Philly & NYC
In January 2020, my Social Studies coworker and friend Katie and I decided to write a grant via Fund For Teachers to visit Philadelphia, walking the paths of our Founding Fathers, taking our Philly experience and giving our content an exciting boost. In June of 2021, thanks to Covid, we f-i-n-a-l-l-y got to go!
When we arrived and made it to our hotel room, we were shocked to learn just how close we were to everything. We spent extra money for a room with the best view. We listened to the bell above Independence Hall ding every hour and looked down in awe at the windows through which our Founding Father's signed the Declaration of Independence and argued about our Constitution. We could see the window through which the Liberty Bell sat at the Liberty Bell Center, and we could see where the first Presidential Mansion once stood. For two nerdy travelers who hadn't travelled since before Covid began, we were on Cloud 9 x 10!
On that first day (half day), we visited the Second Bank of the United States and the Presidential Mansion.
The Second Bank was across the street from our hotel as well, and you guessed it… it was our nation's second bank for a time until President Jackson waged war on the bank. We later learned the first bank was down the street but under major renovations, and walked by it several times.
Inside the bank today you can view numerous portraits of prominent figures from that time period painted mainly by Charles Wilson Peale. Throughout our trip we saw portraits from Peale elsewhere as well. That man was busy! Many of the portraits we grew up seeing in our history textbooks were painted by Peale!
Afterward we walked over to the Presidential Mansion. George Washington and John Adams both lived there during their presidencies. The open air structure currently standing is not the original structure, but it gives you a decent view of the layout. In 2007 part of the original structure was unearthed and believed to be the slave/servant quarters. Today the Presidential Mansion honors those 9 slaves who lived in the home, providing a small story about them along with the story of slavery in the United States. The irony for the fight for freedom by our Founding Fathers who themselves denied freedom to other human beings can be felt as you walk around the home.
At this point the sites were beginning to close for the day, so we decided it was time for dinner. While planning out the next day and mapping out our routes, we couldn't help but research our hotel as it was literally centered around all the things! It had to hold some importance! We learned that Kimpton Monaco Hotel was a drug store and jewelry store and part of the silverware industry from 1850 to 1860. The stores and building belonged to Henry J Pepper and his son Samuel. Are we nerds or what?
After dinner it was time for our brains to relax before a full calendar the events the next 9 days.
Philly Day 2
Our first full day in Philadelphia was absolutely packed.
We started our day visiting the Liberty Bell. We learned and refreshed ourselves of its history, and took some selfies. The bell was used for about 90 years, calling forth lawmakers to their meetings and townspeople to gather to hear the news. After constant use a small crack began to form. Metal workers tried to repair it by drilling a wider crack, but this further damaged it, causing another crack to form. At that time the bell was retired. During the abolitionist movement, the bell’s original name of State House Bell started to be referred to as the Liberty Bell. After the Civil War, it went on a journey across the country to remind Americans of the time they fought together for independence in the hopes of reconciling the country. It has since been used by various civil rights groups throughout our history as a symbol for liberty for all. Coincidentally, the bell has inscribed upon it, “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof,” which is a verse from the bible instructing the Israelites to return property and free slaves every 50 years. The verse was chosen by a member of the Pennsylvania Assembly (Congress) named Isaac Norris, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the granting of religious freedoms and political self-government to the people of Pennsylvania. The inscription wasn’t noticed until after the American Revolution.
We then made a quick stop at the Arch Street Friends Meeting House, a Quaker House used as both a meeting house and a church for the Society of Friends. The meeting house belonged to the “free” Quakers who supported the revolution and allowed it to be used as a meeting house for revolutionaries. It is still used by the Society of Friends Quakers once a month.
Afterward we walked over to Elfrey’s Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the United States. It consists of 32 homes built between 1720-1830. Some of the homes have a small history taped to the windows so that visitors will know more about the first inhabitants and the businesses that were run out of the home on the first floor. One of the homes is currently for sale for $1 million!
Christ Church was right down the road so we headed there next. The Episcopal Church, which is still used today, hosted members of the Continental Congress like Benjamin Franklin during the revolution. During their presidencies Washington and Adams attended the church, too. For a time it was the tallest building in North America. Later in the week we will visit the church’s burial ground where Benjamin Franklin is buried.
We then bought lunch at a yummy spot called European Revolution and picnicked on a bench right behind the First Bank of the United States. By the way, the First Bank was built in 1795 and paid off all of the debts from the revolution! Wouldn’t it be nice if we could pay off all of our debts today?
Steps away was Carpenters’ Hall which hosted the First Continental Congress in 1774 for 7 weeks to discuss colonial action against the various taxes being imposed by King George, hoping to give Britain time to respond before waging war. Carpenters’ Hall was originally built by a group of master builders to establish architectural standards, set building prices and help families in need. Later it’ll become a rental space for businesses and organizations while the builders built the permanent building for said business or organization. Uses include the Bank of North America, the Bank of the United States, the Bank of Pennsylvania, the Second Bank of the United States, the Library Company of Philadelphia (founded by Ben Franklin), and the American Philosophical Society (founded by Ben and 6 others).
Would you believe me if I told you that by this time it’s only 1 in the afternoon?
Independence Hall, Congress Hall, Old City Hall and the West Wing were all next together on the list. Congress Hall was used from 1790 to 1800 as the meeting place for the new United States Congress. Downstairs was designated for the House of Representatives and by the end 106 delegates of 16 states met in that room. Upstairs was designated for the Senate and by the end 32 delegates met in that room. The inaugurations of both Washington and Adams occurred in the House along with the ratifying of the Bill of Rights.
Did you know that Philadelphia was our capital during and right after our independence? But soon after our independence, mutineers attacked the capital and the newly formed-ish government moved a few times for safety reasons.
√ Princeton, New Jersey in June 1783
√ Annapolis, Maryland in November 1783
√ Trenton, New Jersey in November 1784
√ New York City in January 1785
√ Back to Philly in 1790 for 10 years after the Presidential Palace (Mansion) I mentioned in yesterday’s post was built down the street. Philly wasn’t successful at keeping the city as the United States capital for good, as we all know, thanks in part to a compromise between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson.
We then made our way into Independence Hall. On the left side of the building is the courtroom used then by both Pennsylvania and the United States judicial branches. We learned some fun facts from a Park Ranger about the judicial system, but I’ll save that for my classroom. The United States Supreme Court did not use this courtroom, however. They met in the Old City Hall which is currently closed off to visitors.
On the other side of the hall is the West Wing. This is where the magic happened! The Second Continental Congress met here several times to debate and eventually agree upon the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution. The chair at the front of the room was George Washington’s actual chair! Being in that room was so surreal!
The bell that rings every hour on top of Independence Hall is the Centennial Bell which was made in celebration of our country’s 100th birthday back in 1876!
In the square also sits the Philosophical Hall founded by Ben Franklin, but William Peale, the man I mentioned yesterday who painted all of those portraits, operated it as a museum. Within the museum, visitors could see a bald eagle. This eagle was stuffed after its death and is now in the Second Bank of the United States surrounded by portraits. This building wasn’t open to visitors unfortunately.
Our first full day in Philadelphia was absolutely packed.
We started our day visiting the Liberty Bell. We learned and refreshed ourselves of its history, and took some selfies. The bell was used for about 90 years, calling forth lawmakers to their meetings and townspeople to gather to hear the news. After constant use a small crack began to form. Metal workers tried to repair it by drilling a wider crack, but this further damaged it, causing another crack to form. At that time the bell was retired. During the abolitionist movement, the bell’s original name of State House Bell started to be referred to as the Liberty Bell. After the Civil War, it went on a journey across the country to remind Americans of the time they fought together for independence in the hopes of reconciling the country. It has since been used by various civil rights groups throughout our history as a symbol for liberty for all. Coincidentally, the bell has inscribed upon it, “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof,” which is a verse from the bible instructing the Israelites to return property and free slaves every 50 years. The verse was chosen by a member of the Pennsylvania Assembly (Congress) named Isaac Norris, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the granting of religious freedoms and political self-government to the people of Pennsylvania. The inscription wasn’t noticed until after the American Revolution.
We then made a quick stop at the Arch Street Friends Meeting House, a Quaker House used as both a meeting house and a church for the Society of Friends. The meeting house belonged to the “free” Quakers who supported the revolution and allowed it to be used as a meeting house for revolutionaries. It is still used by the Society of Friends Quakers once a month.
Afterward we walked over to Elfrey’s Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the United States. It consists of 32 homes built between 1720-1830. Some of the homes have a small history taped to the windows so that visitors will know more about the first inhabitants and the businesses that were run out of the home on the first floor. One of the homes is currently for sale for $1 million!
