Fellows' training is grounded by unparalleled access to an extraordinary collection of rare books, manuscripts, and decorative arts at the Winterthur Museum and Country Estate. From its inception, the Museum has granted Fellows handling privileges so that they can study materials, fabrication techniques, tool marks, structure, and surface finishes. Program faculty and Museum curators teach these skills in the required Connoisseurship classes over three semesters.

Thinking about objects requires broad interdisciplinary knowledge of historiography, theory, and content. The Program insists that Fellows take courses in academic disciplines that will inform their grasp of historical contexts. They generally select courses in the Departments of Art History, English and History to fulfill this requirement, but may select from courses in other units with permission of the Program's Director.

Professional success depends on the ability to analyze evidence, interpret meaning, and communicate ideas persuasively. Fellows hone speaking skills through guiding in the museum collections, leading seminar presentations, assisting with workshops, and giving lectures. They also write a master's thesis on a topic of their choice during their second year. This year-long project develops their ability to write clearly, think critically, and develop content knowledge. Many Fellows go on to publish revised versions of their theses.

Finally, Program faculty conduct field-based learning beyond the Museum and the Mid-Atlantic region to expose students to a range of careers, people, objects and ideas. These courses and trips engage: museum, preservation, and conservation practices; design, decorative arts, and art history; historical landscapes, archaeology, and architecture; auctions, antiques dealing, and collecting; and libraries, archives, and special collections.