New York Field Trips

Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum
Offers museums and attractions in multiple countries focusing on odd and amazing things. Provides videos, details about exhibits, and their history.

Appalachian National Scenic Trail
The People's Path and America's First National Scenic Trail. The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is more than 2,175-mile long footpath stretching through 14 eastern states from Maine to Georgia. Conceived in 1921 and first completed in 1937, it traverses the wild, scenic, wooded, pastoral, and culturally significant lands of the Appalachian Mountains.

Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network
First thoughts of the Chesapeake Bay often bring up images of crabs and oysters. But, as the largest estuary in North America, the Chesapeake Bay has touched and influenced much of the American story – early settlement, commerce, the military, transportation, recreation and more. The Bay and its surrounding 64,000 square mile watershed hold a treasure trove of historic areas, natural wonders and recreational opportunities.

North Country National Scenic Trail
Hiking Adventures in Seven States - The North Country National Scenic Trail links scenic, natural, historic, and cultural areas in seven states. When completed, through the efforts of many people, the trail will be the longest continuous hiking trail in the United States. The trail allows hikers to experience a variety of northern landscapes. Come and experience your America, at a walking pace.

Statue of Liberty National Monument & Ellis Island
Opened on January 1, 1892, Ellis Island became the nation's premier federal immigration station. In operation until 1954, the station processed over 12 million immigrant steamship passengers. The main building was restored after 30 years of abandonment and opened as a museum on September 10, 1990. Today, over 40 percent of America's population can trace their ancestry through Ellis Island.
Virtual field trip online

Gateway National Recreation Area
A Special Place - Gateway provides abundant recreational and learning opportunities, from swimming, boating and fishing to team sports, bicycling and nature study. The nation’s oldest operating lighthouse, forts that defended America, and sites that trace aviation’s early days tell significant stories. The living world can be explored in a wildlife refuge, holly forest, ocean dunes and coastal uplands.

Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
A River of Compromise - Rolling hills, riverfront villages, and bald eagles perched on trees form a vibrant backdrop as the Delaware River snakes gracefully through the rural countryside. But the story of the Upper Delaware is more than just a collection of beautiful pictures. We enjoy the river's recreational opportunities while it supports a healthy ecosystem for wildlife and provides water for over 17 million people.

Making TRACKS - Trails in NY
Making TRACKS provides downloadable nature guides and species lists for each trail, as well as resources for schools to make their own educational nature trails on school grounds or in nearby communities.

Ben Newton Memorial Civil War Weekend - Elmira
This is an exciting, family-friendly, annual event that takes place in Newtown Battlefield State Park, a beautiful state park setting, on top of a wooded hill. Military, artillery, civilian, and sutler impressions are most welcome, but be warned that we are sticklers for authenticity! The rustic, wooded battlefield setting is a popular one among re-enactors. Friday is Education Day, with around 20 - 24 stations set up to educate the 800 local school kids who attend. Saturday and Sunday feature woods battles both days. Both period and modern camping are available, and water, firewood and straw are provided. Port-a-johns are placed near the camps, and showers are available in the park restrooms. A Friday evening welcome meal is served to all participants in the beautiful, rustic, lodge in the park. Saturday evening, we present Candlelight Tours for the public, and participants for about 20 scenarios are needed. Information and online registration is available on our website. Check website for details of event held in May.

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic SIte - Buffalo
An Unexpected Inauguration that Changed the Nation - As president, Theodore Roosevelt created protections for ordinary citizens, began regulation of big business, and made the US a major force in international affairs. Yet one of the most important presidencies in America's history nearly didn't happen. See the place where a brief, emotional, and improvised ceremony in Buffalo, NY brought TR into office, and forever altered the nation.

Annual Civil War Weekend - Cheektowaga
Marilla’s Annual Civil War Encampment at Marilla Town Park on Three Rod Road. Bonfire Friday Night, Battle Re-enactment's and living history Saturday and Sunday. Open to the public 9am to 5pm and 7 to 10pm on Saturday, 9am to 3pm on Sunday. Period Dance Saturday evening, open to the public, featuring City Fiddle and a Sunday Church Service with other entertainment planned, Check website for event held in July.

Putnam County Historical Society & Foundry School Museum - Cold spring
The purpose of the society is to collect, preserve, and present to the public historical and cultural materials pertaining to Putnam County, especially the Philipstown area, the West Point Foundry, and the Hudson Highlands. To fulfill this mission, the society maintains and administers the Foundry School Museum and a research library. The museum organizes changing exhibitions, with accompanying catalogues, and provides educational programming for the public.

