Author: Etsub Taye

Ava pointing to a section of the “Gettysburg Address” to the class.

Wednesday was the student’s field trip to D.C. They rose bright and early to catch the bus at 7:30. About two hours later they arrived at the Lincoln Memorial. Professor Pinsker described the Lincoln Memorial as a “temple to democracy” –this could not be more true. With flanking large white columns, the neoclassical building was captivating from the outside but once inside it was truly impressive. The students climbed the same stairs Martin Luther King Jr. had given his famous “I Have a Dream” speech and entered to find a marble statue of Lincoln. The students looked up in appreciation eyes trailing over the details of the statue. It was there that they discussed their previous readings of the “Gettysburg Address” and “Second Inaugural Address.” 

They then ate lunch near Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and headed to the National Archive. The Archives house some of the original documents that the students have been pouring over these past two weeks. In the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, the students were able to see the Declaration of Independence, the Consitution, and the Bill of Rights. Students flexed their knowledge by pointing out specific sections of the Constitution and relayed their relevance to slavery. The students also attempted to identify the framers of the Constitution on the rotunda’s mural. In other exhibits, they learned about important court cases that have shaped the history of our nation. Some students then headed to the Archive’s gift shop in hopes of acquiring mementos of their trip. Two students quickly found figurines of Lincoln and Douglass which they used to boast about their upcoming debate. The competition was fierce. 

Scarlette, Laurent, and Cassie outside the National Archives.

The students also visited the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. They began their exploration of the museum in an elevator which as it descended moved back through history. Once on the lower level, the students learned about the history of African Americans from 1400-1877 detailing their enslavement and their fight for freedom. This exhibit reinforced what the students had already learned in their lecture but it also provided a different lens that centered the voices and perspectives of Black Americans. It was so powerful that a couple of students are already planning their next trip. Many students also expressed that they found the Cultural Gallery dedicated to African American contributions to the arts their favorite part of their trip. The students then headed to the Emancipation Memorial where they discussed symbolism, Frederick Douglas and his thought on Abraham Lincoln. After dinner, the students headed back to Dickinson.

2023 cohort in front of a statue of Abraham Lincoln.

On Saturday the students traveled to their first non-local field trip. The cohort left campus bright and early to arrive at the Gettysburg National Military Park at around 10:00. Once they got off the bus they were met with blue skies and green fields.

Cooper pointing to the direction of the incoming army.

The day before the students had read Lincoln’s House Divided speech (1858) and First Inaugural (1861). Once they got to the battlefield students used the two documents to situate themselves in the Battle of Gettysburg. Students then applied their close reading skills by making astute observations about the geography of the battlefield, specifically how the picturesque landscape was deceptive, and the way it shaped the events of the battle. Some of them even recreated scenes of the battle behind the cannon carriages. Later that day students also viewed a cyclorama of the battlefield at the Gettysburg Visitor’s Center which reinforced the information that they learned on the battlefield.

Ava O., Elena, Ava F. and Safira recreating a battle scene.

Walking through the battlefield the students were surrounded by monuments. One particular monument, dedicated in 1917 by the state of Virginia, depicted Robert E. Lee perched on his horse with Confederate soldiers at the base. Professor Pinsker guided a group discussion on the difference between memorializing controversial figures in historical sites vs. public spaces. The students reasoned through the discussion like historians making apt observations and interpretations.

Lindsay Bowman speaking to a small group of students about Philip Hamlin.

The students also traveled to the Soldiers’ National Cemetery. Before entering the cemetery, the students discussed the intended audience of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Standing where Lincoln had stood 160 years ago to deliver his address, they used visual cues to investigate its meaning. Once inside they had the opportunity to engage with the legacies of the soldiers who had fought and died at Gettysburg. They learned about soldiers like Sgt. Philip Hamlin from TA Lindsay Bowman. One student was even able to locate one of her ancestors who was buried in the cemetery. All things considered, the visit deepened the student’s understanding of the text by allowing them to visually contextualize it.

Maelin, Sadiyah, Ava and Scarlette posing next to a statue of Abraham Lincoln at the Visitors Center.

Inside the Cumberland County Historical Society

Tuesday began with a lecture on the US Constitution as it pertained to slavery and the Dred Scott decision. The students delved deep into the documents not only to situate themselves in the historical moment, but to identify the context and subtext as well. They also spoke about the importance of honoring the contribution of figures like Harriet Scott that had previously been buried in history. Their scholarship didn’t end in the lecture room, however. 

Tuesday afternoon, the students received a tour of the Cumberland County Historical Society museum in downtown Carlisle – including introductions to exhibits on the Carlisle Indian School and the history of the Pennsylvania Railroad. The tour guide explained the curation process of the exhibits, including the emotional aspect involved behind the scenes. The students were then given an opportunity to explore the museum on their own. 

Scarlette reading about soldiers from Carlisle

Students also meet with Dickison’s Vice President of Enrollment and Dean of Admissions, Catherine Davenport, to brainstorm effective tactics for the college admissions process. Although the students were impressive in their prior knowledge, Davenport was able to provide valuable information using her career experience. Students were actively engaged in the discussion–sharing both their previous experiences and their concerns–which Davenport alleviated.   

Admissions activity in Denny 103

After dinner, many of the students indulged in ice cream at Carlisle’s local ice cream shop Massey’s. Their conversations ranged from their earlier lecture to the best ice cream flavors. Although no consensus was reached on the best ice cream flavors, the students bonded over shared hobbies and interests.

Students enjoying treats at Massey’s