Christ Church was right down the road so we headed there next. The Episcopal Church, which is still used today, hosted members of the Continental Congress like Benjamin Franklin during the revolution. During their presidencies Washington and Adams attended the church, too. For a time it was the tallest building in North America. Later in the week we will visit the church’s burial ground where Benjamin Franklin is buried.
We then bought lunch at a yummy spot called European Revolution and picnicked on a bench right behind the First Bank of the United States. By the way, the First Bank was built in 1795 and paid off all of the debts from the revolution! Wouldn’t it be nice if we could pay off all of our debts today?
Steps away was Carpenters’ Hall which hosted the First Continental Congress in 1774 for 7 weeks to discuss colonial action against the various taxes being imposed by King George, hoping to give Britain time to respond before waging war. Carpenters’ Hall was originally built by a group of master builders to establish architectural standards, set building prices and help families in need. Later it’ll become a rental space for businesses and organizations while the builders built the permanent building for said business or organization. Uses include the Bank of North America, the Bank of the United States, the Bank of Pennsylvania, the Second Bank of the United States, the Library Company of Philadelphia (founded by Ben Franklin), and the American Philosophical Society (founded by Ben and 6 others).
Would you believe me if I told you that by this time it’s only 1 in the afternoon?
Independence Hall, Congress Hall, Old City Hall and the West Wing were all next together on the list. Congress Hall was used from 1790 to 1800 as the meeting place for the new United States Congress. Downstairs was designated for the House of Representatives and by the end 106 delegates of 16 states met in that room. Upstairs was designated for the Senate and by the end 32 delegates met in that room. The inaugurations of both Washington and Adams occurred in the House along with the ratifying of the Bill of Rights.
Did you know that Philadelphia was our capital during and right after our independence? But soon after our independence, mutineers attacked the capital and the newly formed-ish government moved a few times for safety reasons.
√ Princeton, New Jersey in June 1783
√ Annapolis, Maryland in November 1783
√ Trenton, New Jersey in November 1784
√ New York City in January 1785
√ Back to Philly in 1790 for 10 years after the Presidential Palace (Mansion) I mentioned in yesterday’s post was built down the street. Philly wasn’t successful at keeping the city as the United States capital for good, as we all know, thanks in part to a compromise between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson.
We then made our way into Independence Hall. On the left side of the building is the courtroom used then by both Pennsylvania and the United States judicial branches. We learned some fun facts from a Park Ranger about the judicial system, but I’ll save that for my classroom. The United States Supreme Court did not use this courtroom, however. They met in the Old City Hall which is currently closed off to visitors.
On the other side of the hall is the West Wing. This is where the magic happened! The Second Continental Congress met here several times to debate and eventually agree upon the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution. The chair at the front of the room was George Washington’s actual chair! Being in that room was so surreal!
The bell that rings every hour on top of Independence Hall is the Centennial Bell which was made in celebration of our country’s 100th birthday back in 1876!
In the square also sits the Philosophical Hall founded by Ben Franklin, but William Peale, the man I mentioned yesterday who painted all of those portraits, operated it as a museum. Within the museum, visitors could see a bald eagle. This eagle was stuffed after its death and is now in the Second Bank of the United States surrounded by portraits. This building wasn’t open to visitors unfortunately.
Next up was Washington Square, home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolutionary War. The square was used during the war as a burial ground. Large pits were dug out, and 40 to 50 men were dumped into each. John Adams visited during the war, staying for an hour, talking to the dead. The area was somber for quite some time after the war as well. Soldiers, sailors, convicts, and the destitute were all laid to rest here. A short while into the yellow fever epidemic, burying the dead here ceased as it was believed the graves emitted vapors that were the source of yellow fever. Later the square became a happy gathering place. By 1846 lots of trees were planted, the ground was leveled, and still today people can be seen sitting on park benches, jogging through the park, and playing. Adam and Olivia met us in Philly, and Olivia played in this park twice with local children.
Throughout the day we walked by numerous street markers, marking the location of various historical events and homes including Alexander Hamilton (enjoy me singing the musical on this video) and the printshop that printed Thomas Paine’s Common Sense.
We walked through various gardens, created for our Founding Fathers, and awed at the buildings which have been maintained to appear as though it was still the 1700s.
We visited the Merchants’ Exchange Building which was for 50 years the home of the Philadelphia Exchange Company. My Personal Finance Curriculum was on my mind at this site.
We walked past the City Tavern at which our Founding Fathers dined after meetings and celebrated the successes of our new country. Paul Revere actually visited the Tavern when the British Parliament closed the Port of Boston. It was used to house prisoners of war, hold court for those being court martailed, and the first independence day celebration was held there, too. The Tavern has a rich story and although most of the building was destroyed over the years, it was rebuilt in the 1970s and reopened as a restaurant. It is currently closed though.
We wanted to see Ben Franklin’s home, but it’s currently closed for renovations. Fun fact: Ben Franklin evaded paying taxes by running a post office out of his home as post offices weren’t/aren’t taxed.
We saw a reconstructed home in the exact location where Thomas Jefferson stayed and drafted the Declaration of Independence which took him about 2 weeks. He rented out the second floor. The home was rebuilt in 1975 as precisely as possible.
Per a park ranger we visited the old Curtis Publishing Company building. Today it’s used as apartments and businesses, but in 1883 it was the home of the Ladies Home Journal and the Saturday Evening Post (the magazine for which Norman Rockwell drew the covers). In 1914-1915 artist Maxfield Parrish created the Dream Garden mosaic with the help of 30 artisans. People from all over visit the building’s front lobby to view the mosaic created from 100,000 pieces of glass, 260 colors, and 24 panels.
At this point it’s close to the end of the day so we needed dinner. As we walked toward another one of that same park ranger’s recommendations, Reading Terminal Market, we walked down Jewelers row, the Fashion District, and the Philadelphia City Hall. Y’all, Philly’s City Hall is H-U-G-E! It was built between 1871 to 1901 and today houses the mayor, city council, and much of the city’s judicial branch. In the 1950s the city council thought about tearing the building down and rebuilding elsewhere, but it would’ve bankrupted the city due to the extensive masonry!!
Our last stop was the Reading Terminal Market for dinner. It is one of our country’s largest and oldest public markets since it opened in 1893. It reminded me a lot of the Las Rambas Market in Barcelona, Spain and the Yellow Green Farmers’ Market in Miami, Florida -- All of which I very much enjoyed!
As we finished up our day we stopped at Wawa, the quick stop chain for fresh foods, drinks, and gas in Philadelphia. This chain became our normal stop for quick snacks and water during our stay.
We ended our day with nearly 25,000 steps and sore feet!
Throughout the day we walked by numerous street markers, marking the location of various historical events and homes including Alexander Hamilton (enjoy me singing the musical on this video) and the printshop that printed Thomas Paine’s Common Sense.
We walked through various gardens, created for our Founding Fathers, and awed at the buildings which have been maintained to appear as though it was still the 1700s.
We visited the Merchants’ Exchange Building which was for 50 years the home of the Philadelphia Exchange Company. My Personal Finance Curriculum was on my mind at this site.
We walked past the City Tavern at which our Founding Fathers dined after meetings and celebrated the successes of our new country. Paul Revere actually visited the Tavern when the British Parliament closed the Port of Boston. It was used to house prisoners of war, hold court for those being court martailed, and the first independence day celebration was held there, too. The Tavern has a rich story and although most of the building was destroyed over the years, it was rebuilt in the 1970s and reopened as a restaurant. It is currently closed though.
We wanted to see Ben Franklin’s home, but it’s currently closed for renovations. Fun fact: Ben Franklin evaded paying taxes by running a post office out of his home as post offices weren’t/aren’t taxed.
We saw a reconstructed home in the exact location where Thomas Jefferson stayed and drafted the Declaration of Independence which took him about 2 weeks. He rented out the second floor. The home was rebuilt in 1975 as precisely as possible.
Per a park ranger we visited the old Curtis Publishing Company building. Today it’s used as apartments and businesses, but in 1883 it was the home of the Ladies Home Journal and the Saturday Evening Post (the magazine for which Norman Rockwell drew the covers). In 1914-1915 artist Maxfield Parrish created the Dream Garden mosaic with the help of 30 artisans. People from all over visit the building’s front lobby to view the mosaic created from 100,000 pieces of glass, 260 colors, and 24 panels.
