Summary of New York

New York has many faces: opportunity, change, progress, history, unity, diversity, rural, and urban. I witnessed evidence of these throughout the trip. I come back from these trips filled with enthusiasm and ready to get the information out to my students. I can hardly wait to show students my photographs to spark their interest: the African Burial Ground, the Brooklyn Bridge, FDR’s homes, Teddy Roosevelt’s home, Cooperstown , the Erie Canal, Ellis Island, the William Seward home, the Bowling Green, Fort Ticonderoga, Saratoga, Ground Zero, the Tenement Museum, and Federal Hall, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, etc. I want to share the sounds of the city, the diversity of people, and the smells of China Town and Little Italy. Kenneth Jackson and Ed O’Donnell pointed out the multiple communities and the five boroughs of New York: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Harlem, Bronx, and Queens. They showed us the tolerance the city has for the variety of religions: Jews, Muslims, Christians, and Buddhists, and the toleration of the multiple ethnic groups: Italian, Chinese, Irish, Germans, English, and others that make up the great “melting-pot”. These groups have added variety to New York’s rich food, culture, and commerce. Everywhere we went we heard a variety of languages being spoken. Kenneth and Ed explained and showed us the constant changes these groups make in the different neighborhoods; how the culture in one neighboring community can be totally different from the blocks right next to it. Ed also explained that history has often taken the backseat to progress; many historical sites have been destroyed to make room for newer and bigger structures. Regardless of where we traveled the people were friendly and helpful; giving directions to the lost tourists and recommendations to the best restaurants. Traveling throughout the city on the subway was quite the experience; using the Metro Card allowed us to go just about everywhere within the five boroughs and it became clear it was the easiest and cheapest way to travel around the expansive city. I wasn’t surprised to hear that many New Yorkers don’t own cars. I felt very safe, even at night, traveling throughout the city; the police of New York have done a great job in making the city safer.
We saw so much on this trip. We visited many museums; each time taking with us new and valuable tools to use in the classroom; lesson plans, video conferencing, reenactments and access to their vast collections. We gained first hand experiences in the use of primary sources; the lock system on the Erie Canal, documents, photographs, and how to use artifacts. We learned about the progressive movements in human rights: womens’ suffrage, abolitionism, the Underground Railroad, and the United Nations, all of which have roots in New York. I could feel the determination of the ever changing city where people first came seeking a better life; first the Dutch and then the English established commerce on New York’s protected harbors. New York became an even larger partner with commerce when the Erie Canal connected the interior to the Atlantic Ocean; the cost of goods dropped by 90-95% after the canal was completed – making New York the great commerce connection for America. We also experienced upstate New York that was quiet and serene; the streets of Albany were practically empty in comparison – few cars and few people. There were small cafes and shops, and benches along the lakes and bays.
I have been honored to attend all four trips through the grant, and the amount of knowledge and firsthand experience I bring to the classroom are unmeasureable; I hope my students can sense the love of history I have and hope that some of my enthusiasm will rub off on them. I am so amazed at the ground we covered on this trip and I have a new appreciation for the “Big Apple”. This trip was memorable and will benefit my students immensely – Thank you.

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