FIELD TRIPS
NEW for 2025-2026! 
​At the Crossroads: The Bronx and the Fight for Independence -  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 ancient home of the Van Cortlandts, they will work to solve a mystery: Were the Van Cortlandts Patriots or Loyalists? At the same time, they will learn about the importance of New York's geography in the struggle for independence. The important connections between New York and the Caribbean will also be highlighted as part of the experience.

Teachers are able to choose a closing activity for the trip:

1) Students can learn "Farkle," a fun dice game that was played by soldiers in the American Revolution,
...or...
2) Students can learn to sing a soldier's song from the Revolution and march in formation on the museum's grounds.
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  • This program was designed to address key concepts from the NYC Dept. of Education Social Studies Scope & Sequence for Grades 4&5 but can be adapted for most grade levels.
  • This program is FREE for all Bronx public schools. 
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Looking for Mr. Cortlandt - Prepare for a hands-on adventure to New York City's past led by a local historian and licensed educator, who will take your class to explore the historical landscape of Van Cortlandt Park and the secrets of Van Cortlandt House Museum. This highly interactive field trip, your students will learn about New York's indigenous inhabitants and its Dutch heritage. They will learn about the lives and lasting contributions of enslaved Africans in the development of New York and witness their legacy in the landscape of today's Van Cortlandt Park.
  • This program was designed to address key concepts from the NYC Dept. of Education Social Studies Scope & Sequence for Grade 4 but can be adapted for most grade levels. 
  • This program is FREE for all Bronx Public Schools

NO-COST FIELD TRIPS FOR BRONX PUBLIC SCHOOLS 

Beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, VCHM proudly offered no-cost field trips to all Bronx public schools. 

This initiative was supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

We are pleased to announce that we will be continuing this initiative in the 2025-2026 school year with a new educational program offering: At the Crossroads: The Bronx and the Fight for Independence, where 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. The importance of New York's geography and the important connections between New York and the Caribbean in the fight for independence will also be highlighted. 

LESSON PLANS

The Enslaved People Project is a joint effort of the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, Van Cortlandt House Museum operated by The National Society of Colonial Dames in the State of New York, and the Kingsbridge Historical Society.

​The Enslaved People Project Curriculum was funded by Bronx Community Board 8 and the New York City Council.  The Enslaved People Project created two curricula to be used by teachers:

4th Grade Curriculum

6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Curriculum