At this point it’s close to the end of the day so we needed dinner. As we walked toward another one of that same park ranger’s recommendations, Reading Terminal Market, we walked down Jewelers row, the Fashion District, and the Philadelphia City Hall. Y’all, Philly’s City Hall is H-U-G-E! It was built between 1871 to 1901 and today houses the mayor, city council, and much of the city’s judicial branch. In the 1950s the city council thought about tearing the building down and rebuilding elsewhere, but it would’ve bankrupted the city due to the extensive masonry!!
Our last stop was the Reading Terminal Market for dinner. It is one of our country’s largest and oldest public markets since it opened in 1893. It reminded me a lot of the Las Rambas Market in Barcelona, Spain and the Yellow Green Farmers’ Market in Miami, Florida -- All of which I very much enjoyed!
As we finished up our day we stopped at Wawa, the quick stop chain for fresh foods, drinks, and gas in Philadelphia. This chain became our normal stop for quick snacks and water during our stay.
We ended our day with nearly 25,000 steps and sore feet!
Philly Day 3
On day three we needed to start the day with an actual breakfast rather than snacks, so we visited Eggcellent. There were traditional breakfast dishes, but with a small Vietnamese twist which was fun!
We then walked to Mother Bethel Church which was established in 1787. It was one of the first African American churches in Philly, founded by a former slave. The founder, Richard Allen, was a forerunner of the Abolitionist Movement and the church was an important station for the Underground Railroad! He created a school; he used the church as a recruiting station during the Civil War; he recruited African Americans to tend to the sick and bury the dead during the Yellow Fever epidemic. To say he did a lot for his community would be an understatement. Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth even visited and spoke to his congregation!
Our next stop was the gravesite of Benjamin Franklin at Christ Church burial ground. It is a tradition to throw a penny on his grave for good luck, so we made sure to follow suit. 4,000 people are buried there, but only 1,300 markers remain and many are no longer legible. Most tombstones are very old, but there are a few recently added. The first treasurer of the United State, 5 signers of the Declaration, the founder of the first public hospital, along with the person who developed the idea of composting are all buried here! My favorite is Commodore William Bainbridge, one of the Commanders of the USS Constitution battleship, nicknamed Old Ironsides. Each year when I ask students the nickname of our US Constitution, they incorrectly google and tell me Old Ironsides (even when I tell them not to!).
Now it was on to the Eastern State Penitentiary to see ole Al Capone’s prison cell… that is… after we had some pizza at FairMount Pizza. Sooooo good!!!!
Eastern State Penitentiary was the first ever true penitentiary, housing prisoners from 1829 to 1971. It held 85,000 men, women, AND children, and only 1 person ever successfully escaped without getting caught. For nearly 100 years, all prisoners, regardless of the crime, were kept in solitary confinement and not allowed to talk to anyone. The goal was to get prisoners to feel “penitence” or true regret as a form of rehab. Even during their exercise, inmates were kept isolated. During exercise time they could garden and even keep a pet in their yard though. Each inmate was to be visited 4 times each day, and their toilets were flushed by a guard twice a week. The prison became overcrowded so in 1913 solitary confinement ended. As one can expect some guards were kind and some were ruthless. One guard actually brought his Christmas tree up for Christmas for the prisoners! The youngest child ever to be imprisoned at ESP was just 11 years old.
The curators have done a marvelous job not only telling the stories of the prison and giving voices to many of the prisoners, but it also enlightens visitors of the continuous issue of mass incarceration in the United States as well as the challenges faced by prisoners when they’ve served their time and reenter society. If you’d like to help someone in solitary confinement, you can send them a photo per their request at: http://photorequestsfromsolitary.org/.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art was next on our list for... the Rocky stairs. Katie visited the museum a couple days later, but on this day it wasn’t open. We just happened to be nearby. You better believe I jogged up those steps and recorded it. I also high-fived people actually working out and jogging up the steps. The view from the city at the top of the stairs was quite lovely, and we would have sat there and relaxed awhile, but Adam and Olivia had just gotten into town.
We met Adam and Olivia at Washington Square, mentioned in my post yesterday. Knowing that the square was once a makeshift cemetery during the American Revolution yet here is my child today playing in this park… That felt really strange.
Katie and I then took the two to Reading Terminal for dinner, and then headed to an interesting, interactive art exhibit called WonderSpaces. Olivia enjoyed the Body Paint, the Last Word, and the Akousmaflore exhibits. Body Paint is an exhibit in which you are to move and dance around. As people move around, a projector changes the colors on a screen to fit those movements. We danced around and giggled a lot. Akousmaflore is an exhibit with a bunch of hanging plants. When a person touches each plant, they make a different noise. And Last Word is a wall full of tightly rolled pieces of paper. If a person finds a paper with a note on it he or she can respond to the message. If they find a blank paper they can leave a message for someone. Olivia drew a picture for someone, and Adam signed her name.
Once we finished up at Wonderspaces, we headed back toward the hotel. Olivia ran around the park in front of Independence Hall before we called it a night. And we ended our time outside with the Centennial Bell ringing in the new hour as the sun finished setting.
On day three we needed to start the day with an actual breakfast rather than snacks, so we visited Eggcellent. There were traditional breakfast dishes, but with a small Vietnamese twist which was fun!
We then walked to Mother Bethel Church which was established in 1787. It was one of the first African American churches in Philly, founded by a former slave. The founder, Richard Allen, was a forerunner of the Abolitionist Movement and the church was an important station for the Underground Railroad! He created a school; he used the church as a recruiting station during the Civil War; he recruited African Americans to tend to the sick and bury the dead during the Yellow Fever epidemic. To say he did a lot for his community would be an understatement. Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth even visited and spoke to his congregation!
Our next stop was the gravesite of Benjamin Franklin at Christ Church burial ground. It is a tradition to throw a penny on his grave for good luck, so we made sure to follow suit. 4,000 people are buried there, but only 1,300 markers remain and many are no longer legible. Most tombstones are very old, but there are a few recently added. The first treasurer of the United State, 5 signers of the Declaration, the founder of the first public hospital, along with the person who developed the idea of composting are all buried here! My favorite is Commodore William Bainbridge, one of the Commanders of the USS Constitution battleship, nicknamed Old Ironsides. Each year when I ask students the nickname of our US Constitution, they incorrectly google and tell me Old Ironsides (even when I tell them not to!).
Now it was on to the Eastern State Penitentiary to see ole Al Capone’s prison cell… that is… after we had some pizza at FairMount Pizza. Sooooo good!!!!
Eastern State Penitentiary was the first ever true penitentiary, housing prisoners from 1829 to 1971. It held 85,000 men, women, AND children, and only 1 person ever successfully escaped without getting caught. For nearly 100 years, all prisoners, regardless of the crime, were kept in solitary confinement and not allowed to talk to anyone. The goal was to get prisoners to feel “penitence” or true regret as a form of rehab. Even during their exercise, inmates were kept isolated. During exercise time they could garden and even keep a pet in their yard though. Each inmate was to be visited 4 times each day, and their toilets were flushed by a guard twice a week. The prison became overcrowded so in 1913 solitary confinement ended. As one can expect some guards were kind and some were ruthless. One guard actually brought his Christmas tree up for Christmas for the prisoners! The youngest child ever to be imprisoned at ESP was just 11 years old.
The curators have done a marvelous job not only telling the stories of the prison and giving voices to many of the prisoners, but it also enlightens visitors of the continuous issue of mass incarceration in the United States as well as the challenges faced by prisoners when they’ve served their time and reenter society. If you’d like to help someone in solitary confinement, you can send them a photo per their request at: http://photorequestsfromsolitary.org/.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art was next on our list for... the Rocky stairs. Katie visited the museum a couple days later, but on this day it wasn’t open. We just happened to be nearby. You better believe I jogged up those steps and recorded it. I also high-fived people actually working out and jogging up the steps. The view from the city at the top of the stairs was quite lovely, and we would have sat there and relaxed awhile, but Adam and Olivia had just gotten into town.
We met Adam and Olivia at Washington Square, mentioned in my post yesterday. Knowing that the square was once a makeshift cemetery during the American Revolution yet here is my child today playing in this park… That felt really strange.
Katie and I then took the two to Reading Terminal for dinner, and then headed to an interesting, interactive art exhibit called WonderSpaces. Olivia enjoyed the Body Paint, the Last Word, and the Akousmaflore exhibits. Body Paint is an exhibit in which you are to move and dance around. As people move around, a projector changes the colors on a screen to fit those movements. We danced around and giggled a lot. Akousmaflore is an exhibit with a bunch of hanging plants. When a person touches each plant, they make a different noise. And Last Word is a wall full of tightly rolled pieces of paper. If a person finds a paper with a note on it he or she can respond to the message. If they find a blank paper they can leave a message for someone. Olivia drew a picture for someone, and Adam signed her name.
