My husband and I at the Statue of Liberty. Please be sure that you view all images in this slideshow by clicking on this picture!
Hands on History
A Walk Through New York City and Philadelphia
January 09, 2009
| Have you ever wondered what life is like in New York City or Philadelphia? Well, during Winter Break, I was able to experience firsthand, both of these cities; and let me tell you, it is nothing like you will ever see on television. We never imagined (even though my dad travels to NYC fairly often and television only somewhat portrays) the most beautiful buildings, skyline and vast amount of people we have ever seen. New York City is a city full of history and splendor. |
| We started our trip at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The Statue of Liberty is simply the most beautiful thing I have laid my eyes on, and the history of simply building her is breathtaking. Inside the museum located in the base of the Statue, we spent a lot of time reading why France provided this gift to the United States, and learning about the construction processes, equipment, materials, and people who built the magnificent lady. After the museum, we stepped out to her granite observation deck, and looked up at her beauty and were taken away by all that she stands for. I couldn’t help but think this is Lady Liberty. She stands here to give our country strength in times of need, and as a silent reminder of how we became the great nation we are. |
| Just a short ferry ride through the harbor is Ellis Island, another place where I would find myself thinking about the development of the United States. As I stood there, where so many before me had, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride that Ellis Island was the starting point for many American’s in a new country. As we went through another fascinating piece of American History, we learned that nearly one million people passed through the doors of Ellis Island to become American citizens. I also couldn’t stop myself from looking back at the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline, and thinking that immigrants to the United States must have been just as mesmerized as I, with the absolute beauty and possibility we are given here. Being at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island made me thankful that I was a history teacher, and grateful that I had this great opportunity to see firsthand these icons in our country’s history. |
| As we journeyed on through New York City, we were able to travel to the 102nd Floor of the Empire State Building, and see the tie down spots from the blimp docking stations, and see the most amazing views of Manhattan. On a clear day from the top of Empire State, you can see almost 80 miles! We were fortunate that it was a clear day, and we could see quite a distance, including the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. We then were able to visit St. Paul’s Church, where George Washington worshiped, and Trinity Church that Alexander Hamilton worshiped and is buried—which are just 4 blocks apart. This also was a fascinating part of my vacation in New York, not to mention these churches are located right in the Financial District of Manhattan, in other words: Wall Street! |
| Our adventure through New York is nearing an end, but it wasn’t all walking through historical sites, we did do our fair share of dining and shopping, because a trip to NYC isn’t complete without it. I was able to shop on Fifth Avenue, eat on Broadway, and see Times Square from my hotel window. One fun thing that we did was on December 22, 2008, we were able to get on the Today Show in Rockefeller Center. Granted, it was only for less than a minute, and it wasn’t Al Roker, but we did get to see Jim Canatore of the Weather Channel who was stepping in for him. |
| Once we left New York City, we drove through New Jersey and finally made it to Philadelphia. Another amazing place, not just for Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches (which are amazing), but it was the birthplace of our nation. The place where Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Betsy Ross, and George Washington called “home,” even for only a brief moment. We first started out by visiting Ben Franklin’s grave site, which is neat in itself. It is hard to imagine that you are standing near a great scientist, politician and inventor in our fascinating past. We then went on to Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed. The building was also the first National Capitol, and where George Washington first served as President of the United States. In our one day in Philadelphia, we saw Betsy Ross’s house, Ben Franklin’s house, the 2nd Bank of the United States and its vaults, the Liberty Bell (which is too cool), as well as an original copy of the Articles of Confederation and George Washington’s copy of the Constitution. |
| It was a very educational experience, and I would love to share more pictures and stories with you all, but space is limited. If you have any questions or would like to see more of the pictures, please let me know, I’d be glad to share them with you! I hope you have had a great time reading about my trip through our nation’s history; it was a lot of fun and a great educational experience. |
