Guided tours of the historic Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and museum are provided free of charge to all Volusia County public and private school groups and at a reduced admission rate for schools in neighboring counties. Scheduled in accordance with volunteer availability, every school tour is structured in accordance with the specific grade level and academic needs of its intended audience. A typical tour of the lighthouse and museum usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. Teachers wishing to expand their tour may also choose to participate in one of the museum's add-on activities if time permits.
Add-On Workshops and Enrichment Activities
Teachers who wish to enhance their students’ overall lighthouse experience with an additional hands-on activity or workshop may do so by adding one or more of the museum’s educational workshops to their general tour, time-on-site, and volunteer availability permitting.
Developed by professional teachers and museum professionals, the museum’s unique cross-curricular offerings integrate STEM concepts with the Ten Themes of Social Studies as outlined by the NCSS. Program themes focus on a broad range of maritime and lighthouse history topics as they relate to Florida, the country, and the world.
All educational offerings are aligned with the Common Core State Standards of Florida. Programs include hands-on interactive workshops and activities, thematic units, living history interpretations, and more. Available educational offerings that may be added to a general school tour include:
Student Workshops:
Hands-On Enrichment Activities:
History Presentations:
Living History Interpretations:
Scheduling a School Tour
Teachers and school group coordinators who are planning a field trip to the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse are encouraged to contact the museum’s Programs Manager at their earliest convenience to secure their desired date and time. Advanced notice and early registration significantly increase the Association's ability to schedule tour guides and workshop facilitators. This is especially important during the holiday months when docent availability is limited. Please refer to the following guidelines when scheduling your tour.
School Tour Reservation Form
Please contact the museum's educational programs department via email at zhopple@ponceinlet.org or by phone at (386) 761-1821 ext. 18 regarding any additional questions you may have about scheduling a school tour.
Homeschool Tour Registration Form
Student Souvenir Packages
Many students like to purchase souvenirs during their field trip to remember their visit. Unfortunately, time constraints and financial concerns are almost always a factor for groups visiting the lighthouse. In an effort to save students and teachers both time and money, the Preservation Association has put together a discounted souvenir package that includes several items appropriate for children at a fraction of the regular cost.
Student Souvenir Packages must be ordered at least three days in advance of your scheduled tour date to provide gift shop personnel time to have them ready when you arrive. All orders are collectively processed in one transaction, not individually. Payment is due when you arrive at the lighthouse. Acceptable forms of payment include cash, check, or credit card.
Please contact the museum’s gift shop manager by phone at (386) 761-1821 ext. 21, or by email at giftshop@ponceinlet.org for additional information and instructions.
The Student Souvenir Program order form can be printed/downloaded using the link below.