FAQ
We’re too far away—what can we do?
Can I come if I don’t have any African American students?
What are the fees for workshops, traveling trunks, and other services?
Is there a place to have a meeting or lunch with my tour?
What else is there to do in Cedar Rapids?
I’m not sure how to incorporate African American history into my classroom—How can you help?
How long will a field trip take?
We’re too far away—what can we do?
The African American Museum of Iowa is a statewide museum, and we want to offer educational opportunities to people in all of Iowa. Our Education Team can bring most workshops to your group or classroom, or you can borrow a Traveling Trunk or Traveling Exhibit. We also offer free monthly ICN classes that are tied to the Iowa Core Curriculum and are broadcast throughout the state.
Can I come if I don’t have any African American students?
Absolutely! African American History is American History—you simply cannot tell American history without it. All of our histories and cultures are intertwined, and it’s important for students to see beyond Martin Luther King and other well know African Americans to the heart of Iowa’s story.
What are the fees for workshops, traveling trunks, and other services?
Fees depend on what your program is and where it takes place. The museum offers a number of free services, such as summer camp, Traveling Trunks, and many of the events on our Events Calendar. We don’t want to price anyone out of the chance to visit, so please contact about scholarships and low cost other opportunities.
Is there a place to have a meeting or lunch with my tour?
Yes! We have a conference room, classroom, and large rental hall on site. For more information, visit our rentals webpage.
What else is there to do in Cedar Rapids?
Driving to the AAMI? Make a day of it! Visit the Cultural Corridor website to learn more about what Cedar Rapids has to offer.
I’m not sure how to incorporate African American history into my classroom—How can you help?
Many teachers and parents find it daunting to teach African American history, especially because most textbooks and curriculum only address is in a superficial way. We want to be your resource! You can offer your group a museum workshop, Traveling Trunk, or ICN, or check out the museum’s recommended online resources.
You can also sign up to receive the museum’s Educator Newsletter, a month publication that offers in-class activities and tips for teaching multicultural lessons in your classroom.
How long will a field trip take?
As long as you want it to! Each workshop and tour typically takes 45 minutes, but we can lengthen or shorten them to fit your schedule. Some groups come and just get a tour of one exhibit, others each lunch and get 2 tours and multiple workshops. We’ll work with you and your time constraints.
