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I have been teaching art for nearly seventeen years. I regularly run into former students in town who are now grown and have their own children. As we reminisce about the old days, it’s clear that the lessons that pushed the boundaries of the classroom walls were the most memorable. Students recall projects where we used unconventional materials or learned a messy technique, especially those that connected them with practicing artists, such as when we went on field trips.
There were years when field trips weren’t possible, or I had to limit attendance to those in the art club rather than the 400 students I taught in the general population. I know many teachers, scouting groups, and homeschool co-ops may be in the same situation and may not be aware of the incredible resource many Arkansas museums offer: loan boxes.
Museum loan boxes are curated collections of educational materials, artifacts, and interactive activities. They are powerful tools designed to bring the museum experience directly to your classroom or group. Whether you’re preparing students for a field trip or need a standalone educational tool when a visit isn’t possible, loan boxes offer a unique, hands-on approach to learning that you can easily incorporate into your teaching. Kids can explore topics in a way that goes beyond textbooks, handling real objects and participating in activities that stimulate their imagination and critical thinking skills.
Whether you’re planning a field trip or looking for innovative ways to bring learning to life, these loan boxes available from museums throughout Arkansas are an excellent tool for public and homeschool educators across the state.
Historic Arkansas Museum – Little Rock
The Historic Arkansas Museum in Little Rock gives visitors a glimpse into the state’s rich history, showcasing pioneer life, traditional crafts, and Arkansas’s cultural heritage through engaging exhibits and hands-on activities. Visitors can explore historic buildings, interactive displays, and special programs that bring the past to life.
Historic Arkansas Loan boxes include replica artifacts, teacher’s guides and student learning activities. Boxes include topics such as:
- Arkansas Traveler
- Charlie’s Cloak
- Music
- Farmstead Natural Resources
- “Arkansaw” Sampler
- Louisiana Purchase
- Slavery: A Child’s View
Click here to reserve a Historic Arkansas Loan Box.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art – Bentonville
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville beautifully blends art and nature. It features a collection of American art masterpieces from the colonial era to contemporary times. Crystal Bridges has several options for teachers and parents.
Classroom Connections – These printable art sheets connect students with specific works of art and provide suggestions for extending learning.
Bridging the Gap—These digital lessons and activities include videos and step-by-step instructions for getting hands-on with art. These online activities are beneficial to both educators and learners.
Studio At Home – Museum educators provide guided videos to teach you to make art inspired by museum pieces at home.
Visit Crystal Bridges online and select Learn & Engage to discover more programs and learning opportunities in person and virtual.
Shiloh Museum of Ozark History – Springdale
The Shiloh Museum of Ozark History in Springdale is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich heritage of the Ozark region. Through engaging exhibits and hands-on activities, visitors can learn about the everyday lives, traditions, and history of the Ozark people.
Shiloh Museum offers discovery boxes and artifact boxes. Discovery Boxes contain artifacts, documents, photographs, and teaching materials and cover topics such as:
- Cherokee Peoples in the Ozarks
- Fossils in Northwest Arkansas
- The Civil War
- Weaving Looms
- Pioneer Life
Artifact Boxes contain artifacts and identification guides and cover topics like:
- General Store
- Geology
- Medicine
- Quilting
Visit here to learn more about the loan boxes and to reserve one for your group.
Museums across Arkansas offer online, virtual tours and educational resources. Check with your favorite local museum for a list of specific resources, or check out a few of my favorites:
Old State House Museum
Wings of Honor Museum
Museum of Native American History
By utilizing museum loan boxes and other educational resources, teachers can ensure their students benefit from these resources, even when a physical visit to the museum isn’t feasible.
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