Classroom Happenings: Exploring Connections

On November 4, ninth graders experienced an all-day field trip in conjunction with their Exploration of Global Issues course. Students had studied the historical context of the African Diaspora in class, and this field trip allowed them to explore the connection between Virginia and the African Diaspora. Students began the day by walking along the Richmond Slave Trail to understand Richmond’s role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. 

 

Laurel Kauffman ’30 stated, “The field trip brought a realization that the egregious system of slave trading was quite literally a walk to a loss of freedom and, for many, to death.” Students then visited Brown’s Island to discuss the Emancipation and Freedom Monument and Headman Statue. From there, they visited the Virginia Museum of History and Culture (VMHC), where they engaged in a guided lesson titled “Lessons Learned” led by VMHC staff and explored the museum’s exhibits. Students also made their way over to the front of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to see and discuss Kehinde Wiley’s statue “Rumors of War” and how it connects to the history of Confederate statues along Monument Avenue. 

 

Hannah Marr ’30 said, “I really enjoyed this field trip. It helped me have a better understanding of what enslaved Africans went through. One of my highlights from the field trip was seeing all the memorials and statues and learning what they all represent.” Upper School Social Studies Teacher Jim Haske noted, “This is the sixth year this trip has run, and I am grateful that we can provide such a learning experience for our students. I always enjoy watching students expand their understanding of Richmond’s past and present in real time as we explore several places around the city.”