A Journey to Mannahatta
Second graders took a walk to the Museum of the City of New York this week and were transported back in time. Through careful observation of artifacts, including a three dimensional map of the tip of Manhattan (created in 1660), the boys learned about the early history of New York City.
The boys learned that in 1609 Henry Hudson had discovered what is now known as the Hudson River on his quest to find a shorter route from The Netherlands to Asia. His boat, the Half Moon, delivered him to a land that was covered in trees and inhabited by the Lenape people, who had been living in the area for many generations. This place was called Mannahatta. In 1626 the Dutch purchased Mannahatta and began developing the area.
The boys were excited to try to figure out how specific objects from the early 1600s were used. Working together in small groups, they learned how candles were made and how laundry was cleaned in early Mannahatta. Several boys tried holding a shoulder yoke, which was used to carry water, while other boys examined ice skates that utilized wooden clogs and discovered a box that was a foot warmer. Everyone had a wonderful time and had plenty to discuss on the walk back to school.
