New York City Historical Sites

New York City is probably the first city to flash across most peoples minds when asked to describe city life. The bustling, fast-paced lives of the typical New Yorker, the traffic jams and the massive skyscrapers blend to create a modern and fashionable image. New York City however, is not only a city where up-to-the minute trade happens, and new fashion trends start. It is also a city abundant with history. This unique blend of historical sites and contemporary places makes NYC a great place for field trips & educational tours. When planning a trip to NYC, make sure your group has a chance to view these historical sites.

Ellis Island is a popular place to tour. From 1892 through 1954, this immigration depot admitted most of the people coming overseas to seek a new life in America. Today it is estimated that one third of Americans can trace ancestors who passed through immigration at Ellis Island. The museum offers student tours, and is designed to give a description of what passing through immigration was like. Students can ask questions, and view exhibits, videos and even theatrical displays. The theater productions are free, but it is advised that larger groups reserve tickets.

Visiting Ellis Island will take your group very near another famous New York historical site: the Statue of Liberty. Located on the nearby Liberty Island, this statue has stood in the New York harbor for over 100 years, and has become a symbol of freedom and hope to many. Group tours are led by a ranger and offer a chance to personally answer student’s questions. A museum is also located on the island and traces the history and construction of this famous statue. Due to heightened security, visitors are not permitted to visit the statue’s crown or torch, but a 10 story observation deck will still provide quite a view. Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty have no admission fee, but the ferry ride to either island does have a charge.

For a lesson on more current events in history, plan on taking your group to view Ground Zero. This was the site of the World Trade Towers before the terrorist attack on September 11^th 2001. Many students probably remember where they were when they first heard about the attacks, and seeing the actual site will be especially effective in learning about and remembering this day that will surely go down in history. There are five exhibits that students can view at Ground Zero, or students can explore the recently opened museum. Group tours are available at this museum, and students can view items retrieved from the rubble of the Trade Center, as well as view photographs and videos, hear personal testimonies from survivors and have a chance to ask questions and discuss this events with their classmates. The museum has a cost, but does offer group discounts.

These are just a few of the possibilities when seeking out historic sites. There are several museums that trace the history of different races found in NYC, including Irish, Jewish and a Ukrainian Museum. There are also numerous memorials for famous historical figures, and several neighborhoods that contain historic houses and birthplaces. In fact, numerous famous people were born in NYC. To find more, visit Wikipedia to see a list. Wherever your group ends up, they will surely learn new things about history.