The Project
In this free program, teachers from Title I New York City public schools participate in a four-day Summer Institute developed by the Morgan in collaboration with the New York City Department of Education. The program focuses on the integration of book arts into the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science & Technical Subjects, as well as the New York City Department of Education Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts. Through the following fall and winter, these teachers lead their students in the writing, illustration, and binding of manuscript books. In early March, teachers submit their students' four best projects to a jury. In April, the winning books are featured in a one-day installation at the Morgan, while the students whose books were selected receive an award in the presence of their families, school teachers, and principals in the Morgan's Gilder Lehrman Hall. See photos »
Exhibition Honors
To exemplify The Morgan Book Project for our visiting public, twelve books chosen among the award winning entries and the Director's Choice are featured in the exhibition Inspiring and Illuminating the Classroom, which will remain on view in the Morgan's South Court through August 21, 2022. These books are featured on this page and this year also include contributions from students at Edison Park Elementary School in Chicago.
The Books
The books are created with professional grade paper and binding material. The students make their own paint by grinding traditional pigment sources such as malachite, saffron, and insects. They complete their illustrations with 22 karat gold leaf.