Once we finished up at Wonderspaces, we headed back toward the hotel. Olivia ran around the park in front of Independence Hall before we called it a night. And we ended our time outside with the Centennial Bell ringing in the new hour as the sun finished setting.
Philly Day 4
There’s less to write up for day four, but it was still a busy one.
After grabbing breakfast at Wawa, we headed to the home of Betsy Ross, the woman who made our first flag! As a young child if she wasn’t in school, she was earning money for the family as a seamstress/upholsterer. She had been a member of Society of Friends Church mentioned previously, but after intermarrying into a different denomination she was ousted from her congregation, and joined Christ Church, also mentioned previously. George Washington was a member of Christ Church and months later, she was commissioned to sew our first flag. There are no records that prove for certain that she was indeed the person who sewed the flag, however, the records from family members prove pretty certain. She married three different times, but all three of her husbands passed away long before her death--two during the American Revolution and one due to illness. The Betsy Ross house tourists visit today wasn’t entirely hers. When she was living in that particular home, she was actually renting out a room. When we visited, Betsy made Olivia a star, and Olivia played in her kitchen. She didn’t want to leave!
Betsy is buried in the courtyard of the home.
Next up was the American Revolution Museum and the National Constitution Center. We hoped to learn facts we had yet to learn as well as find inspiration to boost our lessons. Inspiration was definitely discovered, and here are some facts I personally found fascinating.
*Women started the boycott on British goods since they were the main consumers of these household items.
*Tar and feathering tax collectors was a way of mocking the dress of English society. Macarony was the derogatory term to make fun of a man excessively dressed. Tar and feathering was a way to mock their dress as well.
*I don’t know how Abigail and John Adams stayed married. She was an avid proponent of women’s rights. They wrote letters back and forth to one another. In one letter she wrote, “I can not say that I think you very generous to all the ladies, for whilst you are proclaiming peace and good will to men, emancipating all nations, you insist upon retaining an absolute power over wives.”
*During the Revolution, the British took over Independence Hall and imprisoned American soldiers in that very building which still stands for freedom today.
*If you wanted to be a privateer aboard a ship, you needed a letter of marque, or a license to kill, otherwise you’d be considered a pirate and hanged.
*Ellen and William Craft were an enslaved couple. Ellen’s skin tone was nearly white, so she disguised herself as the white master accompanying her slave. They fled north to their freedom.
*The term gerrymandering was coined after the governor of Massachusetts, Elbridge Gerry approved a district shaped like a salamander, helping his party win seats in an election.
*The delegates of the Constitutional Convention were never all together at any one time during the Continental Congress. Some never showed up at all!
*John Adams knew the Declaration needed to be preserved as it was already fading during his presidency. He had an engravist take it home to make a copy. William Stone, the engravist, put a wet cloth over the Declaration and then placed that cloth on a copper plate to etch it. In doing this, it took much of the ink with it! If ever you visit the Declaration at the Archives in DC, you'll see that not much of the ink remains.
*On the Declaration you’ll notice where words or letters were accidentally omitted but then added above the sentence where it belonged, much like we do to our own rough draft papers.
Afterward we were super hungry so we made a quick stop in Chinatown for dumplings at Dim Sum Garden. YUM!
Benjamin Franklin Square was up next to help Olivia burn some energy. She enjoyed the water fountain show from the Ben Franklin Fountain, the oldest refurbished and functioning public fountain in the country, originally built in 1838. She enjoyed ice cream, rode the carousel, and talked her daddy into getting her a light-up balloon which broke as soon as we left the park.
Before retiring for the evening, we walked her through the Presidential Mansion and looked at the Liberty Bell through the viewing window at the Liberty Bell Center. What a day full of reminders at just how lucky we are to live in the United States!
There’s less to write up for day four, but it was still a busy one.
After grabbing breakfast at Wawa, we headed to the home of Betsy Ross, the woman who made our first flag! As a young child if she wasn’t in school, she was earning money for the family as a seamstress/upholsterer. She had been a member of Society of Friends Church mentioned previously, but after intermarrying into a different denomination she was ousted from her congregation, and joined Christ Church, also mentioned previously. George Washington was a member of Christ Church and months later, she was commissioned to sew our first flag. There are no records that prove for certain that she was indeed the person who sewed the flag, however, the records from family members prove pretty certain. She married three different times, but all three of her husbands passed away long before her death--two during the American Revolution and one due to illness. The Betsy Ross house tourists visit today wasn’t entirely hers. When she was living in that particular home, she was actually renting out a room. When we visited, Betsy made Olivia a star, and Olivia played in her kitchen. She didn’t want to leave!
Betsy is buried in the courtyard of the home.
Next up was the American Revolution Museum and the National Constitution Center. We hoped to learn facts we had yet to learn as well as find inspiration to boost our lessons. Inspiration was definitely discovered, and here are some facts I personally found fascinating.
*Women started the boycott on British goods since they were the main consumers of these household items.
*Tar and feathering tax collectors was a way of mocking the dress of English society. Macarony was the derogatory term to make fun of a man excessively dressed. Tar and feathering was a way to mock their dress as well.
*I don’t know how Abigail and John Adams stayed married. She was an avid proponent of women’s rights. They wrote letters back and forth to one another. In one letter she wrote, “I can not say that I think you very generous to all the ladies, for whilst you are proclaiming peace and good will to men, emancipating all nations, you insist upon retaining an absolute power over wives.”
*During the Revolution, the British took over Independence Hall and imprisoned American soldiers in that very building which still stands for freedom today.
*If you wanted to be a privateer aboard a ship, you needed a letter of marque, or a license to kill, otherwise you’d be considered a pirate and hanged.
*Ellen and William Craft were an enslaved couple. Ellen’s skin tone was nearly white, so she disguised herself as the white master accompanying her slave. They fled north to their freedom.
*The term gerrymandering was coined after the governor of Massachusetts, Elbridge Gerry approved a district shaped like a salamander, helping his party win seats in an election.
*The delegates of the Constitutional Convention were never all together at any one time during the Continental Congress. Some never showed up at all!
*John Adams knew the Declaration needed to be preserved as it was already fading during his presidency. He had an engravist take it home to make a copy. William Stone, the engravist, put a wet cloth over the Declaration and then placed that cloth on a copper plate to etch it. In doing this, it took much of the ink with it! If ever you visit the Declaration at the Archives in DC, you'll see that not much of the ink remains.
*On the Declaration you’ll notice where words or letters were accidentally omitted but then added above the sentence where it belonged, much like we do to our own rough draft papers.
Afterward we were super hungry so we made a quick stop in Chinatown for dumplings at Dim Sum Garden. YUM!
Benjamin Franklin Square was up next to help Olivia burn some energy. She enjoyed the water fountain show from the Ben Franklin Fountain, the oldest refurbished and functioning public fountain in the country, originally built in 1838. She enjoyed ice cream, rode the carousel, and talked her daddy into getting her a light-up balloon which broke as soon as we left the park.
Before retiring for the evening, we walked her through the Presidential Mansion and looked at the Liberty Bell through the viewing window at the Liberty Bell Center. What a day full of reminders at just how lucky we are to live in the United States!
Philly to NYC -- Day 5 & 6
We decided that the hop-on/hop-off bus would be our best mode of transportation the next day as Katie and I were splitting up. We grabbed breakfast from the Bourse Food Hall, and hopped on! Olivia l-o-v-e-d the bus ride, and so did we. Adam wanted to see the penitentiary, and I wanted family time so back I went.
Olivia enjoyed playing in the solitary confinement exercise yard. And as Adam toured the prison, Olivia and I checked jail cells for elephants, and lions, and turtles.
Lunch at Jack’s Firehouse was next before we met back up with Katie. A couple adult drinks to cool us down were in order as were some Coco Melon episodes for Olivia.
After catching up with Katie at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we hopped back on the bus and explored more of the city from up above.
At the end of the route we dropped the cuties off at the hotel, so Katie and I could shop a little and enjoy dinner at The Plough and the Stars. It was a lovely day to sit on the patio, until it started pouring down rain... We watched as people dashed under cover at various local spots as each rain storm began. We finally decided it was our turn to try our luck, and jogged back to the hotel.
The rain stopped and the clouds disappeared, to end the day with some sunshine. We took Olivia to Independence Square and Washington Square one last time to hop in the puddles and to play with other littles. After that we called it an early night as we were heading to NYC the next morning.
Taking a train (Amtrak) was the fastest and cheapest mode of transportation to New York City so to the train station we went… that is, after Olivia ran off her energy at the Signers Garden across the street from our hotel.
