by all family members to acquire basic necessities and maintain a home and farm.

Lenape Indian Lore.  This program highlights the earliest inhabitants of New Jersey, the Lenape Indians.  Various aspects of everyday life such as beliefs, families, home food, clothing, medicine and games are presented. Viewing an array of artifacts, students will learn who the people were, what they believed, and how they lived in early New Jersey.

Theorem painting – This is a style of painting using stencil patterns to compose a design on velvet.

Fiber Crafts – A trained docent will demonstrate a fiber craft such as weaving, spinning, sewing, embroidery etc.

Quilling – Quilling, also known as paper filigree, is the art of rolling thin strips of paper into different shapes and using the shapes to form designs.

Rubbings – This is the simple technique of recreating a raised design on paper.

Tin Piercing – This is a technique of pricking holes in tin to fashion items such as lanterns and to create designs and patterns in tin.

Programs are offered in one of two ways:

Presentation Only:  A lecture or demonstration is given; students do not make a craft.  Fee:  $125 per presentation.

Extended:  This includes both a lecture/demonstration plus time for the students to make a craft project.  Fee:  $125 per presentation plus $2.00 per student for materials.

Other costs:  A small amount for volunteer mileage may be charged.

Arranging a program:  Scheduling is limited to the availability of museum volunteers and MUST be arranged in advance.  More than one topic can be presented during a visit to a school.  Class size for the extended option is limited to 30 per grouping. For details and scheduling, please contact the museum office at MillerCoryMuseum@gmail.com or 908-232-1776.

The museum also offers its educational programs to community groups and organizations.  Guided tours of the museum can be arranged Monday through Saturday.  Special programs on colonial life may also be presented at the museum or at your organization.  The subject matter can be customized to your particular interest.  

Special programs are developed and scheduled based on the availability of museum volunteers.  

Please contact the office for details at MillerCoryMuseum@gmail.com or 908-232-1776