School Programs

Winterthur welcomes children, teachers, and group leaders for a wide variety of learning experiences designed to introduce our American country estate. Join us to examine Winterthur's magnificent collection of American antiques made or used between 1640 and 1860, explore H. F. du Pont's renowned naturalistic garden, and discover the magical children's garden, Enchanted Woods^TM.

Whether they involve trading in our Touch-It Room's country store or counting how many children it takes to hug a giant tree, our programs emphasize hands-on, small-group learning. Our curricula incorporates different learning styles and needs. Winterthur's programs were developed with an awareness of the standards of learning outcomes in effect in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania and with extensive input from our educator advisory group. Trained staff present increasingly complex material at age-appropriate levels through a menu of programs that can accommodate either specific grade-level audiences or groups encompassing a wide age range.

Children with disabilities or special learning needs are readily accommodated. Our professional guiding staff is trained to offer an educational and enjoyable visit to all students.

Dining: All groups are welcome to purchase lunch in the Visitor Center or to bring their own. Winterthur's Picnic House is available for brown-bagger groups of 50 or fewer. With seating for 32 inside and 18 outside, it is heated and equipped with vending machines and restrooms. Groups may also picnic in Enchanted Woods^TM but must be prepared for rustic seating (no picnic tables) and must be willing to remove their own trash.

This program is made possible, in part, by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency committed to promoting and supporting the arts in Delaware. For additional information on arts activities in Delaware, visit the Delaware Division of the Arts homepage, www.artsdel.org.