The Morgan Library: K – 12 Evening for Educators
This month I was able to attend the Evening for Educators: Teachers Open House hosted by the Morgan Library. This gave educators within the metro area the chance to explore what the Morgan Library has to offer their students during on site visits. While waiting for the program to begin, attendees were encouraged to mingle over an impressive spread of cheeses and crackers.
Now, a brief background on the Morgan Library. It did not start as a public library, but the private collection of J. Pierpont Morgan. Morgan had collected an array of materials ranging from illuminated manuscripts, early printed books, and old master drawings and prints. During this time, famed librarian Belle De Costa Greene served as his personal librarian and accomplished even rarer material acquisitions (for more on the famed librarian, click here). After Morgan’s death in 1913, this impressive private collection was made public by his son J.P. Morgan Jr in accordance with his will. The Morgan Library has been open to the public since 1924 and continues to remain a cultural hub in New York City where patrons are able to explore its Gilded Age architecture and vast collection. Now back to the event!
The event’s aim was to encourage educators to bring students to the library to use their collection to broaden their learning experience. The current offerings are; Colors of the Wind (Illuminated Manuscripts), Reading a Building (Architecture/Gilded Age), and Myths and Symbols (Mesopotamian/Modern Artifacts). In 30 minute intervals, educators traveled to each program for a preview of how they would run for their own students. Morgan staff members explained and demoed how these programs can be leveled based on grade level. All students, from kindergarteners to graduating seniors, will find a way to connect to these programs.
As a lower school librarian, students’ movement and tactile experiences allows for deeper understanding of the learning material. During the Reading a Building preview, the speaker spoke to the various entry points for different ages; high schoolers like the Gilded Age because it shares its name with a popular television show about the era, while younger students will be more interested in the construction and materials of the building itself. Acting as a younger student, I was given cloth and tiles to touch that are used throughout the Morgan’s furniture and building. Then the group was challenged to find the two hidden staircases within the room. This opportunity is great for students learning about historic New York, architecture, or those students who prefer hands-on learning. While I was only able to attend two out of three previews due to time constraints, I was impressed with each presenter’s expertise and excitement!
If you are interested in taking your students outside of their regular library, this is a great opportunity! More information on how to book your visit can be found using the link below.