Unearthing the Past, Building the Future

Description

Discover the rich history and environmental significance of Van Cortlandt Park with our interdisciplinary education program, Unearthing the Past/Building the Future. This unique experience invites Bronx middle and high school students to explore the historical, environmental, and social justice dimensions that have shaped their local community.

Please note- this is a multiple part program, and you are booking the date for session 1. VCPA staff will reach out to schedule the remaining sessions.

On Day 1, students will investigate the legacy of enslaved people and their pivotal role in the development of the park, including its origins as a plantation.
There are 2 options for the remaining two sessions which will be run as an on-site field trip to Van Cortlandt Park and a follow up session held at the school.
1-Learn about Tibbetts Brook’s historical context and its recent daylighting project, which highlights New York City’s largest green infrastructure initiative for flood mitigation and environmental resilience.
2-Delve into food justice, addressing topics such as ancestral crops, traditional land stewardship methods, and the disparities within the local food system. Through interactive discussions and activities, students will develop a deeper appreciation for food equity and the importance of community stewardship. Utilizing creative expression students will develop a final project that illustrates what they learned.

The program is designed to foster historical, environmental, and social awareness, empowering students to actively contribute to the preservation and enhancement of their environment and community.

FALL 2024- Thanks to a generous grant we are able to offer a limited number of free Unearthing the Past programs. These will be filled on a first come, first served basis.