Education Programs

As part of our mission to reach out to enrich, enlighten, and educate all people through visual arts and cultural history, the association strives to present programming surrounding both children and adult learners. The Nave Museum offers six exhibits each year and the McNamara House offers exhibits and other special programming.

Preschool Storytime

A wonderful collaboration with the Victoria Public Library, Preschool Storytime brings youngsters and their caretakers to the museums every fourth Thursday of the month at 10:30 AM from August to May. Students enjoy theme related books, crafts, and activities and an opportunity to experience the art and history of both the McNamara House and the Nave Museum.

2007 schedule:
August 23- Back to school
September 27- Falling for books
October 27- Dia de los Muertos
December 6- Christmas at the McNamara House

A Day with the McNamara's Third Grade Tours

"A Day with the McNamara's" is designed to bring American history and mathematics closer to Victoria's third grade school children and to introduce them to important themes and culture including the everyday domestic life, conduct of business, ranch operations, and etiquette and courtship of a typical middle class family of the late 1800s. The student's visit includes five basic parts: an "inquiry tour" of the house, an interactive tour of the Victoria Public Library, drama skits performed by the students, math activities associated with the skits, and outdoor period games. The total program fulfills many of the TEKS and TAKS objectives for 3rd grade in Reading, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Theater. Teachers may call the museum at 361-575-8227 to schedule a tour.

click here for teacher packet

Adult Learners
As an adult learner, the Nave Museum offers docent opportunities to learn about art exhibits and to teach others about the exhibit.  There are also lectures from visiting directors, guest curators, and artists.  These events are free to the public and are advertised within our website and all members receive invitations and notices for all events. 

Childrens Programming
Twice each year, the VRMA offers Free Family Days for students that include hands-on art and history activities in conjunction with the exhibit on display. We also offer summer camps at both locations.

Mural Project 2007

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The Victoria Regional Museum Association in conjunction with the Victoria Parks and Recreation Summer Camp created a mural, which is installed at the Children's Park at Riverside Park. The project, sponsored by the Trull Foundation, was inspired by the Passages: Bob Parvin & Sandra Nykerk exhibit at the Nave Museum.

Art Programs for Mitchell Students

The Victoria Regional Museum Association currently offers two art programs/year to students from Mitchell Guidance Center. Each program utilizes museum art, writing, discussion, activities and student generated art to communicate and expand the student's view on the world. The student's work is displayed at the McNamara House Museum following the programs.

Pictures from 2007 art program opening >

Teen Council 2006

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Teen council is a group of 11 teenagers from a variety of area schools who have undergone a weeklong training about various aspects of museum work, including an introduction to museums, exhibit design, exhibit installation, docent training, event planning, marketing and public relations. Service on the council involves a one-year commitment. Each month council members participate in one or more museum activities, such as exhibit installations, members' previews, public programs, and special tours. The Teen Council will also be planning and implementing teen events held at the museums, every two to three months.

School Programs
The VRMA also invites all schools and home schoolers to visit the museum on a regular basis.  Special tours and programs can be arranged with prior notice and there are no charges for school groups to tour the museum.  VRMA currently is undergoing a revision of the art education program to improve programming to enrich the Crossroads area.

For more information please call the Victoria Regional Museum Association offices:  (361) 575-8227.