Olivia needed to run off more energy once we arrived at the Amtrak station. As she and I explored, we turned a corner to find The Spirit of Transportation sculpture. It captivated her and me both.The sculpture, created in 1895, is 30 feet wide and depicts modes of travel from ancient times, “modern” times, and even “futuristic” times (air travel is depicted). The train ride to NYC was smooth and Olivia did great. Hallelujah!
We stayed at an Airbnb in Weehawken, New Jersey right across the Hudson River. The view of downtown New York City was gorgeous. I was both awestruck by the beauty, yet at the same time saddened by the events of the past. What had it been like that morning on 9-11 from the other side of the river looking toward the towers? I found myself pondering that often.
Once we relaxed a bit, we took a bus to Times Square. There were zero spots to sit on the bus, but a kind African American woman got up to let Olivia and me sit down. As I trying to get us situated, the woman beside us took Olivia into her arms to give me a break. This woman was an immigrant from Venezuela. She played with Olivia; she let Olivia wear her bracelets; she talked to her; and she even let Olivia fall asleep on her. When the bus reached the station, she handed Olivia back to me along with one of her bracelets. I felt/feel great appreciation for both of those women. Both of them are in the minority; both of them have faced struggles I can’t even imagine; yet both of them recognized I needed assistance and came to my rescue without hesitation.
We decided that the hop-on/hop-off bus would be our best mode of transportation the next day as Katie and I were splitting up. We grabbed breakfast from the Bourse Food Hall, and hopped on! Olivia l-o-v-e-d the bus ride, and so did we. Adam wanted to see the penitentiary, and I wanted family time so back I went.
Olivia enjoyed playing in the solitary confinement exercise yard. And as Adam toured the prison, Olivia and I checked jail cells for elephants, and lions, and turtles.
Lunch at Jack’s Firehouse was next before we met back up with Katie. A couple adult drinks to cool us down were in order as were some Coco Melon episodes for Olivia.
After catching up with Katie at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we hopped back on the bus and explored more of the city from up above.
At the end of the route we dropped the cuties off at the hotel, so Katie and I could shop a little and enjoy dinner at The Plough and the Stars. It was a lovely day to sit on the patio, until it started pouring down rain... We watched as people dashed under cover at various local spots as each rain storm began. We finally decided it was our turn to try our luck, and jogged back to the hotel.
The rain stopped and the clouds disappeared, to end the day with some sunshine. We took Olivia to Independence Square and Washington Square one last time to hop in the puddles and to play with other littles. After that we called it an early night as we were heading to NYC the next morning.
Taking a train (Amtrak) was the fastest and cheapest mode of transportation to New York City so to the train station we went… that is, after Olivia ran off her energy at the Signers Garden across the street from our hotel.
Olivia needed to run off more energy once we arrived at the Amtrak station. As she and I explored, we turned a corner to find The Spirit of Transportation sculpture. It captivated her and me both.The sculpture, created in 1895, is 30 feet wide and depicts modes of travel from ancient times, “modern” times, and even “futuristic” times (air travel is depicted). The train ride to NYC was smooth and Olivia did great. Hallelujah!
We stayed at an Airbnb in Weehawken, New Jersey right across the Hudson River. The view of downtown New York City was gorgeous. I was both awestruck by the beauty, yet at the same time saddened by the events of the past. What had it been like that morning on 9-11 from the other side of the river looking toward the towers? I found myself pondering that often.
Once we relaxed a bit, we took a bus to Times Square. There were zero spots to sit on the bus, but a kind African American woman got up to let Olivia and me sit down. As I trying to get us situated, the woman beside us took Olivia into her arms to give me a break. This woman was an immigrant from Venezuela. She played with Olivia; she let Olivia wear her bracelets; she talked to her; and she even let Olivia fall asleep on her. When the bus reached the station, she handed Olivia back to me along with one of her bracelets. I felt/feel great appreciation for both of those women. Both of them are in the minority; both of them have faced struggles I can’t even imagine; yet both of them recognized I needed assistance and came to my rescue without hesitation.
We spent only a short time in Times Square. As experienced travellers we didn't want to spend much time in a tourist trap… Well, that’s after Adam was conned into spending $30 for a bag of m&ms at the M&M store.
We took a stroll toward Radio City Music Hall, bought some goodies at Magnolia Bakery, and sat at the Lilholts Pooley Pool fountain across the street all the while listening to some live music. After Olivia pulled up her dress, flashing other tourists and city dwellers alike, we headed toward the Rockefeller Plaza. Katie did a little shopping; Olivia did a little running around; Adam and I took turns chasing the child.
Our last stop was St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue. It was getting late by Olivia’s schedule so we simply let her play at the church with some other kiddos before hopping an uber back to the Airbnb.
Once back we enjoyed some indian food from Touch of Spice Indian. Adam got Olivia all sorts of ready for bed while Katie and I explored the park down the road (that one with the gorgeous view). We learned during our exploration that the park was Hamilton Park. Across the street we also noticed a street named Duel Street (It was actually Duer Street which we didn’t realize until the end of the trip. Oops!), and we had a light bulb moment! Hamilton Park? Duel Street? Is this? We googled and learned that l-i-t-e-r-a-l-l-y down the road wass where the duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton took place. Burr was Vice President of THE United States at the time! There’s even a plaque and a bust of Hamilton at the site!!!! Talk about a fun way to end day 6!
We took a stroll toward Radio City Music Hall, bought some goodies at Magnolia Bakery, and sat at the Lilholts Pooley Pool fountain across the street all the while listening to some live music. After Olivia pulled up her dress, flashing other tourists and city dwellers alike, we headed toward the Rockefeller Plaza. Katie did a little shopping; Olivia did a little running around; Adam and I took turns chasing the child.
Our last stop was St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue. It was getting late by Olivia’s schedule so we simply let her play at the church with some other kiddos before hopping an uber back to the Airbnb.
Once back we enjoyed some indian food from Touch of Spice Indian. Adam got Olivia all sorts of ready for bed while Katie and I explored the park down the road (that one with the gorgeous view). We learned during our exploration that the park was Hamilton Park. Across the street we also noticed a street named Duel Street (It was actually Duer Street which we didn’t realize until the end of the trip. Oops!), and we had a light bulb moment! Hamilton Park? Duel Street? Is this? We googled and learned that l-i-t-e-r-a-l-l-y down the road wass where the duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton took place. Burr was Vice President of THE United States at the time! There’s even a plaque and a bust of Hamilton at the site!!!! Talk about a fun way to end day 6!
NYC Day 2
Today Katie and I had planned a trip over to the Statue of Liberty and to Ellis Island. The ferry picked us up at Battery Park, and if you know me well enough, you know a history of the park is coming your way!
The park was first used as an artillery battery built to protect the area late into the 1600s. In the 1800s it became an entertainment area, and even an immigration center. It actually served as an immigration center before the construction of Ellis Island! If you’ve ever been to Battery Park and noticed the round fort-like structure, that structure, known as Castle Clinton, was the specific location of the immigration center until 1890. I personally thought the round structure was strange until I later learned that day it’s previous purposes.
When debate for the permanent home to our United States government began, Battery Park was to become the site for the presidential mansion if New York City was chosen as our country’s permanent capital.
There are various monuments and memorials to those who lost their lives in various war engagements as well as immigrants and their struggle to immigrate here. One memorial specifically caught my attention: the American Merchant Mariners' Memorial sculpture. It’s actually located in the Hudson River and it depicts three seamen aboard their sinking vessel that’s just been attacked by the Germans during WWII. A fourth comrade is in the water, and the men aboard are trying to rescue him. Their faces look worn and exhausted from the perils of war.
It was already a hot day although it was only 9 in the morning, so hopping aboard the ferry and feeling that wind from the river was much needed.
Our first ferry stop was the Statue of Liberty. As most of us know, the statue was a gift from France back in 1886, but fundraising to construct the statue and get her to the U.S. was a major challenge. Lady Liberty represents the Roman goddess, Libertas. The tablet in her left hand has the date of our independence, July 4th, 1776, in Roman numerals, and she holds a torch in her right hand symbolizing progress and the enlightening of the world. The broken shackle and chain at her feet represent the abolition of slavery which had taken place just 20 years prior. The statue is now an iconic symbol of freedom and a welcoming symbol to all. And Liberty Island, formerly known as Bedloe’s Island, was chosen because vessels arriving in New York had to sail past it.
