Girl Scout Independent Studies allow you to complete requirements towards Badge fulfillment just by visiting the Museum!

Completion of each Independent Study will earn you a New-York Historical Society Patch! The Museum Patch is available for purchase at the Store.

Have questions? To learn more about Girl Scout Independent Studies, please call the Group Sales Department at (212) 873-3400 ext. 352. Reservations are not necessary.

Troop Girl Scout Programs | Girl Scout Independent Studies

Brownie - Grades 2-3

Storytelling - My family Story

1. Explore family stories
2. Know where your family is from
3. Make a story tree
4. Find an object that means something to your family
5. Share your family story
 

What you’ll find at the Museum!
Come to the New- York Historical Society and explore the evolution of our city, comparing and contrasting daily life across the centuries. The artifacts presented in our DiMenna Children’s History Museum and Permanent Collection provide a glimpse into the lives of families who lived long ago. Compare the objects you find and the stories they tell with your own family story.

Investigation | Senses

1. Look around
2. Listen to the world
3. Put your nose to work
4. Take a taste test
5. Touch and feel



What you’ll experience at the Museum!  Available Daily
Go on a history hunt while exploring our galleries and discover an assortment of treasures!  Pick up a Scavenger Hunt guide at the entrance to the DiMenna Children’s History Museum.  Ages 4 and up

Citizen | Celebrating Community

1. Explore Community Symbols
2. Sing together
3. Follow the parade
4. Be a landmark detective
5. Join a ceremony or celebration

What you’ll find at the Museum!
The New-York Historical Society is located in the Central Park West Historic District, designated on the National Register of Historic Places. Come explore this area and the Museum that resides in this District! Founded in 1804, New-York Historical is the oldest museum in New York City. New-York Historical has a mission to explore the richly layered political, cultural and social history of New York City and State and the nation, and to serve as a national forum for the discussion of issues surrounding the making and meaning of history. You’ll find examples of community symbols present throughout the Museum’s Permanent Collection and Special Exhibitions.

On the first floor of the Museum, you’ll find historical photographs which document the evolution of the building from the proposed site in 1887 to its architectural completion in 1937. See for yourself how the Central Park West District has changed over time!
 

Junior - Grades 4-6

Digital Photographer | Digital Arts

1. Learn about digital cameras from an expert
2. Take tons of photographs!
3. Edit three photos
4. Make a digital photo project
5. Share your photos

What you’ll find at the Museum!
The New-York Historical Society is dedicated to fostering research, presenting history and art exhibitions. Bring along your camera and take pictures of the museum’s world-class collection of Hudson River School paintings, iconic genre and history paintings, and a vast range of American portraits. Photography is permitted in select Special Exhibitions. Contact Group.Tours@nyhistory.org for information regarding our photography policy.

Storytelling - Scribe

1. Start with a poem
2. Create a short story
3. Use words to share who you are
4. Write an article
5. Tell the world what you think

What you’ll find at the Museum!
The objects you will discover in the Museum tell a diversity of stories. Explore the story of New York and America in the Robert H. and Clarice Smith New York Gallery of American History. Using our interactive touch screens, you will find that many of the artifacts you will come across speak to individual accomplishments and to significant moments in the history of New York and the United States. After you’ve experienced the stories of people in the past, create your own!

 

Senior - Grades 9-10

Textile Artist – Craft

1. Choose your textile art
2. Find your tools and materials
3. Learn the basics
4. Make something for everyday use
5. Create a gift or item for a special occasion

What you’ll find at the Museum! Thursdays, 3:30 PM
Participate in Cross-Stitch Circle, Thursdays at 3:30 PM. Try your hand at this sewing craft from the past. You can also take part in communal weaving!  Ages 6 and up

Citizen - Behind the Ballot

1. Find out more about elections
2. Investigate the ins and outs of voting
3. Get out the vote
4. Plan a campaign
5. Explore voting in other countries

What you’ll find at the Museum!
Have you ever wondered why glass ballot boxes were used in early elections? Discover the history of voting in the United States in the Cast Your Vote section of the Dimenna Children’s History Museum. Take part in a digital game to learn who could vote in a variety of United States elections.
 

Ambassador - Grades 11-12

Photographer | Artist

1. Explore the power of photography
2. Focus on composition: Shoot five landscapes
3. Focus on light: Shoot five portraits or still lifes
4. Focus on motion: Shoot five action shot
5. Tell a story with photography

What you’ll find at the Museum!
The New-York Historical Society, one of America’s pre-eminent cultural institutions, is dedicated to fostering research, presenting history and art exhibitions. Bring along your camera and take pictures of the museum’s world-class collection of Hudson River School paintings, iconic genre and history paintings, and a vast range of American portraits. Photography is permitted in select Special Exhibitions. Contact Group.Tours@nyhistory.org for information regarding our photography policy.