Our programs for adults and children include docent-led group tours,
workshops and the "Traveling Trunk" show. All programs are led by a group
of dedicated and qualified volunteers.
The Museum offers many workshops in electronics during the year (see descriptions in the
Children's program section). See the listings of classes and schedules below.
Docent-Led Group Tours:
Visit the Museum in the company of one of our trained docent staff. They will lead
you through a detailed explanation of our rotating exhibits, permanent exhibits and our
historic house and gardens in a relaxed, informal environment. Special tours can be
arranged for groups with an interest in specific subjects. Groups of all ages, from school children
to seniors, enjoy viewing and interacting with the many MOAH exhibits.
Suggested donation: $20 per group.
Workshops and Classes:
Electrostatics: The Science of Benjamin Franklin, Faraday,
and King George, III (see description in Programs for Children section)
Basic Electric Circuits and Transistors (see description in Programs for
Children section)
Magnetism and Electromagnetism (see description in
Programs for Children section)
Crystal Radio Building (see description in Programs for
Children section)
Build a Short Wave Radio (see description in Programs for
Children section)
Solid State Electronics and Integrated Circuits (see description in
Programs for Children section)
Integrated Circuits (see description in Programs for
Children section)
Digital Logic (see description in Programs for
Children section)
Hardware Made Easy (see description in Programs for
Children section)
Basic Web Page Design (see description in Programs for
Children section)
Play the Internet Search Game and Learn to Find it Fast! Be an Internet Supersearcher (see description in Programs for Children section)
Simple Machines (see description in Programs for
Children section)
Machine Anatomy: What's Inside? (see description in Programs for
Children section)
Designing for Superheros (see description in Programs for
Children section)
Introduction to 3D Modeling for Games
(see description in Programs for Children section)
Build a Model House (see description in Programs for
Children section)
Alternate Energy: Electricity from Bugs (see description in Programs for
Children section)
Heritage Arts: I Can Sew! (see description in Programs for
Children section)
Paper Making (see description in Programs for
Children section)
Print Shop Classes in our vintage print shop (see description in
Programs for Adults section)
"Traveling Trunk" Show:
Bring the Museum of American Heritage to your organization! Museum volunteers will visit
your group to share some of our collection of fascinating historical artifacts and discuss their
role in the history and evolution of American invention. Call the Executive Director at 650-321-1004
to schedule a "Traveling Trunk" visit.
Be an Internet Super-searcher
Catalog
- Students discover how to use internet search and internet resources for schoolwork and
home use. Lecture and practice sessions develop techniques for effective search query formation
and evaluation of the trustworthiness of visited web sites.
Students should be familiar with the operation of a web browser. Students
having their own laptop computers with wireless capability and running Windows XP or Apple OS X
are invited to bring them to the class session.
Instructor: Dan Russell, Senior Research Scientist, Google
For adults:
Fee: $25 members/$30 non-members
Saturdays, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, 1 session
Date: to be advised
Paper Making:
Catalog
- Come and find out what you can do with pressed flowers and paper!
In this new MOAH workshop, you will learn about making paper
incorporating pressed flowers and creating your own cards.
Instructors: Patti Anderson and Ealish Wilson
Ages 7 and up, parents welcome; $35 members/$45 non-members
Sundays, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, 2 sessions
Dates: to be advised
Print Shop
- Conducted by the Museum's expert on printing,
John Grant, this excellent program encourages people to use the Museum's
collection of vintage printing presses (vintage Kelsey, Chandler & Price,
Little Giant equipment) to complete their choice of projects. The printing
presses use hand-set type and type generated by a Linotype machine to
enable students to create personal print work. This program is
ongoing, with open enrollment. No previous experience is required.
Instructor: John Grant
Fee: $10 for members/$25 for non-members, 4 Sessions; Call John Grant for
registration at (650) 494-0433.
Paper Making and Greeting Card
Printing in Our Vintage Print Shop
- Work in our historic print shop and learn to make paper and to
print your custom greeting cards. The MOAH Print Shop is offering
a class on paper making, Letterpress typesetting and printing of
your own holiday greeting cards. This is a series of two classes
where each student will cover all phases of greeting card making
and will end up with 20 cards.
Instructor: John Grant.
$15 members/$30 non-members
Call John Grant for registration at (650) 494-0433.
The museum offers a variety of fun and informative programs for children and
their parents, including special family activity days, school tours and workshops.
