For Immediate Release
Contact:
Kristin Aguilera, Deputy Director
Museum of American Finance
212-908-4695, kaguilera@moaf.org
New York, NY: The Museum of American Finance, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, today announced the launch of six new courses for the Fall 2014 semester. The addition of these classes enhances the Museum’s already strong financial education program offerings for elementary though graduate-level students.
The new classes include:
• “The Market” – An interactive trading experience designed to teach students the mechanics of trading markets, the interplay between profit-seeking individuals and the economics of market pricing
• “The Incredible Shrinking Coin” – Collecting expert and museum educator Harley Spiller, a.k.a. “Inspector Collector,” shares how he discovered the many rules that govern our money, as well as the fascinating techniques and technologies used to protect currency from counterfeiting in this hands-on, interactive class for middle school students
• “Booms, Bubbles and Busts” – Seen through the lens of editorial cartoons from the Museum's collection as well as other sources, students learn how to interpret political cartoons and how to find common threads through history to identify booms and busts. A Ruth Baker Financial Education Intern developed this class.
• “Intro to Capital Markets” – Primer on the financial markets, from the establishment of ancient markets through the transition to modern electronic markets
• “Financial Products” – Using historical context, this presentation helps students with no background in finance understand the creation, counterparty relationship and cost/benefit of several financial products
• “The History of Derivatives” – A look at the fascinating and little-understood history of derivatives, from ancient times to today
Financial education is at the heart of the Museum’s mission. For more than 20 years, educators from around the world have been bringing students to the Museum to help them understand how finance impacts their daily lives. The Museum’s Center for Financial Education features a variety of programs, including more than a dozen classes, the Museum Finance Academy after school program and a P-Credit course for NYC teachers. All programs are taught by museum educators and market professionals. Thanks to generous support from ING, Title 1 Schools booking their visits in advance receive free admission, classes, transportation and lunch. For more information on the Museum’s educational programs, or to book a group visit, please visit www.moaf.org/education.
About the Museum of American Finance
The Museum of American Finance is the nation’s only public museum dedicated to preserving, exhibiting and teaching about American finance and financial history. With its extensive collection of financial documents and objects, its seminars and educational programming, the Museum portrays the breadth and richness of American financial history, achievement and practices. The Museum is located at 48 Wall Street, on the corner of William Street, and is open Tues–Sat, 10 am – 4 pm. For more information, visit www.moaf.org or connect with the Museum on Facebook or Twitter.