NIGHTHAWKS
Teen Leadership Program

The Nighthawks Teen Leadership Program engages and mentors teens by teaching them leadership skills to deliver exhibitions, tours and programs to the public at the Edward Hopper House. We encourage students from Rockland County Middle and High Schools to apply to train to work with Edward Hopper House Museum visitors as tour guides, workshop leaders, and general ambassadors of the Museum. The Nighthawks  interpret Edward Hopper’s experience in Nyack as a young artist and its effects on his renowned artwork, while also organizing and leading programs for Rockland's youth and families. These junior docents become part of the Museum community as volunteers and may eventually qualify to become Museum employees!

But not only do the Nighthawks serve as junior docents at the Edward Hopper House, they also attend trips to other cultural art organizations, and participate in college prep activities. The Nighthawks youth development program enables teens to explore arts, culture and history within a context that highlights confidence, dedication, and enthusiasm.
The Nighthawks teen leadership program received an Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2018. In its third year at Edward Hopper House Museum & Study Center, the Nighthawks is a program training teens in from several area middle and high schools how to teach workshops in the Art Lab for families, as well as provide tours and other visitor services on the weekends. Students are provided with community service credit for 1-2 years, and then placed on our payroll for their hours worked. The Award acknowledges EHH's commitment to extending historic preservation, art and culture to new audiences. ​
Video created by 2018 Nighthawk Julia Tighe
Edward Hopper House Museum & Study Center extends a warm thank you to Rockland County and to Orange & Rockland Utilities, Inc. for supporting our Nighthawks Teen Leadership Program. Rockland County's grant supported the program's management and operating virtually online during 2021, while O&R's Community Investment Committee has generously awarded the Nighthawks Program a grant to fund supplies for art making, community engagement projects, and the continued development of young leaders in Rockland County. Thank you Rockland County and O&R for your investment in the arts and education!