On Friday, March 23rd, social studies students from Newfield High School were invited to visit the Long Island Museum (a Smithsonian affiliate) in Stony Brook. They participated in a workshop related to an exhibition on race, gender, and class in 19th century New York City titled, All Aboard: The Story of Elizabeth Jennings. The workshop was designed by Newfield alum Jacalyn Malsich ('13) as part of her internship with the museum. After graduating from Newfield High School, Jackie attended Iona College where her thesis work titled, “Exploring Harmful Gendered Metaphors for Female Candidates for American Office," awarded her the coveted spot as a National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) Portz Scholar. She collaborated with Ms. Klein, the social studies chairperson, and Newfield students to demo activities related to her internship.  

The day began with an informative introduction to the exhibition. Students were then invited to explore the museum's renowned antique carriage collection where they were asked to note the diverse materials and functions of the carriages. Thinking of the carriages as primary sources, students inferred the groups and individuals who used these carriages and what it could indicate about their social status.  

Next, students heard the story of Elizabeth Jennings, who has been referred to as "Lower Manhattan's Rosa Parks.” They then engaged in a reenactment of a case she brought against New York's Third Avenue Railway Company in 1854 after she was forcibly removed from one of their cars because of her race. This landmark case eventually led to the desegregation of all New York City transit systems. One student remarked, "I liked how empowered she was!"

The final activity brought the students into a gallery to analyze two primary sources and a painting of the transportation company that Ms. Jennings brought suit against. These sources highlighted competing points of view and reflections of gender, class, and race in historical context. Students commented on the relevancy of the activity and remarked that it “helped me identify POV", "[could] be used as synthesis on an essay", and "made good connections between social, economic, and political ideas."  

We would like to thank Ms. Malsich and the Long Island Museum for sharing this opportunity with us. Thank you as well to Ms. Klein, Chairperson of Social Studies; Mr. Graviano, Principal; Mr. Singer, Director of Curriculum; and Ms. Pacifico, Coordinator of World Studies; for supporting this opportunity for Newfield students to engage in such a unique and meaningful experience.