Workshops Offered: 2009 - 2010
The aim of our workshops for children is to teach science
in a friendly manner. Students learn the basics, accomplish tasks successfully and
discover that science is fun. By avoiding "technophobia," students are encouraged
to pursue future careers in science and technology. We provide a safe, supportive
and supervised opportunity to work with hand tools and basic materials. Workshops
are suited for children 10 years and older.
Electrostatics: The Science of Benjamin Franklin,
Michael Faraday, and King George, III Catalog
- The students learn about static electricity, going back to the
days of the Greek scientists and tribo-electricity (creating
electricity by rubbing, e.g., cat's fur on amber), and progressing
to Michael Faraday's monumental discoveries. Each student builds
an electroscope (thin metal plates that move apart to detect charge);
a Leyden jar (the predecessor of the modern capacitor, which stores
charge), and an electrophorus, to generate charge by tribo-electric
action. The student will take home each experiment that is built.
Instructor: Jim Wall & Dor Hesselgrave
Ages 10 and up; Fee: $55 members/$65 non-members.
Dates: to be advised: Saturdays, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, 3 sessions,
Magnetism and Electromagnetism Catalog
- Have fun while learning about magnetism! Students discover magnetism and induction, gaining an
understanding of magnetic effects and principles. Content includes the history of magnetism
and explores modern theories and applications that underlie electric power generation and
magnetic material physics. Class projects include the construction of an electromagnetically charged flashlight.
Instructor: Larry Pizzella or Jim Wall
Ages 10 and up; Fee: $65 members/$75 non-members.
Dates: to be advised: Saturdays, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, 4 Sessions,
Electrostatics and Electromagnetism Catalog
- The students learn about static electricity, going back to the days of the Greek scientists and tribo-electricity
(creating electricity by rubbing, e.g., cat's fur on amber), and progressing to Michael Faraday's monumental
discoveries. Demos include electroscopes (thin metal plates that move apart to detect charge); Leyden jars
(the predecessor of the modern capacitor, which stores charge), and Van der Graaf Generator, to generate charge
by tribo-electric action. Then, students discover magnetism and induction, gaining an understanding of
magnetic effects and principles. Content includes the history of magnetism and explores modern theories
and applications that underlie electric power generation and magnetic material physics. Class projects
include the construction of an electromagnetically charged (no battery required) flashlight.
Instructor: Jim Wall
Ages 10 and up; Fee: $65 members/$75 non-members.
Dates: November 14, 21, 28: Sundays, 1 - 3 pm, 3 sessions,
Registration must be completed by November 5
Basic Electric Circuits and Transistors: Catalog
- This is a good, simple introduction to electricity. The
student learns about: current (electron) flow; potential (voltage)
that produces the current flow; charge (coulombs); conductors to
carry the current flow; and simple switches and lamps (including
LEDs). In the hands-on sessions, the student builds a battery-operated
system including two switches, two lamps, an audio sounder, and a
pair of batteries.
Instructor: Jim Wall
Ages 10 and up; Fee: $65 members/$75 non-members.
Dates: March 1, 8, 15, 22: Sundays, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, 4 sessions
Registration must be completed by February 25
How To Build a Crystal Radio: Catalog
- The students build their own crystal radio sets, winding coils, drilling a mounting
board and placing all components on it, and then wiring the set
according to a schematic. In this course, the students learn radio
history dating back to Marconi and Tesla, basic radio theory, modulation,
how headphones work, and how to read schematics.
Instructor: Larry Pizzella:
His custom radio design recently made him the first-prize
winner in a national contest for crystal radio set distance
reception
Ages 10 and up; Fee: $65 members/$75 non-members.
Dates: January 23, 30, February 6, 13; Sundays, 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm: 4 sessions
Registration must be completed by January 19.
Build a Short Wave Radio:
Catalog
- In this class, students learn about the basic physics of radio wave generation,
propagation, and reception; what a radio wave is; and about some of the scientists and
engineers who made it all happen.
As a class project, students make their own short wave radio receiver, learning how it works
and how to tune in radio stations from all over the world.
Instructor: Larry Pizzella
Ages 10 and up; Fee: $65 members/$75 non-members
Saturdays, 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm: 4 sessions
Dates: tba
must be
completed by February 17.
Solid State Electronics and Integrated Circuits
Catalog
- The first part of this course covers the basics of
transistor and vacuum tube circuits. Students learn about
the invention and development of tubes and transistors, then
perform simple experiments to learn how basic transistors
are used to control the flow of electric current.
Next, students learn about the history, development, and
uses of integrated circuits. The course content includes the
scientific developments that lead to the IC. Students will
discover what ICs are made of, how they work, and how they
are designed and manufactured right here in Silicon Valley.