Random Facts:
*Originally Lady Liberty was to be crowned with a pileus which was a cap given to emancipated slaves in ancient Rome, but then Secretary of War Jefferson Davis (who will later go on to be President of the Confederacy) didn’t like the idea. At that time (1850s), slavery was not yet abolished in the U.S. and he worried the pileus was too much of an abolitionist symbol. He wanted her to instead wear a helmet. The creator chose a crown. The 7 rays on her crown stand for the seven seas and seven continents.
*Lady Liberty used to be a reddish-brownish color as she was made partially of copper, but as copper ages it turns a blueish-green.
*The torch was actually a lighthouse for ships coming into New York until 1986. It was the first lighthouse to use electric lamps, and an entire energy plant was needed to power it!
*The island itself had been used in a variety of ways over the centuries by Native Americans, the French, the British, and the U.S. One purpose that stood out to me was the hanging of pirates.
We stayed only a short time because we had an exciting Hard Hat tour of Ellis Island scheduled, but one day we’d like to return for an actual tour of Lady Liberty.
*Castle Clinton on today’s Battery Park could no longer handle the large influx of immigrants, and it was believed mismanagement and abuse of immigrants was occurring. The federal government decided it was time to take over immigration for the nation rather than states controlling their own immigration laws, and Ellis Island was built as a result (although not the only entry for immigrants in the country).
Today Katie and I had planned a trip over to the Statue of Liberty and to Ellis Island. The ferry picked us up at Battery Park, and if you know me well enough, you know a history of the park is coming your way!
The park was first used as an artillery battery built to protect the area late into the 1600s. In the 1800s it became an entertainment area, and even an immigration center. It actually served as an immigration center before the construction of Ellis Island! If you’ve ever been to Battery Park and noticed the round fort-like structure, that structure, known as Castle Clinton, was the specific location of the immigration center until 1890. I personally thought the round structure was strange until I later learned that day it’s previous purposes.
When debate for the permanent home to our United States government began, Battery Park was to become the site for the presidential mansion if New York City was chosen as our country’s permanent capital.
There are various monuments and memorials to those who lost their lives in various war engagements as well as immigrants and their struggle to immigrate here. One memorial specifically caught my attention: the American Merchant Mariners' Memorial sculpture. It’s actually located in the Hudson River and it depicts three seamen aboard their sinking vessel that’s just been attacked by the Germans during WWII. A fourth comrade is in the water, and the men aboard are trying to rescue him. Their faces look worn and exhausted from the perils of war.
It was already a hot day although it was only 9 in the morning, so hopping aboard the ferry and feeling that wind from the river was much needed.
Our first ferry stop was the Statue of Liberty. As most of us know, the statue was a gift from France back in 1886, but fundraising to construct the statue and get her to the U.S. was a major challenge. Lady Liberty represents the Roman goddess, Libertas. The tablet in her left hand has the date of our independence, July 4th, 1776, in Roman numerals, and she holds a torch in her right hand symbolizing progress and the enlightening of the world. The broken shackle and chain at her feet represent the abolition of slavery which had taken place just 20 years prior. The statue is now an iconic symbol of freedom and a welcoming symbol to all. And Liberty Island, formerly known as Bedloe’s Island, was chosen because vessels arriving in New York had to sail past it.
Random Facts:
*Originally Lady Liberty was to be crowned with a pileus which was a cap given to emancipated slaves in ancient Rome, but then Secretary of War Jefferson Davis (who will later go on to be President of the Confederacy) didn’t like the idea. At that time (1850s), slavery was not yet abolished in the U.S. and he worried the pileus was too much of an abolitionist symbol. He wanted her to instead wear a helmet. The creator chose a crown. The 7 rays on her crown stand for the seven seas and seven continents.
*Lady Liberty used to be a reddish-brownish color as she was made partially of copper, but as copper ages it turns a blueish-green.
*The torch was actually a lighthouse for ships coming into New York until 1986. It was the first lighthouse to use electric lamps, and an entire energy plant was needed to power it!
*The island itself had been used in a variety of ways over the centuries by Native Americans, the French, the British, and the U.S. One purpose that stood out to me was the hanging of pirates.
We stayed only a short time because we had an exciting Hard Hat tour of Ellis Island scheduled, but one day we’d like to return for an actual tour of Lady Liberty.
*Castle Clinton on today’s Battery Park could no longer handle the large influx of immigrants, and it was believed mismanagement and abuse of immigrants was occurring. The federal government decided it was time to take over immigration for the nation rather than states controlling their own immigration laws, and Ellis Island was built as a result (although not the only entry for immigrants in the country).
On our hard hat tour we learned that immigrants of first or second class status would get to go straight into New York and begin their new lives, whereas those of lower status had to pass an inspection at Ellis Island. During the first inspection, or line inspection, two inspectors checked for visible disabilities. Then doctors watched as the immigrants walked and examined their eyes for infectious eye diseases. If a person had any sort of disability and medical issue, they would be further checked, then deported or sent to the hospital on the island.
If a person passed the medical examination they went on to the registry room for the primary inspection. This was an interrogation of sorts which could last for hours. Questions asked were to determine if the person would be able to be self sufficient or a public charge (need assistance). Some were also given literacy tests. Much was left up to the individual inspector unfortunately.
Only 1% of immigrants were deported on the basis of mental or physical impairments. To put that into perspective, in 39 years 25 million immigrants attempted to enter the US. 700,000 had a disability or disease, and of that number 79,000 were denied entry. The number of immigrants who died on Ellis Island isn’t exact as numbers were combined with other surrounding immigration centers/hospitals. The internet will tell you 3,000 but our tour guide believes that number to be closer to 1,500.
Another 1% was rejected after being deemed a possible public charge, previously rejected, or of Chinese descent. If an immigrant had close family to a permanent US resident or citizen, they wouldn’t be deported. If a person was rejected from entry, he or she could try appealing their rejection.
Around 40% of the population of the United States can trace their ancestry to immigrants who arrived in the US through Ellis Island.
Before an immigration system, Ellis Island was a military fort. During WWI and WWII it was used to detain prisoners of war. It also became a treatment center for wounded American soldiers. During these times, inspections were done on ships and at ship docks rather than the island. In 1939 it became a base for the US Coast Guard.
Depending upon the year, immigration numbers were higher or lower. The Emergency Quota Act of 1921 greatly decreased the number of immigrants allowed into the United States. Then the Immigration Act of 1924, enacted super strict immigration quotas. The island purpose as an inspection center ended, and instead became an immigrant detention center for those to be detained or deported.
Ellis Island closed abruptly in November of 1954, and many workers found themselves without jobs. In the end, it’s estimated that nearly 20 million immigrants arrived in the US through Ellis Island.
Katie and I toured the infectious and contagious disease wards, the kitchen, the mortuary and autopsy room, and the laundry building. It was super eerie. We were the only ones touring the hospital during our tour time, but out of nowhere I spotted a random man down the hall. I asked the tour guide if the person was to be there, worried I was seeing a ghost. She called out to the person, but they didn't respond. After a minute or so, he yells back his name. Turns out they were having professional photos taken that day!
While Katie and I were getting our history on, Adam and Olivia visited the 9-11 Memorial and the headed to the Central Park Zoo. While enjoying dip’n dots, a mom group told Adam that the park petting zoo would be better for Olivia, and had the two join them. He always jokes about being a part of a mom group, so he was thrilled by this.
When Katie and I finished our Ellis Island history lesson, we walked to the 9-11 Memorial and Museum. The last time I visited NYC in 2003, the site was a big hole in the ground, gated off from the public. While walking through both parts I kept reliving that infamous day. I was 12 years old in 7th grade English class. Ms. Hayes got word of what had happened and rushed us down into an empty room that had a tv. My class piled in, and we all sat on the floor. We were in shock, but too young to fully understand the magnitude of the events playing out in front of us.
We finished the day at the Oculus, or World Trade Center station. It’s a mall and a subway station. The architectural design is based upon the sun’s solar angles from the morning of 9-11, beginning at 8:46 when the first tower was hit until 10:28 when the second tower collapsed. Between these times the sunlight perfectly beams off the floor of the Oculus. Quoted from the Oculus website, “The structure’s white metal-clad steel ribs reach up and out in a monumental move symbolic of a hand releasing a dove.”
That evening Adam enjoyed a Yankees game while we took Olivia to Hamilton Park. Olivia wanted to befriend many people whom she encountered in the park, and made it on an instagram account for a cat named Tigger (Tiggerboyandbello).
After that it was relaxation time for us all.
If a person passed the medical examination they went on to the registry room for the primary inspection. This was an interrogation of sorts which could last for hours. Questions asked were to determine if the person would be able to be self sufficient or a public charge (need assistance). Some were also given literacy tests. Much was left up to the individual inspector unfortunately.
