At the Crossroads: The Bronx and the Fight for Independence
Description
Embark on a journey to Revolutionary New York in a historic house that witnessed the action. Students will learn about the importance of The Bronx and New York City in the Revolution and how European colonists, free and enslaved Africans, and indigenous people all played a role in the story of the founding of the United States.
As the students explore the ancient home of the Van Cortlandts, they will work to solve a mystery: Were the Van Cortlandts Patriots or Loyalists? At the same time, they will learn about the importance of New York's geography in the struggle for independence. The important connections between New York and the Caribbean will also be highlighted as part of the experience.
Teachers are able to choose a closing activity for the trip:
1) Students can learn "Farkle," a fun dice game that was played by soldiers in the American Revolution,
...or...
2) Students can learn to sing a soldier's song from the Revolution and march in formation on the museum's grounds.
This program was designed to address key concepts from the NYC Dept. of Education Social Studies Scope & Sequence for Grades 4&5.
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.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are a Bronx public school, there is no charge for this trip.
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
History, Colonial Times, Revolutionary War, 18th Century, Geography
Capacity
32 students, Max 5 chap., Min 1 chap., 1 chap. per 10 stu.
Duration
100 min.
Activity
Field Trip
Grades
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Postsecondary
Price Options
$5.00 per Person for School Group