Summertime in the Big Apple: Exciting Excursions in New York City
Welcome to the Summertime in the Big Apple Pre-College Program at Montclair State University. You’ll spend five days learning about the art, architecture, and history of New York City—all while touring the city’s streets. During your daytime tours of the city, you will eat at some of New York City’s finest ethnic restaurants. In addition, you will attend a matinee showing of Hamilton the Musical and a dinner afterwards. You’ll learn from published, expert historians. We’re thrilled about your participation in this program and cannot wait to meet you in July.
In this program, you will:
- Understand the ethnic history of New York City.
- Learn the history of New York City’s built environment.
- Comprehend the importance of food to New York City’s ethnic groups.
- Complete a digital photographic essay that documents your excursions in New York City.
- Read The Intimate City: Walking New York by Michael Kimmelman and AIA Guide to New York City.
- Visit museums and public history sites throughout Manhattan.
Here is a description of the program trips:
Monday
You will explore the art and architecture of New York City at the following sites: Skyscraper Museumand the Center for Architecture. These museums will provide you with tools to use as you explore the city on foot throughout the week. You will eat a New York style pizza lunch at John’s of Bleeker, one of the best pizzerias in the United States.
Tuesday
You will learn the history of European immigration to New York City at the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration and Tenement Museum. You will eat lunch at Katz’s Delicatessen, the most popular deli in New York City.
Wednesday
You will study the African American History of New York City at the The African Burial Ground, a National Park Site, and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. You will eat lunch at Amy Ruth’s in Harlem. At 2pm, you will attend a matinee showing of Hamilton the Musical. Afterwards, you will eat dinner at Valla Table Thai in nearby Hell’s Kitchen.
Thursday
You will examine the Hispanic roots of New York City when you visit El Museo del Barrio in East Harlem and the Museum of the City of New York in the Upper East Side. You will eat lunch at Amor Cubano in Spanish Harlem.
Friday
In the morning, you will investigate Asian American New York at the Museum of Chinese in America. That afternoon, you will study modern art at the MoMA. You will eat lunch at Shanghai 21, one of the best restaurants in Chinatown.
Program Director
Dr. Jeff Strickland
Chairperson
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Email: stricklandj@montclair.edu