Only 1% of immigrants were deported on the basis of mental or physical impairments. To put that into perspective, in 39 years 25 million immigrants attempted to enter the US. 700,000 had a disability or disease, and of that number 79,000 were denied entry. The number of immigrants who died on Ellis Island isn’t exact as numbers were combined with other surrounding immigration centers/hospitals. The internet will tell you 3,000 but our tour guide believes that number to be closer to 1,500.
Another 1% was rejected after being deemed a possible public charge, previously rejected, or of Chinese descent. If an immigrant had close family to a permanent US resident or citizen, they wouldn’t be deported. If a person was rejected from entry, he or she could try appealing their rejection.
Around 40% of the population of the United States can trace their ancestry to immigrants who arrived in the US through Ellis Island.
Before an immigration system, Ellis Island was a military fort. During WWI and WWII it was used to detain prisoners of war. It also became a treatment center for wounded American soldiers. During these times, inspections were done on ships and at ship docks rather than the island. In 1939 it became a base for the US Coast Guard.
Depending upon the year, immigration numbers were higher or lower. The Emergency Quota Act of 1921 greatly decreased the number of immigrants allowed into the United States. Then the Immigration Act of 1924, enacted super strict immigration quotas. The island purpose as an inspection center ended, and instead became an immigrant detention center for those to be detained or deported.
Ellis Island closed abruptly in November of 1954, and many workers found themselves without jobs. In the end, it’s estimated that nearly 20 million immigrants arrived in the US through Ellis Island.
Katie and I toured the infectious and contagious disease wards, the kitchen, the mortuary and autopsy room, and the laundry building. It was super eerie. We were the only ones touring the hospital during our tour time, but out of nowhere I spotted a random man down the hall. I asked the tour guide if the person was to be there, worried I was seeing a ghost. She called out to the person, but they didn't respond. After a minute or so, he yells back his name. Turns out they were having professional photos taken that day!
While Katie and I were getting our history on, Adam and Olivia visited the 9-11 Memorial and the headed to the Central Park Zoo. While enjoying dip’n dots, a mom group told Adam that the park petting zoo would be better for Olivia, and had the two join them. He always jokes about being a part of a mom group, so he was thrilled by this.
When Katie and I finished our Ellis Island history lesson, we walked to the 9-11 Memorial and Museum. The last time I visited NYC in 2003, the site was a big hole in the ground, gated off from the public. While walking through both parts I kept reliving that infamous day. I was 12 years old in 7th grade English class. Ms. Hayes got word of what had happened and rushed us down into an empty room that had a tv. My class piled in, and we all sat on the floor. We were in shock, but too young to fully understand the magnitude of the events playing out in front of us.
We finished the day at the Oculus, or World Trade Center station. It’s a mall and a subway station. The architectural design is based upon the sun’s solar angles from the morning of 9-11, beginning at 8:46 when the first tower was hit until 10:28 when the second tower collapsed. Between these times the sunlight perfectly beams off the floor of the Oculus. Quoted from the Oculus website, “The structure’s white metal-clad steel ribs reach up and out in a monumental move symbolic of a hand releasing a dove.”
That evening Adam enjoyed a Yankees game while we took Olivia to Hamilton Park. Olivia wanted to befriend many people whom she encountered in the park, and made it on an instagram account for a cat named Tigger (Tiggerboyandbello).
After that it was relaxation time for us all.
NYC Days 3 & 4
The following day we decided it was time to introduce Olivia to the subway. We hopped on the city bus to the Metro, got our Metro cards, and off we went! Adam stood, holding the pole like a big person so Olivia followed suit. She didn’t want us holding her, holding her hand, etc. so we had to prop ourselves around her so that she wouldn’t fall on those abrupt stops.
Katie was adamant that we have lunch at Lil Frankies, and boy are we glad! It was heavenly! Every one of us was stuffed once we were finished! Olivia had pasta sauce over her face, and I… did, too. It’s cash only, so be prepared if you decide to also stuff your face at Lil Frankies on 1st Avenue.
We needed a coffee pick-me-up, and around the corner sat the Lazy Llama Coffee Bar. While I drank my coffee, Olivia captured the attention of an adorable bulldog. The owner wasn’t so thrilled as he was trying to get work done, and the pup wanted our love. After the dog jumped on me, the owner left. It was awkward, but hey… city life.
Adam wanted to check out Chinatown before he and Olivia headed back for nap time. Olivia played it cool, acting as though she wasn’t at all interested in name brand purses and sunglasses. She was a natural.
I wasn’t going to research Manhattan’s Chinatown, but I accidentally found a few cool facts I want to share--NYC has the largest Chinese population outside of Asia! I thought more would’ve lived in California can NYC!
In the beginning of NYC’s Chinatown many Chinese immigrants spoke Cantonese, and then in the 1980s/90s, Chinese immigrants moving in spoke more Fuzhounese. Both are dialects of Chinese spoken in different areas of China. Now you’ll find that most people living in Chinatown speak Mandarin.
The following day we decided it was time to introduce Olivia to the subway. We hopped on the city bus to the Metro, got our Metro cards, and off we went! Adam stood, holding the pole like a big person so Olivia followed suit. She didn’t want us holding her, holding her hand, etc. so we had to prop ourselves around her so that she wouldn’t fall on those abrupt stops.
Katie was adamant that we have lunch at Lil Frankies, and boy are we glad! It was heavenly! Every one of us was stuffed once we were finished! Olivia had pasta sauce over her face, and I… did, too. It’s cash only, so be prepared if you decide to also stuff your face at Lil Frankies on 1st Avenue.
We needed a coffee pick-me-up, and around the corner sat the Lazy Llama Coffee Bar. While I drank my coffee, Olivia captured the attention of an adorable bulldog. The owner wasn’t so thrilled as he was trying to get work done, and the pup wanted our love. After the dog jumped on me, the owner left. It was awkward, but hey… city life.
Adam wanted to check out Chinatown before he and Olivia headed back for nap time. Olivia played it cool, acting as though she wasn’t at all interested in name brand purses and sunglasses. She was a natural.
I wasn’t going to research Manhattan’s Chinatown, but I accidentally found a few cool facts I want to share--NYC has the largest Chinese population outside of Asia! I thought more would’ve lived in California can NYC!
In the beginning of NYC’s Chinatown many Chinese immigrants spoke Cantonese, and then in the 1980s/90s, Chinese immigrants moving in spoke more Fuzhounese. Both are dialects of Chinese spoken in different areas of China. Now you’ll find that most people living in Chinatown speak Mandarin.
The museum visit for the day was the Tenement Museum. We could’ve spent days here! Visitors can tour apartments that have been restored to look exactly like older versions of themselves whenever different migrant and immigrant families lived in them during the 19th and 20th centuries. Visitors can also go on walking tours to visit various areas of the Lower East Side of NYC that were important during the migration of those immigrants and migrants mentioned below. If you cannot visit the museum in person, you can attend virtual tours! Below are the tour options! Photos were not allowed. The photos of the rooms are screenshots from the internet.
"Hear about what it was like running a business in 1874, and explore the role community plays in helping new arrivals build lives in new places. Journey back in time to visit Schneider’s Saloon located in the heart of “Little Germany.”"
"Join us on a virtual visit to the home of the Epstein Family in the 1950s, where Kalman and Rivka Epstein lived as refugees after surviving the Holocaust. Explore how they raised their two daughters, and how they and their daughters found support, friendship, and discovery in an increasingly-diverse Lower East Side neighborhood."
"See how immigrant families balanced their traditions with working outside the home at garment factories across the city in the early 20th century. Join us for a virtual tour exploring the Rogarshevsky family, a Jewish American family from Lithuania in the 1910s."
"Discover how Irish immigrants handled discrimination in the 19th century, and what opportunities they might have received in Lower Manhattan. Travel back to 1860s New York to visit Joseph and Bridget Moore, Irish immigrants living with their children. How were they making an Irish home in the heart of the ‘Little Germany’ neighborhood?"
"In Reclaiming Black Spaces, we’ll highlight stories of how Black and African Americans shaped Lower Manhattan as they made homes, businesses, and communities there over the centuries. What drew Black New Yorkers to Lower Manhattan, and how were their experiences shaped by that migration? How did those communities create a sense of home, and how did they resist the racism they faced?"
"Join us on an exploration of the flu pandemic of 1918. It would become the deadliest pandemic in human history so far, leaving a lasting legacy on public health, and tragic losses for families of the 50,000+ dead in New York City alone. This virtual tour will explore what made the flu of 1918 so devastating and how New York City responded to this global crisis. We will focus on how the pandemic is remembered by the Burinescus, a Jewish immigrant family from Romania who lived in our historic tenement building."
