14 Wharfside StreetCharleston, SC 29401
Museum open 10am to 5pm (last entry 4:00 PM) Tuesday-Sunday. Closed Monday.
14 Wharfside Street — Charleston, SC 29401
Submitting a PreK-12 Field Trip Request form is the first step in booking a field trip at IAAM. Once the form is submitted, a representative from the Education Department will contact you via email.
Field trips are offered Tuesday throughThursday at 9:30AM, 10:00AM, 10:30AM, and 11:00AM. We ask that field trips be scheduled at least one month in advance.
Bookings for the 2024-2025 school year will open on September 9, 2024. PreK-12 field trips are available from September 24, 2024 through May 29, 2025.
PreK-12 field trips include a self-guided experience inside the building, an informative onboarding session, and an enriching departure process curated by IAAM Museum Educators. Groups should expect to spend 90 minutes at the Museum (15–30 minutes onboarding, 60 minutes self-guiding, and 10 minutes departing). Groups should arrive on time. Early is best!
South Carolina schools receive FREE admission. In-state enrichment/after-school programs and out-of-state schools receive discounted admission and must pay a 20% non-refundable deposit upon booking.
South Carolina Schools (1:10 chaperone to student ratio is REQUIRED):
Student: $0.00
Teacher/Chaperone: $0.00
In-State Enrichment & After-School K-12 Group Rate (1:10 chaperone to student ratio is REQUIRED):
Student: $7.00
Teacher/Chaperone: $15.00
*A 20% non-refundable deposit is due upon booking.
Out-of-State Schools (1:10 chaperone to student ratio is REQUIRED):
IAAM accepts payment by credit card and check.
Please call the Education Department at 843-872-5352 ext. 3235 to make field trip payments. Missed payment due dates will result in the cancellation of your field trip.
Groups should arrive on time. Early is best! Groups should expect to spend 90 minutes at the Museum (15–30 minutes onboarding, 60 minutes self-guiding, and 10 minutes departing).
Groups that arrive late may receive a shortened field trip experience. If your group arrives more than 20 minutes late, your field trip may be canceled because of scheduling limitations. If your group is running late, please call the Education Department at 843-872-5352 ext. 3235.
Yes, there is a designated drop-off and pick-up location located in front of the Museum on Concord Street. Vehicles are prohibited from idling for more than 15 minutes. Buses and Motor coaches may not drop off, pick up, or proceed down Inspection Street or Wharfside Street for any reason. After dropping off, bus parking can be found in the access lane behind the Aquarium Garage at 24 Calhoun Street. Learn more about the City of Charleston rules and permits for Buses here: https://www.charleston-sc.gov/187/Bus-Tour-Parking-Permit-Application
Please limit bags when entering the Museum. All students, teachers and chaperones must go through security before entering the Museum. Security will hold all prohibited items for the duration of your visit. You must return to security to collect your confiscated items. The Museum has free lockers available, although locks are not provided. If you would like to use a locker, please bring your own lock.
Group lunches are not permitted in the building, on the grounds, or in classroom spaces. There are two public parks near the Museum, Gadsdenboro Park and Liberty Square, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch. Currently, IAAM does not arrange, coordinate, or store boxed lunches or food deliveries.
Please be respectful, courteous, and considerate when entering the galleries. For more information, view our Field Trip Guidelines.
Chaperones must stay with students at all times. Please refer to our Field Trip Guidelines for more information.
In the case that changes or adjustments need to be made to your field trip, please email [email protected] as far in advance as possible to see if your request can be accommodated. Please note that IAAM does not offer refunds for cancelled visits. Due to high demand for programs and field trips, IAAM may be unable to reschedule your visit. Changes and cancellations (except for emergencies) should take place at least three weeks prior to your visit.
Currently, IAAM does not offer virtual field trip options.
However, you can find a virtual tour of IAAM here. (This was designed for the 2024 National Genealogical Society’s Virtual Family History Conference, so not all material will be relevant to PreK-12 classes, but it is an excellent place to start. )
Additionally, information about our Core Exhibitions can be found here. Information about the building and garden can be found here. Other online resources include our ongoing series of Digital Exhibitions and our Center for Family History’s Resource Center and Digital Archives.
No, the IAAM collection database is currently under construction.
IAAM has sensory bags available upon request. Sensory bags include adult and children’s sunglasses and sensory earmuffs, as well as an assortment of sensory toys.
A limited number of Quiet Rooms are available on the 2nd floor on a first-come basis for students who need time or space away from the galleries and exhibitions. The Museum also has a family restroom with changing rooms located on the 2nd floor. IAAM staff are happy to help you locate the family restroom or Quiet Rooms.