STEAM @ Ten Broeck Mansion: History-Based STEAM Programs for Families

Join us for free history-inspired STEAM programs with something for the entire family!

STEAM into history in our four acres of gardens and grounds with free hands-on activities, all supplies included. Programs held outdoors (under tent) rain or shine - please dress accordingly.

June 7: Ornithology. Go on a bird walk, listen to bird songs, and use paper airplanes to learn about bird flight. Then, make a bird collage to take home! What birds can you find in the Ten Broeck Mansion gardens? Special guests: Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club and Audubon Society of the Capital Region.

June 21: Meteorology/Weather. Make your own barometer, and learn about how weather impacted Albany history. Plus, meet a meteorologist! Special guests: News 10 ABC meteorologist and the National Weather Service.

July 5: Ceramics and the Art of Pottery. Let's work with clay! Learn how to make a coil pot and learn about the ceramics in the Ten Broeck Mansion, and the world-famous
"Albany slip." Special Guest: Potter Linda Allen from the Arts Center of the Capital Region.

July 19: Fiber Arts. Learn about the history of fiber arts and the samplers in our collections. Make your own paper-plate circle loom to take home! Special Guest: Daniel Kelly, Flax Educator with the Friends of Tivoli Preserve

August 2: Photography. Say cheese! Explore the history of photography and learn about Albany photographer Emma Farnsworth. Then make your own sun print to take home. Special guest: Photographer Marty Bannan.

August 16: Music. Are you ready to rock? Learn about the history of music in Albany County and explore the science behind sound waves. Then, create and decorate your own up-cycled guitar to take home.

See our other program listings for free family programs including historic foodways, bulb planting, and more through December 2025.

Join the Kids' Club in 2025! If you attend at least 2 of our summer programs, you will join the Ten Broeck Kids' Club and will get priority registration for the fall scavenger hunt and spring Easter Egg hunt. Just collect 2 stamps on your Kids' Club card to join! Contact us for more information.

Accessibility: the Ten Broeck Garden grounds are generally level, but be aware of uneven areas and a small slope towards the Mansion

Parking:free parking in our lot off Livingston Avenue GPS address 136 Livingston Avenue, Albany NY

On foot: We are easily accessible on foot - sidewalks lead up to the Ten Broeck Mansion. Please note there is a gradual rise uphill.

Bus: CDTA bus line 804. More information here: https://tenbroeckmansion.org/planning-your-visit/

Participants are asked to follow safety practices. Please dress comfortably and wear shoes/sneakers for walking in a garden. Bring your own water bottle. Please note: programs will offer supplies for programs, but alternate projects may be offered depending on attendance levels.

Programs made possible with support from the New York State Council on the Arts.

Pictures: The Dudley Observatory at our STEAM: Astronomy program, Arts Center of the Capital Region at our STEAM: Ceramics Program, NBC 10 meteorologist Kevin Appleby with the Stormtracker at our STEAM: Meteorology program, Exploring tin foil boats at STEAM: Waterways, and Meteorologist Stephen DiRienzo from the National Weather Service at our STEAM: Meteorology program.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Albany County Historical Association, 9 Ten Broeck Place, Albany, United States