Tinker Homestead and Farm Museum 5th Annual Civil War Days - Henrietta
Battles Saturday and Sunday @1pm, Concert Friday evening, Blue/Gray Dance Saturday evening. Camps open Friday after noon. Check website for event held in August.

Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site - Hyde Park
Val-Kill - “The greatest thing I have learned is how good it is to come home again,” Eleanor Roosevelt. This simple statement expresses her love for the modest house she called Val-Kill. The only National Historic Site dedicated to a first lady, Val-Kill welcomes visitors in the style of Mrs. Roosevelt. Come and be part of the entire Roosevelt Experience at Eleanor Roosevelt's Val-Kill.

Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site - Hyde Park
"All that is within me cries out to go back to my home on the Hudson River" FDR This quote captures FDR's connection to Springwood, the estate that he loved & the place he considered home. The first US Presidential Library was started by FDR here. Visit the Home of FDR and Presidential Library & Museum to learn about the only President elected to four terms.

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site - Hyde Park
Vanderbilt Mansion, in terms of architecture, interiors, mechanical systems, road systems and landscape, is a remarkably complete example of a gilded-age country place, illustrating the political, economic, social, cultural, and demographic changes that occurred as America industrialized in the years after the Civil War.

Martin Van Buren National Historic Site - Kinderhook
Politics before the Civil War was a whirlwind of opposing interest groups. Martin Van Buren was able to unite those groups becoming president in 1837, but he was unable to gain a second term. As frustration and violence over the extension of slavery grew in the 1840's, Van Buren ran for the presidency twice more from this house. He hoped for re-election but failed, ultimately, just as the union.

"Greatness Starts Here” quiz - Lake George
"Greatness Starts Here” quiz is about all our wonders that you can see and do– from ancient glacier effects to sunken war ships, the Lake George Area has plenty to get curious about.
Virtual field trip online

Annual Civil War Weekend - Lyndon
Come join the biggest War Between the States event in New York. The Eastern Re-enactors Association & Lyndon Enhancement And Preservation Group is hosting a Civil War Re-enactment and Living History weekend in Lyndon New York 14727. Lyndon is nestled in the beautiful Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County in Western New York between Buffalo NY and Bradford PA. We are just 25 miles north of the PA boarder. The event will be held on over 40 acres of farm land on top of a mountain overlooking the luscious green valleys below with no 21st century encroachments. Battle Re-enactments, Civil War Living History Displays Saturday & Sunday Sanitary Fair, 50/50, live auction, Sutler’s plus Civil War Lecture’s and Skirmishes. Check website for event held in June.

Wolf Oak Acres – Civil War Days - Madison County
Re-enactors from the entire northeast will congregate on 150 acres of pristine valleys, meadows, mountains, and creeks in scenic Madison County NY; to portray a north vs. south weekend. Battle scenes, hospital scenes, living history, fashion show, vintage games, church services, candle light tours, artillery and cavalry will all display a historically accurate portrayal of life during Civil War. Sutlers will be peddling their wares, available for reenactor and public purchases. Educational Day on Friday for local schools for living history. The weekend will be open to the public 10-5 each day, as well as Fri/Sat. evenings for optional candle-light tours at 7pm. 315-762-3090. Early October. Check website for details.

St. Paul's Church National Historic Site - Mount Vernon
The Church That Preserves an Important Chapter in Our Nation's History - St. Paul's Church helps to tell the story of the development of colonial society and the road to the American Revolution. It consists of an 18th century stone church that was used as a Revolutionary War hospital, a cemetery with burial stones dating to 1704 and the remnant of a Village Green that was the scene of the famous Election of 1733 which raised issues of Freedom of Religion and the Press.

Castle Clinton National Monument - New York
Built to keep people out; now welcomes millions in. - Located at the southern tip of Manhattan Island, Castle Clinton represents not only the growth of New York City, the the growth of a Nation. First intended to keep out a British invasion in 1812, the Castle has transformed over the years to welcome theater goers, immigrants, sightseers and now millions of visitors to New York Harbor.

Federal Hall National Memorial - New York
The Birthplace of American Government - Here on Wall Street, George Washington took the oath of office as our first President, and this site was home to the first Congress, Supreme Court, and Executive Branch offices. The current structure, a Customs House, later served as part of the US Sub-Treasury. Now, the building serves as a museum and memorial to our first President and the beginnings of the United States of America.