Students will also learn how to read simple schematic
diagrams and build portable radios that use 2 ICs as
take-home projects.
Instructor: Larry Pizzella
Ages 10 and up; Fee: $75 members/$85 non-members
Sundays, 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm, 4 sessions
Dates: February 27, March 6, 13, 20
Registration must
be completed by February 17.
Integrated Circuits:
Catalog
- Introductory course covering the history, development, and uses of integrated
circuits. The course content includes the scientific developments that lead to the IC.
Students will discover what ICs are made of, how they work, and how they are designed and
manufactured right here in Silicon Valley. Students will also learn how to read simple
schematic diagrams. Portable radios that use 2 ICs will be built in the workshop
by the students to take home. Transistors and Vacuum Tubes is recommended
prior to taking this course
Instructor: Larry Pizzella
Ages 10 and up; Fee: $65 members/$75
non-members
Saturdays, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, 4 sessions
Dates: To be advised
Digital Logic
Catalog
- An introduction to digital integrated circuit operation. Students learn about Binary mathematics,
Boolean logic, and a variety of discrete digital logic circuits including: AND gates, OR gates,
flip flops, counters, and timers. Students assemble and solder a human reaction timer built
from discrete digital logic devices.
Basic electrical knowledge of voltage, current, and circuits is strongly suggested.
Instructor: Jim Wall
Ages 10 and up:
Fee: $55 members/$65 non-members
Saturdays, 1 pm to 3:00 pm, 3 sessions
Dates: April 3, 17, 24
Registration must be completed
by March 24.
Hardware Made Easy
Catalog
- Ever wondered what is inside that mysterious box called a computer? Join us at MOAH
for an exciting journey exploring the interior of the PC. Discover the joys of replacing
video cards, expanding memory, adding a new hard disk, and more.
Students learn the history of the computer, from the abacus to the present day, what
the major components of the computer are (such as motherboards, video cards, CD-ROM drives,
network cards and other peripherals), how to identify the hardware in a PC or Mac without
opening the computer, and how to upgrade the system. Hands-on exercises are included.
Instructor: Lauren Katzive
Ages 11 and up:
Fee: $35 members/$45 non-members
Sundays, 1 pm to 3:00 pm, 2 sessions
Dates: To be advised
Basic Web Page Design
Catalog
- Designing your own web site isn't hard. Armed with a simple text editor, you can
build attractive and effective web sites once you understand the basic principles involved.
Students receive instruction in how to create and view web pages using software that
comes with any personal computer. The course covers placement and formatting of text,
images, lists, tables, links, design tips and basic web page structures. Options for setting
up your own web site are discussed. A brief history of the World Wide Web is also provided.
Hands-on exercises are included.
Students should be familiar with the operation of a web browser and text editor. Students
having their own laptop computers are invited to bring them to the class sessions.
Instructor: Lauren Katzive
Ages 10 and up:
Fee: $65 members/$75 non-members
Sundays, 1 pm to 3:00 pm, 4 sessions
Dates: To be advised
Introduction to 3-D Modeling for Games
Catalog
- This class is the only one of its kind in Silicon Valley! After learning an easy-to-use 3-D modeling program, students will create 3-D Models with lighting effects. We will discuss how scenes and characters are created for computer games. Then you will design a game using an industry-leading gaming engine and incorporate your models. Then play it!
No prior 3-D modeling experience is required, but students should be familiar with drawing programs such as Visio, Illustrator, Photoshop, or PowerPoint.
Instructors: Jeff Risberg, VP of Engineering & Information Technology, CAE Online, and Brandon Risberg, graduate of idTech's Gaming Academy.
Ages 10 and up: Fee: $35 members/$45 non-members
Sundays, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, two sessions.
Dates: May 10, 17, 2009
Registration must be
completed by May 1.
How to be a great internet searcher: Google Search Tips
Catalog
- Want to be a Super Internet Searcher? Come and discover the secrets of an expert from Google. Explore the
fastest and most effective ways to locate what you're searching for on the net by playing the Internet Hunt
game. Learn 10 amazingly good ways to get to what you're looking for on the Internet while you have a blast
playing the Hunt Game. It's the easiest way to learn how to find what you really need for school or home.
Never be stumped again!
Students should be familiar with the operation of a web browser. Students
having their own laptop computers with wireless capability and running Windows XP or Apple OS X
are invited to bring them to the class session.
