AP World History students from Sachem East High School recently traveled to New York City to enrich their understanding of key historical topics studied throughout the year. Accompanied by teachers Mrs. Gearns and Mr. Jannace, the group embarked on an immersive learning experience that brought history to life in meaningful and memorable ways.
The day began with a visit to “Anne Frank: The Exhibition” at the Center for Jewish History. This powerful exhibit offered students the chance to connect with Anne Frank’s story not just as a Holocaust victim, but as a writer, a young girl and a symbol of resilience. Students toured a life-size recreation of the secret annex where the Frank family, the Van Pels family and Fritz Pfeffer hid during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Modeled closely after the original in Amsterdam, the exhibition gave students a deeply personal and emotional perspective on the Holocaust.
Following the morning’s moving experience, the students enjoyed lunch outdoors in Central Park before heading to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. There, they participated in a curriculum-based photo scavenger hunt, searching for artwork and artifacts that aligned with the major units covered in their AP World History course. The creative and thoughtful responses impressed both teachers and chaperones – Mrs. Bongiorno, Mr. Cellini and Mrs. Melandro – who praised the students for their engagement, insight and respectful conduct throughout the trip.
The field trip provided students with opportunities to connect classroom learning to real-world contexts, deepening their understanding of global history through both reflection and exploration.
Date Added: 5/22/2025