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 8: Astronomy. Make your own sundial and learn how astronomy helped people keep time in early Albany. Special guest: The Dudley Observatory.

June 22: Engineering. Get hand-on and build a brick wall, and learn about the historic bricks in the Ten Broeck Mansion. Plus, discover engineering marvels in the Ten Broeck Mansion Butler's panty. Special guest: The Bottle Museum.

July 6: Meteorology/Weather. Make your own weathervane, and learn about how weather impacted Albany history. Plus, meet a meteorologist! Special guests: News 10 ABC meteorologist and the National Weather Service.

July 20: Ornithology. Make a hummingbird feeder, and use paper airplanes to learn about bird flight. What birds can you find in the Ten Broeck Mansion gardens? Special guests: Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club and Audubon Society of the Capital Region.

August 3: Waterways/Sailing. Make a boat from everyday materials and learn how to "crack" Morse code, plus create your own code inspired by a WWII codebook in our museum collections. Special Guests: New York State Canal Corporation.

August 17: 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" which was mined close by . Special Guest: Art Center of the Capital Region.

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

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.

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.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

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