Geography School Trip To New York

Between 1892 and 1954 over 12m people passed through the Ellis Island gateway in search of American citizenship. People came for religious and economic opportunity in America and freedom of speech. This is a culture-defining landmark and the museum has three floors of exhibitions and audio-visual displays telling the history of this significant time.

America’s first living-history museum dedicated to the life of immigrants, aiming to promote tolerance and awareness of the variety of migrant experiences on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. At the ‘gateway to America’, the partially restored 1863 tenement building runs guided tours focusing on specific character stories related to work and family life.

The memorial quadrant is a poignant reminder of the 9/11 devastation and an inspiring testimony by citizens to honour those who died. Twin reflecting pools and manmade waterfalls mark the spot where the Twin Towers stood, with the names of everyone lost inscribed into bronze panels around the outside.

Documenting September 11, 2001, the museum examines the implications of the events and commemorates the nearly 3,000 men, women and children who died on 9/11 and in the 1993 World Trade Centre bombing. Using multimedia displays, narratives, archives and artefacts, the museum presents powerful accounts of the monumental struggles faced by a nation and the legacy of that day.

An icon of global alliance, the 18-acre stretch on the East River is an ‘international zone’. Visitors are welcome to explore the space that benefits from a 1,400 specimen rose garden. Tours take in the council chambers and General Assembly, corridors of diverse artwork and displays on the organisation’s concerns such as peacekeeping and human rights.

With views to rival those of the Empire State Building, Rockefeller’s multi-floor observation deck is 70 floors high. A thrilling Plexiglass screen installation shows the construction workers hanging on the high beams, with a chance for you to ‘walk’ across one too, far above the city streets. Exhibits include the history and a model of the building.

Built at the peak of the skyscraper craze in 1931, the 1250ft Empire State Building is an Art Deco symbol of NYC. A ride in the express lift to the observatory floors gives students an unrivalled view of the city with outdoor decks and restored original interiors. A handheld device acts as an audio and visual companion with engaging videos, image galleries, quizzes and maps.

The world’s largest department store now offers a fun, retail-focused lecture followed by a store tour. An informative discussion follows the story of Macy’s from humble beginnings in 1858 to the 1m square foot of selling space today. Students will also learn about fashion merchandising visual advertising techniques, with plenty of time left over to shop.

Take the Statue Cruise from Battery Park to the Statue of Liberty, one of the world’s most iconic structures and a symbol of freedom and democracy. Continue to Ellis Island and be inspired by the history and stories of the immigrants entering America between 1992-1954. This hop-on hop-off service allows you to explore at your leisure.

This innovative park has been built on an elevated section of a disused railway line in Manhattan’s West Side, 30 foot above street level. This successful urban renewal project saved the railway line from demolition and the surrounding area is now being renovated and gentrified. The High Line offers great views of the Hudson River

Enchanting, hand-carved miniature wooden models of Manhattan’s skyscrapers are a novel way to appreciate New York’s architectural background – both how the colossal buildings are erected and their impact upon people’s lives. Skyscrapers are intrinsic to the city’s identity, and exhibitions explore the influence of history, economy and individuals on the skyline. Photo © Shinya Suzuki.

New York is explored through its very particular modes of fashion, architecture, politics, and history. Engaging exhibitions, films, lectures and walking tours make the most of the Colonial Revival building and always make an impact on student’s understanding of NY culture. Across the street is an entrance to Central Park’s little-known but enchanting Conservatory Gardens.

The One World Observatory is located within the One World Trade Center providing unmatched views stretching across Manhattan to New Jersey. Groups will be able to learn about the history of the Trade Center in New York, its history and construction.

Some of the world’s biggest banks and financiers, along with the New York Stock Exchange have their headquarters on this famous block. Students can learn about the global impact of these organisations, their economical stance and what exactly constitutes their day-to-day operations.

Since 9/11, tours of the NY Stock Exchange are prohibited, but students can still get a feel here for the financial market in motion. There are interactive exhibits on banking and entrepreneurship, with a Centre for Financial Education offering classroom programs where museum tutors and market professionals explore how finance impacts our daily lives.

The Broadway Theatre District has all the buzz and glitz that you’d expect from America’s answer to the West End. Rounding off the day with dinner and a Broadway show is a typical New York past time and it’s an exciting way for student’s to feel part of the city’s twilight activity.