Students in Kelyn Snyder’s 7th grade class at Howard L. Goff Middle School learned about New York’s involvement in the Civil War through a special visit from New York State Museum educators on Monday. The students rotated through five different stations and were able to see and touch Civil War artifacts during group discussions.
The students learned about Union soldiers from New York, how the state transported supplies to support the war effort, and how legislation like the Enrollment Act of 1863, a federal military draft, divided people’s views about the war.
The five stations included:
- Camp Life
- Spotlight Stories – Dr. Mary E. Walker, Bromley Hoke, General Ely Parker, Elmer Ellsworth
- Industry
- Music
- New York Divided
“The students are fascinated by the Civil War but usually see it as very removed from New Yorkers,” Mrs. Snyder said. “In collaboration with Mrs. Morehouse and Mr. Jenkins from the New York State Museum, we were able to bridge that gap and show the students that New Yorkers led the nation in support, resources, and strength during the conflict. The unique classroom experience encouraged the students to ask questions, interact with their history, and created memorable learning experiences.”
New York State educators visited Mrs. Snyder’s classes earlier this year to teach lessons about New Netherland, the first Dutch colony in North America.
Goff 7th grade students learned about the Civil War and New York’s involvement in it with a special visit from @nysmuseum educators today.
Students were able to see and touch Civil War artifacts during the lesson. pic.twitter.com/ophxaeku6p
— East Greenbush CSD (@EGreenbushCSD) May 15, 2023