Learn more with this project!
Travel Kit: Pencil and paper
Your Destination: Pennsylvania offers a diverse array of museums that cater to various interests beyond art including
On the Path: Visit one of these historic locations in person. Or virtually tour historic Ephrata Cloister’s 18th-century buildings, including the Printing Office and Carpenter’s House or the Eisenhower National Historic Site virtual tour of the Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower’s home, guest house, and barn.
Step 1: Design a car, a building, a candy, a guitar, a tile, a clock, a toy a uniform or a train inspired by museums.
Group Tour: Share your creations and explain how your museum experience influenced your artistic choices on social media at #ArtSphereInc!
Extend the Journey: Explore the history of C.F. Martin & Co., highlighting its founding in 1833 and its pivotal role in shaping the modern acoustic guitar, including innovations like the X-bracing system. Examine different Martin guitar models to compare tonewoods, body shapes, and craftsmanship that affect sound and playability. Engage in a discussion on how Martin guitars have influenced music genres from folk to rock, identify Martin’s presence in iconic recordings.
Vocabulary: Design elements – space, form, line, value, shape, color, and texture
Resources and Visual Aids:
- The Antique Automobile Club of America Museum: (Hershey) This museum features a vast collection of vintage automobiles and related artifacts, highlighting the history of automotive innovation.
- The Ephrata Cloister: (Ephrata) A historic religious community site, this museum complex provides insights into the 18th-century Ephrata Cloister’s unique communal life and beliefs.
- The Hershey Derry Township Historical Society Museum: (Hershey) This museum offers a glimpse into the local history of Hershey and its development, particularly focusing on the influence of Milton Hershey.
- The Hershey Story Museum: (Hershey) Dedicated to the life and legacy of Milton S. Hershey, this museum offers interactive exhibits about the chocolate magnate and his impact on the region.
- The Martin Guitar Museum: (Nazareth) Located at the headquarters of C.F. Martin & Co., this museum celebrates the legacy of the iconic guitar manufacturer with a collection of instruments and historical displays.
- The Mercer Museum: (Doylestown) The museum was founded by Henry Chapman Mercer, an archaeologist, anthropologist, and collector, and is known for its impressive collection of pre-industrial tools and artifacts.
- The State Museum of Pennsylvania: (Harrisburg) This museum showcases Pennsylvania’s rich history, including its geology, archaeology, and industrial heritage.
- The National Civil War Museum: (Harrisburg) Dedicated to the American Civil War, this museum provides a balanced and comprehensive view of the conflict from both Union and Confederate perspectives.
- The National Toy Museum: (Strasburg) is a unique and fascinating museum dedicated to the history and enjoyment of toy trains. It’s a must-see for train enthusiasts, collectors, and families.
- The National Watch and Clock Museum: (Columbia) As the name suggests, this museum is dedicated to horology, displaying a wide range of timepieces and offering insights into the art and science of timekeeping.
- The Pennsylvania State Police Museum: (Hershey) This museum offers insights into the history and evolution of the Pennsylvania State Police through various exhibits and artifacts.
- The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania: (Strasburg) This museum houses one of the most significant collections of historic railroad artifacts in the United States, illustrating the state’s pivotal role in rail history.