History Club

Greenport School Revives Its Rich Cultural Heritage with History Club

Daniel Rivas, Jack McInnis, Brae Inglesias

Greenport School is a vibrant hub of unique experiences and diverse cultures, yet much of this rich history had faded over time. In recent years, under the guidance of history teacher Mr. Brian Holt, our student body has worked diligently to illuminate the school's past. The History Club aims to showcase the development and evolution of our school, its people, and its culture through various display cases in the hallways, while also revitalizing student interest in history through field trips and events.

“I appreciate that the club is open to every student who wants to participate and contribute,” says Brae Iglesias, a member of the History Club and writer for The Quill. “We can all come together and combine our different skills to support the club. Some students excel in graphic design and create merchandise to fund the program, while others arrange the display cases in the halls, and some focus on organizing field trips and events. The History Club is not just a platform for showcasing our school’s past; it’s a way to elevate its future.”

The most recent field trip took the club to Sagamore Hill, the former home of President Theodore Roosevelt, which is now a national park. The club was fortunate to participate in a guided tour of the historic site. “It was an incredible experience,” states History Club member Noah Ganguzza. “I learned about how much he cared for his family and the importance of that connection. He and his wife were environmentalists, and Eleanor Roosevelt was really inspiring.” After touring the house, the club visited the nearby Roosevelt Museum, where they marveled at an impressive collection of artifacts, from cannons to pistols, highlighting Roosevelt’s everyday life and his passion for power and diplomacy.

A recent initiative of the club has been to strengthen its ties with our school's athletics. Following the addition of a new gymnasium this past year, the History Club took the lead in revamping the shelving for all historic sports and athletic trophies. Senior member John McInnis notes that the displays are organized to “showcase old artifacts, creating a timeline of our school's history,” reflecting the care and dedication invested in keeping our history thriving amidst ongoing changes.

Beyond managing the school's historical displays, History Club members actively engage with the Greenport community. They have collaborated with local residents and the Sterling Historical Society to ‘fill in the blanks’ with historic artifacts donated by community members.

Senior member Brae Iglesias emphasizes, “Although the club centers on history, it’s really about connections—between our school, its students, the community, and the formation of a unique culture that has come to define our school.”

The History Club continues to play a vital role in preserving and celebrating Greenport's history, connecting its past with the present and future.