Instructor: Dan Russell, Senior Research Scientist, Google
Grades 6 and up:
Fee: $25 members/$30 non-members
Saturday, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, 1 session
Date: October 17
Registration must be
completed by October 2.
Patently Simple Machines: How to get rich and a patent for throwing rocks
Catalog
- Students investigate mechanics and their applications to everyday life. Three simple machines are covered
(the lever, the pulley, and the inclined plane). The wheel, the wedge, and the screw are developed as applications
of the three basic machines. By applying these mechanical principles, you will construct their own model
trebuchet, (a type of medieval siege engine) based on the patented design of our instructor. And then you will
explore how the patent process works, using the machine you have built as an example.
Instructor: Michael Glenn, Glenn Patent Group
Ages 9 to 99+; $45 members/$55 non-members
Saturdays, 1 pm - 3 pm, 2 sessions
Dates: October 24, 31
Registration must be completed by September 23.
Machine Anatomy: What's Inside?
Catalog
- A look at modern industrial design from the inside out. Students disassemble complicated
electro-mechanical devices such as printers, disk drives, VCRs and such to explore what goes into
them, how they are designed and how they work. More everyday devices, such as electric toothbrushes,
will also be examined.
Instructor: Steve Jasik
Ages 10 and up; $35 members/$45 non-members
Saturdays, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, 2 sessions
Dates: To be advised
Design for Superheros:
Catalog
- This class is about "why do things look the way they do". Beginning with
some of the first industrial designs, such as for cars and trains from
nearly 100 years ago, students discover the continuing influences of design
in today's world. We will find that many of today's videogame designs and
superhero characters were created some 70 years ago. Class projects are
design challenges for objects such as banks, lunchboxes, bridges, and secret
enemy bases. One of our most popular courses!
Instructor: Jeff Risberg, VP of Engineering & Information Technology, CAE Online
Ages 10 and up; $45 members/$55 non-members
Sunday, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, 2 sessions
Dates: Sept 12, 19, 2010:
Registration must be completed by September 4.
Build a Model House:
Catalog
- The students learn about basic drafting techniques and proportions of homes:
height of ceiling, partition walls, size of doors and garage door.
During the hands-on session, they build a pre-cut home of foam core board and trim
materials, and mount it on a corrugated cardboard platform complete with "grass,
driveway, and plants."
Instructors: Chris Kummerer and Emilie Blase, Architectural Designers
Ages 10 and up; $55 members/$65 non-members
Saturdays, 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, 3 sessions
Dates: To be advised:
Registration must be completed by April 5.
Alternate Energy: Electricity from Bugs
Catalog
- In Electricity from Bugs, students learn about and
observe how the energy-generating systems of common,
garden variety bacteria can be harnessed to produce
electricity in microbial fuel cells.
Students construct and use a small microbial fuel cell
to measure electricity generated by bacteria that
occur naturally in garden soil, mulch, compost, and
manure, and by using Ohm’s Law determine the
amount of power produced under different conditions.
Instructor: Paul Levine
Ages 16 and up, previous class experience with chemistry or physics recommended
$35 members/$45 non-members
Sunday, Noon - 4 pm, 1 session
Dates: September 7
Registration must be completed by September 1.
Heritage Arts at MOAH
Heritage Arts: I Can Sew!
Catalog
- "I Can Sew!" launches the Museum of American Heritage's newest educational program, Heritage Arts, which focuses
on teaching traditional handicrafts using early technologies. I Can Sew! introduces students to the basics
of sewing with a focus on hand sewing. Designed for students with no prior experience, it aims to instill
confidence and enthusiasm and will enable students to learn basic skills required for more advanced classes.
The class provides hands on-training and one-on-one instruction, as well as a brief history of
sewing and its importance in early America.
Skills acquired include: threading, stitching, button and trim application. Students will create a take
home project and receive a small sewing kit.
Instructor: Bev Nelson
Ages 8 and up; Fee: $35 members/$40 non-members
Saturdays, 1:30 pm - 4 pm, 1 session
Dates: to be advised
Heritage Arts: Lavender Gifts!
Catalog
- Lavender Gifts! continues the Museum of American Heritage's newest educational program, Heritage Arts, which focuses
on teaching traditional handicrafts using early technologies. Lavender Gifts! teaches students to create
Valentine gifts with a focus on card making and soap making using lavender (grown in the MOAH gardens)
as an element. Designed for students with no prior experience, it aims to instill
confidence and enthusiasm and will enable students to learn basic skills required for more advanced classes.
