Connecting Students with California’s Story

The Hilbert Museum is excited to share our new Education Program—designed to bring California’s story to life through art.

Our goal is to create meaningful, hands-on experiences that connect students with the people, places, and events that have shaped our state’s history. Rooted in the Museum’s belief that access to quality arts education should be available to all, these programs are offered at no cost to schools, making it easy for teachers to provide high-quality arts education that aligns with California’s curriculum standards.

Our K–12 programs are designed for 3rd through 5th graders learning about California history, offering a unique way to see the past through the eyes of artists. In addition to school programs, we also welcome all ages for educational tours.

As our program continues to grow, we’re developing even more resources and activities to support classroom learning. To learn more or to schedule a visit, please see the information below.

Current Offerings

Geography Detectives

Suggested Grades: 3-4
HSS Curriculum Standards Focus

Mosaic Masters

Suggested Grades: 3-5
VA Curriculum Standards Focus

Art of the Airwaves

Suggested Grades: 3-5
NGSS Curriculum Standards Focus

More modules for K-12 students coming soon!

Scheduling a Visit

Follow these simple steps to secure your group’s visit:

STEP 1: PLAN AHEAD

We’re excited to welcome you and your students to the Hilbert Museum! To help us prepare for your visit, please schedule at least two weeks in advance. This gives our team time to organize materials and ensure everything is ready for your class.

If your plans change, we kindly ask that you let us know at least two days before your scheduled visit.

STEP 2: SUBMIT YOUR REQUEST

Fill out the form on this page.

STEP 3: COMPLETE THE WAIVER

After you submit your visit request, we’ll send you two waiver forms: a liability and risk management form, and an optional group photo and video release form.

Please return both forms with the required signatures to confirm your visit.

STEP 4: REVIEW THE GUIDELINES

Please review our Museum Etiquette with your students before your visit. This helps ensure that everyone has a safe, respectful, and enjoyable experience at the museum.

STEP 5: TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT (optional)

If your school may qualify for financial assistance with transportation, please contact us at ezbylut@chapman.edu. We’re happy to help make your visit possible.

Reminders:
  • Need to cancel? Please give us at least 48 hours notice.
  • Questions? Please check our FAQs below or call us at (714) 516-5880.

FAQs

WHAT EXPERIENCES DO YOU OFFER?

Our educational experiences include thematic workshops based on history/STEM, art and geography lesson plans for 3rd-5th graders. All are based on the K-12 curriculum standards for California public schools with our guided tour highlighting the importance of narrative art while using Visual-Thinking-Strategies for a broader range of age groups.

WILL WE BE ASSIGNED A DOCENT?

Our knowledgeable docents provide support throughout the galleries, but they do not lead guided tours.

HOW MANY ADULTS SHOULD WE BRING?

We recommend the following ratios by student age groups:

  • K-3rd grade: 1 adult chaperone for every 5 students
  • 4th-6th grade: 1 adult chaperone for every 6 students
  • 7th-12the grade: 1 adult chaperone for every 8 students

HOW MANY STUDENTS CAN WE BRING?

We welcome school and homeschool groups of 15-20 students for guided educational experiences at the Hilbert Museum.

  • Groups larger than 20: We’re happy to accommodate larger groups when possible. Please contact us before scheduling to discuss availability and logistics. At this time, we are unable to accommodate groups larger than 40.
  • Groups smaller than 10: You’re welcome to visit! We will provide a brief museum introduction and docents will be available throughout the galleries to answer questions, though we cannot offer the full guided educational program.

For all group visits, please provide a final headcount at least two weeks in advance to allow time for required paperwork and preparation.

WHAT CAN WE BRING INTO THE MUSEUM?

We ask that backpacks and other bags be stored in the Burra Community Room during the introduction phase of your visit. Food and drinks are not allowed in the galleries. Water bottles are welcome, but please keep them in the Burra Community Room.

ARE THERE MATERIALS TO HELP PREPARE THE STUDENTS?

A summary of each workshop, including connections to curriculum standards, is provided on this webpage. If you have any questions or need additional resources, please contact us at ezbylut@chapman.edu.

WHERE CAN THE STUDENTS EAT LUNCH?

The museum does not provide lunch and does not have an on-site lunch area. However, there are several nearby parks and spaces within walking distance that are perfect for student lunches. Please reach out to our Education Manager if you need assistance planning a lunch location.

Curriculum Resources & Materials

Looking for more educational materials?
Contact Education Program Manager, Eliot Zbylut
ezbylut@chapman.edu
(714) 516-5880