Educational Programs for Formal and Informal Learning Experiences

At this time, the museum is hosting both virtual and in-person programming. Click on the event titles to learn more.

The Education Department connects our community to our collections and exhibitions by providing lifelong-learning opportunities.

We develop programs for school children and their teachers that provide formal learning experiences to support curricula.

We also offer a full range of exciting and engaging informal learning programs that help people of all ages connect to arts and culture and to each other.

Upcoming Events

11:00am–11:45am Enrich your experience of our current exhibitions through a docent-led tour of the galleries. Docent tours are an excellent way to learn more about the artworks and objects on display, in addition to the stories they tell. Interaction and questions are encouraged, and visitors of all ages are welcome. The tour is free with museum admission, no registration required. Please plan to meet in the museum atrium, main level, near the front desk before the tour begins.

12:00pm–4:00pm Drop-in art-making in the classroom Join us and make a hand puppet horse inspired by Julian DeVaux O'Brien's drawing of President Lincoln's Funeral Procession, April 1865, on view in the current exhibition Portrait Pairings! Enjoy your visit to the museum, and explore your artistic side with an art project inspired by the museum's exhibitions and collections. Museum patrons may enjoy drop-in art-making on select Saturdays of each month. Activities are offered most Saturdays from 12–4PM. The program is free with museum admission; no registration required. All ages are welcome to participate.

2:00pm–3:00pm Enrich your experience of our current exhibitions through an insightful docent-led tour of the galleries. Docent tours are an excellent way to learn more about the artworks and objects on display, in addition to the stories they tell. Interaction and questions are encouraged, and visitors of all ages are welcome. The tour is free with museum admission, no registration required. Please plan to meet in the museum atrium, main level, near the admission desk before the tour begins.

2:00pm–3:00pm Learn more about the artist and subjects featured in Albany Institute of History & Art's exhibition Americans Who Tell the Truth. Truth Tellers is an award-winning documentary film about artist and activist Robert Shetterly, who has painted over 275 portraits of Americans throughout history and the present. From the fight to remove symbols of hate to sustainability and climate activism, and from whistleblowing to the rights of indigenous people, Shetterly uses his art to explore these activists’ response to some of the most pressing issues of our time. From contemporary activist for racial justice Rev. Lennox Yearwood, to climate activist Kelsey Juliana, Shetterly puts them in the context of significant American civil rights leaders John Lewis, Fannie Lou Hamer and Bayard Rustin. Truth Tellers is both a story of Shetterly’s art and activism and a lesson of courageous citizenship and democratic ideals. The screening is free with museum admission. Run time: 57 minutes 54 seconds  

5:00pm–7:30pm Silent Book Clubs are popping up nationally and Albany Public Library has started their own chapter! Bring a book to Albany Institute of History & Art, settle in, and enjoy the peace of reading with fellow book lovers! No assigned readings or pressured discussion. Arrive in the first half hour, read from 5:30-6:30PM, and at 6:30PM chat with fellow attendees or keep on reading. This program is for adult readers. Silent Book Club is free, no registration required. The program is held in the museum cafe.

1:00pm–2:00pm Albany Public Library will be at the Albany Institute of Art & History for special summer good vibes storytime! Geared towards ages 4-8. Storytime takes place in the Albany Institute's Explorer's Gallery. Storytime is free with museum admission, no registration required.

5:00pm–7:00pm Silent Book Clubs are popping up nationally and Albany Public Library has started their own chapter! Bring a book to Albany Institute of History & Art, settle in, and enjoy the peace of reading with fellow book lovers! No assigned readings or pressured discussion. Arrive in the first half hour, read from 5:30-6:30PM, and at 6:30PM chat with fellow attendees or keep on reading. This program is for adult readers. Silent Book Club is free, no registration required. The program is held in the museum cafe.

1:00pm–2:00pm Albany Public Library will be at the Albany Institute of Art & History for special summer good vibes storytime! Geared towards ages 4-8. Storytime takes place in the Albany Institute's Explorer's Gallery. Storytime is free with museum admission, no registration required.

5:00pm–7:00pm Silent Book Clubs are popping up nationally and Albany Public Library has started their own chapter! Bring a book to Albany Institute of History & Art, settle in, and enjoy the peace of reading with fellow book lovers! No assigned readings or pressured discussion. Arrive in the first half hour, read from 5:30-6:30PM, and at 6:30PM chat with fellow attendees or keep on reading. This program is for adult readers. Silent Book Club is free, no registration required. The program is held in the museum cafe.