At the Crossroads: The Revolution in The Bronx
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 historic home of the Van Cortlandts, they will work to solve a mystery: Were the Van Cortlandts Patriots, Loyalists, or neither. At the same time, the class will be challenged to consider how the enslaved people could have capitalized on the historical moment to secure their freedom. The trip highlights New York’s geography and the importance of the Caribbean in the struggle for independence.
This program was designed to address key concepts from the NYC Dept. of Education Social Studies Scope and Sequence for Grade 4. It is perfect for a class that is studying the Revolution or just completed a unit of study on the Revolution.
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 6 chap., Min 1 chap., 1 chap. per 32 stu.
Duration
90 min.
Activity
Field Trip
Grades
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Price Options
$5.00 per Person for School Group
$0.00 per Person for Local District School