General Grant National Memorial - New York
Grant, Defender of the Union Overlooking the Hudson River from the Morningside Heights section of Manhattan, General Grant National Memorial is the largest tomb in North America. Grant's Tomb (as it is commonly called) is not only the final resting place of the General, but a memorial to his life and acomplishments.

Governors Island National Monument - New York
A Silent Sentinel in New York Harbor - For more than two centuries, the military communities on Governors Island were woven into the intricate social, political and economic tapestry that is New York City. From 1776-1996, Governors Island stood as a silent sentinel in New York Harbor, and provided protection of the ideals represented by the Statue of Liberty across the Bay. We invite you to explore the Island's history as it evolved from colonial outpost to regional administrative center for the U.S. Army and Coast Guard.

Hamilton Grange National Memorial - New York
Alexander Hamilton was the first United States Secretary of the Treasury, a Founding Father, economist, and political philosopher.

Lower East Side Tenement Museum - New York
The heart of the museum is the historic tenement, home to an estimated 7,000 people from over 20 nations between 1863 and 1935. Tour the tenement’s cramped living spaces. Learn about the lives of past residents and the history of the Lower East Side. Throughout the year, take part in programs such as walking tours, plays, art exhibits, and readings that represent the immigrant experience.

Manhattan Sites - New York
Our Nation's past is present - You can discover some of the most fascinating people in American history at the Manhattan Sites. Visit the homes of Alexander Hamilton and Theodore Roosevelt, the tomb of Ulysses Grant, a Revolutionary War church, a fort from the War of 1812, and the place where George Washington became President.

Statue of Liberty National Monument - New York
Liberty Enlightening the World - Located on a 12 acre island, the Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States and is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886, designated as a National Monument in 1924 and restored for her centennial on July 4, 1986.

Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site - New York
TR, The Making of the Legend - Not all Presidents were born in log cabins. One was actually born in a New York City brownstone! Visit the birthplace and boyhood home of Teddy Roosevelt and see what it was like to grow up in the "gilded age".

American Museum of Natural History - New York

A Visit to New York City: a virtual fieldtrip - NYC
Photos taken by Dr. Alan A. Lew in February 2001 (mostly before the 9-11-01 WTC terrorist attack, with a new section showing the World Trade Center Site in Summer 2003)
Virtual field trip online

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site - Oyster Bay
Theodore Roosevelt's Home - Sagamore Hill was the home of Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the US, from 1885 until his death in 1919. From 1902 to 1908 his "Summer White House" in Oyster Bay, New York was the focus of international attention. Otherwise it was home to a most remarkable fellow and his interesting family.

Fire Island National Seashore - Patchogue
Rhythmic waves, high dunes, ancient maritime forests, historic landmarks and glimpses of wildlife—Fire Island has been a special place for diverse plants, animals and people for centuries. Far from the sounds and pressures of nearby big-city life, Fire Island National Seashore’s dynamic barrier island beaches offer solitude and camaraderie, and spiritual renewal to civilization-weary people.

Fort Stanwix National Monument - Rome
Discover how people endured harsh conditions along the Oneida Carrying Place. Learn how the American victory at this frontier fort directly contributed to the British defeat at Saratoga in 1777; setting the stage for westward expansion through New York. Follow in the paths of the people who made history in the Mohawk Valley during the American Revolutionary War.

Women's Rights National Historic Park - Seneca Falls
Discover How Five Women Changed the World In 1848 Elizabeth Cady Stanton and four other women invited the public to the First Women's Rights Convention to discuss expanding the role of women in America. At the end of the two days, 100 people made a public commitment to work together to improve women’s quality of life. While women have achieved greater equality with the vote, property rights, and education, the revolution continues today.

National Women's Hall of Fame - Seneca Falls
The Hall is home to exhibits, artifacts of historical interest, a research library and office. The National Women's Hall of Fame, a national membership organization, holds as its mission: "To honor in perpetuity these women, citizens of the United States of America whose contributions to the arts, athletics, business, education, government, the humanities, philanthropy and science, have been the greatest value for the development of their country."©

Saratoga National Historic Park - Stillwater
A Crucial American Victory - Here in the autumn of 1777 American forces met, defeated and forced a major British army to surrender. This crucial American victory renewed patriots' hopes for independence, secured essential foreign recognition and support, and forever changed the face of the world.

Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor - Waterford
A New Kind of National Park - Explore America’s most famous and influential man-made waterway along the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. Stretching 524 miles across the full expanse of upstate New York, the Erie, champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga-Seneca Canals are among our nation’s great successes of engineering, vision, hard work, and sacrifice.