We took our first field trip today to visit Liberty and Ellis Islands. The object of this trip was not only to give students a view of one of the most iconic sights in the city, but to allow them to explore the history of U.S. immigration and begin to think about its major effects on the city. As the quintessential “melting pot,” urban change in New York City is still today driven in large part by the continued influx of new residents, as well as the existence of historically-rooted ethnic communities that help characterize its diverse and vibrant culture.
On Liberty Island, some of us had the chance to talk with Auguste Bartholdi (portrayed in the flesh by a very knowledgeable interpreter!) about the creation of the Statue of Liberty. Then we moved on to Ellis Island, where students spent several hours looking at the extensive exhibits on American immigration.
