WHY STUDY in CENTRAL NEW YORK?
In 1955, the home of William Henry Seward (New York State Governor, US Senator, and Secretary of State to President's Lincoln and Johnson) was opened to the public as the Seward House Museum in Auburn, NY. In the 4 years prior, the belongings of Seward and his family were carefully analyzed and interpreted to preserve and present the history of this important statesman. In particular, the papers of William Seward and his wife, Frances, were discovered and assessed by historians. Williams belongings were carefully preserved and cataloged, while the writings of Frances Seward were marked "Unimportant." The writings of a wife and mother were thought to have very little to offer the historical narrative of this museum. Frances's voice, was lost.
However, in 2012, with the opening of the Seward Family Digital Archive Project, the writings of Frances Seward were "rediscovered" and the life of an abolitionist, station master on the Underground Railroad, and a quiet advocate of women's suffrage, was revealed. Rather than being "unimportant," Frances' story has proven invaluable in understanding the life of reformers in the 19th century.
This class and study away program aims to highlight the history of early activism in the United States. With a focus on the women's suffrage movement, abolition, and the influence of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) on social movements in 19th century New York, students will walk in the footsteps of the extraordinary activists that built a strong tradition of justice seeking in the United States.
Student Testimonial from Nidal Wadi
Course Objectives
Course Objectives
- Experiential Learning-students will travel to Central New York to discover sites of Social Activism in the 19th century
- Public History-students will engage in public history through websites and visits to historical sites. The intention will be to create a digital composition that showcases students experiences through and historical encounters that provide a holistic approach to learning about social movements.
- Connect Past to Present-students will discover ways in which history informs the present cultural conditions within U.S. society
- Classroom to Career-students will examine historical and careers in the many public spaces we will be visiting
- Digital Literacy-students will gain digital literacy by designing a “Travel Video” and webpage as a final project to demonstrate their understanding of the history of social movements in the 19th century.
Sample Project from Summer 2023 (student: Dylan Clair)
Spring 2025 Course
HIS 4603
Social Movements in the 19th Century
12 students from History 4603 will travel to Upstate New York in May of 2025 after completing the Spring course. In New York, students will complete the research and study of the social movements they studied during the semester long course.
The course will highlight the history of the Abolition Movement, the Women's Suffrage Movement, and the impact that the Haudenaseaunee peoples had on social justice movements in the 19th century.
IMPORTANT STUDENT DATES AND COSTS
- November 15th- 1st $300 payment due (Non-Refundable)
- January 30th—2nd $275 payment due
- February 27th—3rd $275 payment due
Total: $850
Registration in HIS 4603:002 will be contingent on students submitting the non-refundable deposit by November 15th.
Note: Payment does NOT include flight or meals. Student will be responsible for arriving in Rochester, New York on date specified in final itinerary.
Apply for the $500 "Experiential Learning Scholarship" Here.
Credits:
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