Museum Educators "Nerd Out" to showcase Naval Museum's Educational Resources

Photo By Max Lonzanida | Exhibitors at the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk showcase educational programs available to area schools during the museum’s annual Educator Night Out. Pictured is AJ Orlikoff (behind booth), museum educator with the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Over a dozen area museums, non-profits and educational organizations were on-hand, including the Hampton Roads Naval Museum which was the only federal organization among the exhibitors. (US Navy Photo by Max Lonzanida/Released)  

NORFOLK , VA, UNITED STATES

01.28.2019

Story by Max Lonzanida  

Naval History and Heritage Command

The Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk is situated on the banks of The Hague River. Outside, visitors have the opportunity to explore sculptures and manicured landscapes. Inside the museum, over fifty galleries and over 20,000 objects await visitors who venture into their galleries. The museum boasts the only glass studio of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic Region, and a large open air lobby area that played host to a special night out for area educators.

The museum’s Educator Night out was held on Thursday, January 10, 2019. It brought together the areas finest museums, historic houses, and educational non-profit organizations to celebrate local teachers and administrators. But more importantly, the event served as way to showcase resources and educational programs available at these organizations, along with guided tours of the museum, themed snacks, and of course the ability for area educators to “nerd out” amongst peers. The event was hosted by the Chrysler Museum of Art in partnership with the South Hampton Roads Museum Forum.

On hand during the event were staff members from the Hampton Roads Naval Museum (HRNM). The Naval Museum was the only federal entity present amongst over a dozen exhibitors. HRNM Museum Educator AJ Orlikoff, and their Deputy Director of Education, Elijah Palmer, had their hands full showcasing the plethora of educational programs available at the museum. Throughout the evening, a plethora of interested educators stopped by as they made the rounds; and had the opportunity to hear about the museum’s LEGO educational outreach program, travelling Civil War and Cold War sea chests, historical presentations on a variety of topics, and of course a host of programs available for free through the museum.

Participating organizations included the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, the Virginia Zoo, Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, Virginia Beach History Museums, and the Hunter House Victorian Museum. And that was just one side of the exhibitor hall. First Landing State Park and Virginia State Parks set up a booth next to the Naval Museum, and had their hands full with educators seeking a wealth of information about their wildlife dependent recreation and educational opportunities. The Virginia Zoo, Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, Children’s Museum of Virginia in Portsmouth, Young Audiences of Virginia, the Hermitage Museum and Gardens, and Nauticus, among other regional organizations were also present and all had the opportunity to showcase what they had to offer for local educators; many of which were without cost. Lastly, the Chrysler Museum of Art had their staff on hand to facilitate guided tours of their galleries and also to announce winners of door prizes and raffles for what turned out to be a wonderful opportunity for area educators to “nerd out”.

About the South Hampton Roads Museum Forum (SHRMF):

The South Hampton Roads Museum Forum (SHRMF) is a non-profit membership organization for museums, museum professionals, and supporting institutions which operate or maintain facilities in South Hampton Roads, Virginia. Its purpose is to foster communication among area cultural institutions, to provide support and access to professional training opportunities, and to increase public awareness and support of area museums. More information can be found here https://www.facebook.com/Southhamptonroadsmuseumsforum/

About the Chrysler Museum of Art:

The Chrysler Museum has fifty galleries, a growing collection of more than 30,000 objects, an interactive space for families, and the only glass studio of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic region. Its located on the banks of The Hague River in Norfolk, and admission to the museum is free. More information about the museum can be found at https://chrysler.org/

About the Hampton Roads Naval Museum:

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum (HRNM) is one of ten Navy museums that are operated by the Naval History & Heritage Command. It celebrates the long history of the U.S. Navy in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia and is co-located with Nauticus in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. Admission to the museum is free, simply by-pass the ticket line and take the stairs or elevator to the museum on the second deck. The museum hosts a robust educational program for area schools and commands, with free educational programs to area schools aligned with state curriculum standards, a travelling sea chest program, a premier Lego outreach program, and historical presentations for area commands. To inquire, contact their Educational Director, Laura Orr at [e-mail] or at [phone]. The museum is also host to a robust volunteer corps, who serve as docents, support special events, and assist in museum archives. To inquire, contact their Volunteer Coordinator, Darcy Sink at [e-mail] or at [phone]. Lastly the museum proudly hosts military ceremonies, such as re-enlistments, retirements, and promotions for area commands aboard the U.S.S Wisconsin and in the museum’s gallery. To inquire, contact their special events coordinator, Tom Dandes at [e-mail] or call [phone]. More information about the museum can be found at https://www.facebook.com/HRNavalMuseum/

• Date Taken: 01.28.2019
• Date Posted: 01.28.2019 12:40
• Story ID: 308482
• Location: NORFOLK , VA, US