The class provides hands on-training and one-on-one instruction, as well as a brief history of
soap making and craft creation and its importance in early America.
Skills acquired include: Soap making, creation of gifts or cards using felt, paper and other craft materials.
Students will create a take home project.
Instructors: Bev Nelson and Lauren Katzive
Ages 8 and up; Fee: $30 members/$35 non-members
Saturdays, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, 1 session: Class is limited to 8 students, early signup advised
Date: to be advised
Heritage Arts: I Can Knit!
Catalog
- The Knack of Knitting expands the Museum of American Heritage's newest educational program, Heritage Arts,
which focuses
on teaching traditional handicrafts using early technologies. "I Can Knit!" teaches students
the basics of knitting. Designed for students with no prior experience, it aims to instill
confidence and enthusiasm and will enable students to learn basic skills required for more advanced classes.
The class provides hands on-training and one-on-one instruction, as well as a brief overview of
knitting and its historic role.
Students will create a take home project.
Instructors: Louise Varma, Eileen Wall, Judith Lautmann
Ages 8 and up; Fee: $25 members/$30 non-members per participant
Saturdays, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, 1 session: Class is limited to 8 students, early signup advised.
Parent-child participants welcome.
Date: April 4, 2009
Registration must be completed by March 28.
Heritage Arts: Candles and Cards!
Catalog
- Candles and Cards! expands the Museum of American Heritage's Heritage Arts program, which focuses
on teaching traditional handicrafts using early technologies. Candles and Cards! introduces students to the basics
of candle making the old fashioned way plus the creation of traditional hand made gift cards, just in time
for Mother's Day. Designed for students with no prior experience, it aims to instill
confidence and enthusiasm and will enable students to learn basic skills required for more advanced classes.
The class provides hands on-training and one-on-one instruction, as well as a brief history of
candle making and its role in early American life.
Skills acquired include: Candle making and creation of gift cards. Students will create a take
home project.
Instructor: Bev Nelson and Lauren Katzive
Ages 8 and up; Fee: $30 members/$35 non-members
Saturdays, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, 1 session
Date: to be advised
Heritage Arts: Quilting for Beginners
Catalog
- Quilting for Beginners expands the Museum of American Heritage's Heritage Arts program, which focuses
on teaching traditional handicrafts using early technologies. Students are introduced to the basics
of quilt making the old fashioned way plus the creation of a child-sized quilt to take home. Designed for
students with no prior experience in quilting, it aims to instill confidence and enthusiasm and teaches
basic skills required for more advanced classes.
The class provides hands on-training and one-on-one instruction, as well as a brief history of
quilting and its role in early American life, including the definition, various quilt types including
whole cloth, embroidered, pieced and applique; Amish quilts, Quilting in the 30s and the resurgence
in the 70s.
Sewing machines, fabric, and all tools will be supplied.
Skills acquired include basic quilt making: use of a sewing machine, sewing an accurate seam allowance,
seam matching, layering and tying the quilt. Students will create a take home project similar in style
to the illustration.
Instructor: Eileen Wall, Beryl Self, Bev Nelson, Louise Varma, Judith Lautmann
Ages 8 and up; Fee: $65 members/$75 non-members
Saturdays, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, 4 sessions
Dates: February 6, 13, 20, 27
Registration must be completed by January 28.
Paper Making:
Catalog
- Come and find out what you can do with pressed flowers and paper!
In this new MOAH workshop, you will learn about making paper
incorporating pressed flowers and creating your own cards.
Instructors: Patti Berryhill and Ealish Wilson
Ages 7 and up, parents welcome; $35 members/$45 non-members
Sundays, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, 2 sessions
Dates: To be advised
Print Shop:
Catalog
- Conducted by the museum's expert on printing,
John Grant, this excellent program encourages people to use the Museum's
collection of vintage printing presses (vintage Kelsey, Chandler & Price,
Little Giant equipment) to complete their choice of projects. The printing
presses use hand-set type and linotype to create personal print work. This
program is ongoing, with open enrollment.
Instructor: John Grant
Fee: $20 for
members/$35 for non-members, 4 Sessions.
Call John Grant for
registration at (650) 494-0433.
Call the museum for schedule information, and to register for classes.
650-321-1004, unless otherwise indicated in the class description. Or complete the
online class registration form and return it to MOAH.
Registration must be received 2 weeks before the first class session.
MOAH is located at 351 Homer Avenue in Palo Alto between Bryant and Waverley Streets.
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This page last updated: August 17, 2010.
Original content: Copyright © 2000, - 2010 Museum of American Heritage.
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