On Friday, November 8th, two Nyack AP African American Studies classes visited the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C..
After a long but anticipatory bus ride, the 51 Nyack High School students and five chaperones began their day at the museum's Sweet Home Cafe. There, they were offered an array of traditional African dishes and present-day foods to fuel them for the hours ahead. Students then explored the museum in small groups, periodically checking in with their chaperones and teachers.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) opened in late 2016. Since then, the museum has received over 40,000 donated ancient artifacts, including the original 15th Amendment, a Tuskegee Airmen plane, and Rosa Parks' dresses, according to the museum’s official website. The museum's bottom floor focuses on slavery and the Middle Passage, and as students climbed the many stairs and followed the guided directions, they read about modern television shows, listened to Beyonce's music, and learned about the impact of Obama's presidency. The chronological system allows visitors to dive deeply into African American history, stories, and contemporary aspects like modern music and sports.
Nyack High School began offering this trip many years ago for students involved in the African American and Haitian Club (AAHC) and RCC Race Relations course.
"I became involved last school year with the AP African American Studies (APAAS) course in the pilot stage because the Smithsonian exhibition supports the College Board curriculum and sources," said English teacher Synthia Salomon, who led and organized this trip. "I attended Howard University for the APAAS Summer Institute and learned about the Smithosian's Digital Learning Lab specifically designed for APAAS. I also requested the pilot course during my first year at Nyack High School. It has been a dream come true to do this work!"
As students wandered the museum, they learned about the contributions of African American artists and performers, studied the history of slavery and the Civil Rights Movement, and even found artworks and documents they studied in class. They found peace in the Contemplation Court's water fountain, took photos with statues of Serena and Venus Williams, and took time reading about the Civil War and Reconstruction. Many students also visited the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument throughout the day, some even catching glimpses of the White House. "I love giving students the freedom to explore and expand their knowledge," said Salomon. "The trip has become a family affair, and we received a lot of support from families and members of the Nyack Community."
Students have raved about the trip as well: "I honestly loved the trip to the NMAAHC. I loved the visuals because it helped me gain a better understanding of what life was like for enslaved African Americans," said senior Tela Kopacz, who attended the trip in 2023. "The only thing that I wish was different was that the trip was longer or that we stayed overnight in D.C. so we had more time to really look and engage in the museum."
"Passing the torch to passionate and invested people ensures that the spirit and goals of the club will continue to thrive, bringing good energy and fresh ideas," said Dornzella Milligan, who specializes in student support and prevention services and was one of the original trip planners many years ago. "It is exciting to know that the legacy is in good hands and that the future looks bright for both the club and its members."
After a long but thrilling day, students and chaperones piled onto the bus and headed back to New York, many wearing souvenir sweatshirts or engrossed in a new African American History paperback. Through experiences like these, it has become clear that these trips aren't just about travel. Instead, they are about opening students' minds and inviting them to deepen their understanding of African American history, culture, and achievement.