Field Trips

Planning a Student Field Trip to the
National Bird Dog Museum
School children from kindergarten to college are invited for Field Days
at the National Bird Dog Museum Complex.

	Admission is free
	What to expect
	Schedule your trip in advance

*** We will be glad to work with your group and tailor your trip to meet your needs***

The Bird Dog Foundation’s primary mission is to preserve and promote the traditions of bird dogs, field trials, hunting and shooting sports. The complex is composed of: The National Bird Dog Museum, The Field Trial Hall of Fame, & The Wildlife Heritage Center. The Wildlife Heritage Center is the educational arm of the Foundation and its mission is to provide a meaningful educational capability to instill conservation interests among our young citizens. The William F. Brown Memorial Library is located within the Wildlife Heritage Center.

School groups can use the facility in a number of ways—general visitation, guided tour, program or class, library research.

Schedule a group visit in advance by calling (731) 764-2058 and ask for the Education Coordinator.

Office Hours for the Education Coordinator are generally Tuesdays through Thursdays, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

The Museum is open Tuesdays through Fridays 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Saturdays 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and Sunday afternoons 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

The usual expected activities and estimated time for your student field trip are as follows:

One and one-half to two hours for the complete visit. Since the Museum closes at 2:00 p.m. weekdays, we suggest you plan your trip to arrive at the Museum at 10:30 a.m. if possible. This will give you and the students the opportunity to plan lunch after the Field Trip. Otherwise, just after 12 noon would be suggested.

Upon arriving: Group photograph under the flagpole: This is an opportunity for teachers and Museum staff as well to commemorate the Field Trip visit with a group photo. Expect 10 minutes, approximately.

We usually arrange a live demonstration with a local kennel owner/dog trainer or wildlife biologist. This live presentation is held out doors in good weather. Everyone loves this portion of the Field Trip. Expect approximately 25 minutes for this presentation.

Exploring the Museum: A guided tour is provided by staff. A good time for Questions and Answers during this part of the visit as well. Expect approximately 20 minutes.

The History of The Bird Dog Museum Videotape: A 10-minute videotaped history of the Bird Dog foundation which also describes information about Bird Dogs and National Championships is shown in the Museum’s Library.

Gift Shop Visit: The remaining portion of the time can be spent with a trip to the Museum’s Gift Shop. This is a big favorite with the children as they want to take home a memento of their trip. The Shop is stocked with many interesting items designed for kids and priced accordingly.

IF YOUR GROUP HAS MORE TIME ALLOWED –CHECK OUT OUR NATURE TRAIL ADJACENT TO THE MUSEUM PARKING LOT. IDENTIFY NATIVE PLANTS WHICH PROVIDE FOOD AND SHELTER FOR OUR WILDLIFE.

Most large school groups or classes are divided into sub-groups and assembled in the front lobby after having the photograph taken under the flagpole and experiencing the outdoor live demonstration. The separate groups are then accompanied by Museum staff along with any student counselors present and teachers and are guided through the Museum tour, the presentation of the videotape History of the Bird Dog Foundation in the Library and the Gift Shop visit independently by their group.