Planning a Field Trip? Philadelphia Students Love the National Liberty Museum!
It can be tough to pinpoint the perfect educational field trip opportunity. Where can you find the optimal location for bridging civics education, current events, and the ideals that shape the very core of our nation? Lucky for anyone planning a field trip in the Philadelphia area, the National Liberty Museum is here to provoke thoughtful discourse and inspire students.
Here in the heart of Philly’s historic Old City, NLM is inviting visitors of all ages to engage with the vital concepts of freedom and innovation through immersive exhibitions and powerful storytelling. From the stories of individuals who have fought for rights around the world to contemporary art that challenges our understanding of liberty, the museum connects history to our modern lives. It offers an engaging experience that is both educational and transformative, teaching students about the liberties they enjoy and encouraging students to deeply reflect on their responsibility to uphold these freedoms.
Our Mission and Vision
At the core of the National Liberty Museum’s mission is a commitment to inspiring individuals to recognize and embrace liberty’s essential role in shaping the world. At NLM, we seek to transcend political polarization to focus on shared values. By sparking curiosity and discussions among students of all ages, the National Liberty Museum envisions a future where every visitor learns to champion the principles of liberty, informed and inspired by our exhibitions. We are continually updating and expanding our exhibitions with yearly themes.
Key Exhibitions
The National Liberty Museum houses a vibrant, ever-changing collection that brings liberty to life in unique, exciting ways. Visitors can traverse four floors of galleries, each offering unique perspectives on the struggle for freedom and the victories achieved in its name. When your class joins us in 2025, they can experience special exhibitions for our Year of Free Speech. Be sure to return to give your students a new experience every time. Here are some must-see exhibitions during your field trip in Philadelphia’s most unique museum:
Discover the Flame of Liberty, a striking glass sculpture by renowned artist Dale Chihuly that stands as a symbol of freedom and the enduring spirit of those who have fought for it. The sculpture spans two stories, standing as the centerpiece of two galleries. On the first floor, the Flame Gallery lays the foundation for the museum by taking visitors through the history of free speech in the United States. Upstairs, in the Heroes from Around the World exhibit, students encounter compelling stories of individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the cause of liberty globally. One of our newest exhibits, Word Powered: Exploring Free Speech Through Art showcases thought-provoking contemporary art capturing the ongoing dialogue around civil liberties. It’s the perfect exhibition for any teacher looking for a field trip in the Philadelphia area that challenges students to think critically about the world around them! Be sure to make time for our Lower-Level gallery, an interactive space offering art-making activities, educational videos, and a variety of educational resources to take with you.
Through the engaging exhibitions, the museum strives to ignite passion in every visitor, encouraging them to explore the importance of liberty not just as a historical concept, but as a continuous, essential pursuit into tomorrow.
NLM’s Educational Resources
NLM’s Learning and Engagement team is available to help you maximize the educational impact of a trip to NLM. Our Educator Resource Guide features a variety of resources, including lesson plans, to make sure students are prepared to engage with the museum’s content, and that the learning continues beyond our doors. These resources are designed to encourage deeper understanding and reflection on the topics explored during the tour, ensuring every student gains the maximum payoff from the experience. Complete the form on our Schedule a Field Trip page to be contacted by a member of our learning and engagement team to discuss how to integrate a museum visit into your teaching plans.
Learning Objectives for Visiting Educators
During your field trip to Philadelphia’s National Liberty Museum, keep in mind these three learning objectives to integrate the experience into your in-class social studies, art, or history curriculum. Our current emphasis on free speech and expression is interdisciplinary, and we welcome all educators who want to incorporate these crucial topics into their practice:
- Exploring Civil Liberties: Investigate the development of fundamental freedoms in the United States and around the world and how they are affected by movements and individuals throughout history.
- Engaging with History: Examine historical figures and movements that have shaped liberty for all, with an emphasis on free speech and expression.
- Encouraging Critical Thinking: Evaluate the ideals of free speech in expression through the exploration of artistic work, fostering a constructive dialogue on our rights and freedoms.
Virtual Tour Options
The National Liberty Museum proudly offers engaging virtual tour options alongside our in-person experience that can transcend geographical barriers. We invite learners from all over to explore the museum’s profound exhibitions with a virtual tour; join us in the Old City from your classroom, wherever that may be!
Start Planning Your Visit Today
Ready to bring your class on a field trip in Philadelphia they’ll never forget? NLM provides one-of-a-kind civics, art, and history education for a variety of age levels and class sizes. Enjoy a trip that transcends the traditional classroom setting and immerse your students in an environment that not only educates but also ignites passion for the vital ideals of liberty and freedom in every visitor.
Learn more and schedule your visit. We look forward to seeing you!
