The school guided tour incorporates the fourth grade New York State Curriculum Standards for Social Studies in the areas of geography and immigration. Highlights of the tour are an introduction to the Canal's location using a map of the State of New York, a life size line boat located in the Museum's weighlock chamber, a scavenger hunt designed for children to learn Canal facts using the changing exhibition gallery, and an introduction to the salt industry in Syracuse and its relationship to the development of the Erie Canal. Tours are lead by Museum Docents who have completed a comprehensive training course in the history of the Erie Canal, the State of New York, and techniques in using museums as learning tools. Many of the Museum's Docents are retired fourth grade teachers and all docents have a passion for teaching and educating the many school children who visit us each year.
Tours are approximately one and one half hours long.
Please allow an extra half an hour to accommodate the Museum Shop. Dates for guided tours must be reserved a minimum of two weeks in advance. Dates in March through June tend to fill up, so we suggest that you reserve dates in this time period as soon as possible. 13, to make your reservations. Tours can accommodate up to 80 children per visit.