School Tours

The automobile has played a dramatic role in the social and economic development of humankind. The Blackhawk Museum’s impressive collection of magnificent automobiles and historical images clearly presents the social and cultural impact, historical importance, technological imagination and innovation, and artistic creativity and craftsmanship that convey the human spirit.

Museum educator Robin Wiley portrays Berta Benz, the first woman driver, for first graders from Quarry Lane School (Pleasanton, CA), and tells the true story of how she drove her husband's creation — the world’s first patented car — on the world’s first car trip  in 1888.

This school program, called “Let’s Go for a Ride,” introduces younger grades (K – 3) to the history of the first automobiles and how much we now take our cars for granted 100 years later. The students then tour our exhibition of “Automotive Treasures™” with a much greater appreciation for the numerous features which have been introduced over the past century.

“The Tour” offers the unique opportunity for students of all ages to appreciate the historical, social and artistic impact of the automobile during the last 100 years, plus a visit to our changing exhibitions — while supporting the California State Content Standards in History, English/Language Arts, and Fine Arts.

“The Tour” is offered to all school groups, including those with special needs, on Wednesday through Friday. To schedule a tour for your class(es) please call 925.736.2277, extension 236, at least 4 weeks in advance. We look forward to welcoming your school group to the museum.

• “The Tour” is led by our trained volunteer museum docents and is FREE for all school groups.
• You must provide at least 1 adult chaperone for each 6 students.

More detailed examples about how a school tour supports the Content Standards is presented in our 2007 – 2008 School Flier.

• The Museum will accommodate self-guided school groups, grades 6 and up, including those with special needs, on an individually scheduled basis. Please call 925.736.2277, extension 236, for guidelines and to schedule all self-guided tours.
• Whenever possible, Museum volunteers will orient you to the exhibitions. Printed guides are available for some exhibitions.

Reservations

• Reservations for guided tours and workshops are required at least 4 weeks in advance.
• To make reservations, call: Program Division 925.736.2277, extension 236.
• If you reach the answering machine, leave your name (please spell out), school, phone number, time when best to call, number of students, grade, preferred tour date, which tour you are interested in, and whether you will be requesting assistance of the Children’s Education & Transportation Fund below.
• Teachers will receive a confirmation, directions and guidelines 3 to 4 weeks before visit.

Children’s Education & Transportation Fund

A innovative partial reimbursement bus fund for area schools, provided through the Museum’s Volunteer Guild. It provides aid towards bus transportation to the Museum.

How to Apply

• Teachers must request the fund at the time reservations are made.
• Schools are responsible for booking buses and remitting remaining portion of bill.
• Reimbursements are made up to $200 ($300 for outlying districts).