"Learn how immigrants survived economic hardships like the Great Depression, and how they received support from the government and their own community. Visit the 1930s home of Adolpho and Rosaria Baldizzi, immigrants from Sicily."
Katie and I went on the Cultural Crossroads tour, and learned about the two families below.
"Visit the 1960s home of the Saez Velez family, who migrated from Puerto Rico and lived on the Lower East Side. Dive into the Puerto Rican migrant experience in 1960s New York City, and see what opportunities and challenges they faced migrating as US citizens. We’ll explore the stories of Ramonita Rivera Saez and her sons José and Andy. How did they establish themselves in New York? How did they meet those challenges to help make a more inclusive city?"
"On this virtual tour, we’ll explore stories of the Wongs, a Chinese American family who moved to the Lower East Side . Explore how the influx of Chinese immigrants would forever change the landscape of New York City after restrictive immigration quotas were lifted in the 1960s. We’ll look at how they made a home in the neighborhood and how their experiences reflected the new growth of Chinese communities and the garment industry in New York."
If you read all of that, can you see why I couldn’t just mention the specific tour Katie and I went on?! How fascinating do all of those sound?! I’ll be investing in those virtual tours soon!
Katie talked me into going to the Van Gogh Immersive Exhibit next. I was skeptical as I wasn’t exactly in the art mood as much as I was in the history mood, but I’m so glad I went! It was extremely impressive! I can’t put into words my experience, so here’s this from the website. “With the help of 60,600 frames of video, 90,000,000 pixels, and 500,000+ cubic feet of projections, this captivating digital art exhibit merges state-of-the-art technology, theatrical storytelling, and world-class animation. It gives guests the rare opportunity to “step inside” and experience the incredible post-Impressionist works of Van Gogh like never before.” It was EPIC! Just watch my videos!
We walked back to the train station, hopped on a bus, and got back to our Airbnb in Jersey. Adam and I switched parenting roles; he went exploring while Katie and I found a playground for Olivia full of new playmates.
"Hear about what it was like running a business in 1874, and explore the role community plays in helping new arrivals build lives in new places. Journey back in time to visit Schneider’s Saloon located in the heart of “Little Germany.”"
"Join us on a virtual visit to the home of the Epstein Family in the 1950s, where Kalman and Rivka Epstein lived as refugees after surviving the Holocaust. Explore how they raised their two daughters, and how they and their daughters found support, friendship, and discovery in an increasingly-diverse Lower East Side neighborhood."
"See how immigrant families balanced their traditions with working outside the home at garment factories across the city in the early 20th century. Join us for a virtual tour exploring the Rogarshevsky family, a Jewish American family from Lithuania in the 1910s."
"Discover how Irish immigrants handled discrimination in the 19th century, and what opportunities they might have received in Lower Manhattan. Travel back to 1860s New York to visit Joseph and Bridget Moore, Irish immigrants living with their children. How were they making an Irish home in the heart of the ‘Little Germany’ neighborhood?"
"In Reclaiming Black Spaces, we’ll highlight stories of how Black and African Americans shaped Lower Manhattan as they made homes, businesses, and communities there over the centuries. What drew Black New Yorkers to Lower Manhattan, and how were their experiences shaped by that migration? How did those communities create a sense of home, and how did they resist the racism they faced?"
"Join us on an exploration of the flu pandemic of 1918. It would become the deadliest pandemic in human history so far, leaving a lasting legacy on public health, and tragic losses for families of the 50,000+ dead in New York City alone. This virtual tour will explore what made the flu of 1918 so devastating and how New York City responded to this global crisis. We will focus on how the pandemic is remembered by the Burinescus, a Jewish immigrant family from Romania who lived in our historic tenement building."
"Learn how immigrants survived economic hardships like the Great Depression, and how they received support from the government and their own community. Visit the 1930s home of Adolpho and Rosaria Baldizzi, immigrants from Sicily."
Katie and I went on the Cultural Crossroads tour, and learned about the two families below.
"Visit the 1960s home of the Saez Velez family, who migrated from Puerto Rico and lived on the Lower East Side. Dive into the Puerto Rican migrant experience in 1960s New York City, and see what opportunities and challenges they faced migrating as US citizens. We’ll explore the stories of Ramonita Rivera Saez and her sons José and Andy. How did they establish themselves in New York? How did they meet those challenges to help make a more inclusive city?"
"On this virtual tour, we’ll explore stories of the Wongs, a Chinese American family who moved to the Lower East Side . Explore how the influx of Chinese immigrants would forever change the landscape of New York City after restrictive immigration quotas were lifted in the 1960s. We’ll look at how they made a home in the neighborhood and how their experiences reflected the new growth of Chinese communities and the garment industry in New York."
If you read all of that, can you see why I couldn’t just mention the specific tour Katie and I went on?! How fascinating do all of those sound?! I’ll be investing in those virtual tours soon!
Katie talked me into going to the Van Gogh Immersive Exhibit next. I was skeptical as I wasn’t exactly in the art mood as much as I was in the history mood, but I’m so glad I went! It was extremely impressive! I can’t put into words my experience, so here’s this from the website. “With the help of 60,600 frames of video, 90,000,000 pixels, and 500,000+ cubic feet of projections, this captivating digital art exhibit merges state-of-the-art technology, theatrical storytelling, and world-class animation. It gives guests the rare opportunity to “step inside” and experience the incredible post-Impressionist works of Van Gogh like never before.” It was EPIC! Just watch my videos!
We walked back to the train station, hopped on a bus, and got back to our Airbnb in Jersey. Adam and I switched parenting roles; he went exploring while Katie and I found a playground for Olivia full of new playmates.
On our last full day, Katie needed to get some shopping in, and I needed some family time. She did all the cutesy downtown stuff while I joined Adam and Olivia for their ferry experience to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Rather than hop on the ferry at Battery Park in NYC, we hopped on the ferry at Liberty State Park in Jersey City. And this park has its own fascinating history!
By the way, we had breakfast at Two Crepes. Adam had a savory crepe; I had a sweet crepe. Olivia mainly ate mine. I mean nutella and strawberries! C’mon!
Liberty State Park is the home of the old train station, the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, built in 1889. It was in operation until 1967. It was also home to a ferry station.
The construction of the interstate made the station almost obsolete. That, compiled with the deterioration of the infrastructure and toxic wastes, made railroad and ferry companies abandon the site.
What fascinated me about the age-old train tracks and ferry ports, was learning that the station was used by many immigrants after they arrived at Ellis Island and passed their inspections.
We didn’t have much time to explore the park, but various memorials have been added over the years. There is a memorial to the Holocaust, a sculpture to commemorate Columbus’s journey to the Americas, and a memorial to 9-11.
Olivia didn’t care all that much about the ferry ride. Had the boat experience been earlier on in the trip, I think we would’ve gotten more emotions out of her. At this point she was just worn out.
We explored a small portion of Ellis Island, but a poop explosion interrupted that experience.
When our ferry arrived at the Statue of Liberty she was just too tired, so we took photos from the ferry, and headed back.
Needless to say, we will come back when she’s older.
She passed out immediately in the uber, and we all took naps that afternoon.
Katie returned, and we ended the day with a jog in the rain.
The next morning, it was time to go. One uber ride to the airport and two flights later we were home.
By the way, we had breakfast at Two Crepes. Adam had a savory crepe; I had a sweet crepe. Olivia mainly ate mine. I mean nutella and strawberries! C’mon!
Liberty State Park is the home of the old train station, the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, built in 1889. It was in operation until 1967. It was also home to a ferry station.
The construction of the interstate made the station almost obsolete. That, compiled with the deterioration of the infrastructure and toxic wastes, made railroad and ferry companies abandon the site.
What fascinated me about the age-old train tracks and ferry ports, was learning that the station was used by many immigrants after they arrived at Ellis Island and passed their inspections.
We didn’t have much time to explore the park, but various memorials have been added over the years. There is a memorial to the Holocaust, a sculpture to commemorate Columbus’s journey to the Americas, and a memorial to 9-11.
Olivia didn’t care all that much about the ferry ride. Had the boat experience been earlier on in the trip, I think we would’ve gotten more emotions out of her. At this point she was just worn out.
We explored a small portion of Ellis Island, but a poop explosion interrupted that experience.
When our ferry arrived at the Statue of Liberty she was just too tired, so we took photos from the ferry, and headed back.
Needless to say, we will come back when she’s older.
She passed out immediately in the uber, and we all took naps that afternoon.
Katie returned, and we ended the day with a jog in the rain.
The next morning, it was time to go. One uber ride to the airport and two flights later we were home.