A Day in the Life: Colonial New York
Description
Experience history in the rooms where it happened. Travel back in time to the colonial period when The Bronx was still a rural community. Discover how colonists of the 18th century would start their day in a New York home of long ago--from brushing teeth and getting dressed in the bedchamber to entertaining guests in the parlor in the evening. Our museum educator takes students on a special-access tour among the historic artifacts of The Bronx’s oldest house to learn about the traditions of an early New York Dutch family and what it was like to grow up and learn in New York of long ago. At the same time, your students will have an immersive experience to further their understanding of how Europe, America, and Africa came together in New York to form an international economic center.
This trip is designed to reinforce the objectives of the latest version of New York City's Social Studies Scope and Sequence. Our museum educator, Mike Grillo, is happy to tailor the experience to meet your needs and we encourage you to contact him at 718-543-3344 or Michael.Grillo@vchm.org.
Offered At
The Van Cortlandt House Museum
The Van Cortlandt House Museum in The Bronx was built in 1748 for one of New York Colony’s elite families, the Van Cortlandts. But it was also home to generations of enslaved people, who operated the plantation that surrounded the house. The museum's educational programs use the objects in our collection and the lives of its historic inhabitants to make the world of 18th century New York come alive.
FAQ:
Where do buses drop off?
School buses park on Broadway by the entrance to Van Cortlandt Park. The entrance to Van Cortlandt Park is opposite 6035 Broadway. Typing “6035 Broadway, Bronx” into your GPS device will take you there directly. The museum is the stone building that is visible from the park entrance and is only a 1-2 minute walk from where buses drop off.
Is the museum accessible by public transportation?
Yes, there are several ways to get to the house by public transportation:
By subway: #1 train to 242nd Street Station
By bus: Bx9 to West 244th Street
BxM3 Express Bus to 244th Street - from mid-town Manhattan with a stop at the Museum's entrance to Van Cortlandt Park
Metro-North Hudson River Line to Marble Hill Station, transfer to the Bx9 bus or #1 subway as above.
Is there a gift shop?
Yes, Van Cortlandt House has a Museum shop stocked with colonial toys, games, pencils, rulers, gifts and postcards. We also sell cold beverages.
Details
Subjects
Colonial Times, Slavery, 18th Century, Geography, My Community
Capacity
90 students, 1 chap. per 10 stu.
Duration
120 min.
Activity
Field Trip
Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, K
Price Options
$5.00 per Person for School Group