Tailaina Jarrett '25
Nov 15, 2024
For the past few years, students in the Advanced Studies: Literature and Composition course have been reading The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead. The book explores many themes connected to slavery and racism in American history. As a way for the students to get a deeper understanding of these ideas, students in the class went on a trip to the National Museum of African American History and Culture on November 6.
Frank Betkowski, who helped design the course and chose the book, said: “In my mind, the trip to the National Museum of African American History and Culture acts as a culminating experience to Colson Whitehead’s The Underground Railroad. I think that while the novel is truly powerful, the museum helps to put the novel into context as the novel doesn’t just examine the Black experience during slavery.”
This trip is a principal experience in gaining a deeper understanding of The Underground Railroad beyond the classroom and the students were grateful to get the chance to see the museum. Most students had never seen the African American Museum, and everyone was looking forward to something different.
“I was just expecting a typical museum trip, seeing the exhibits and stuff. I don’t quite know what I was expecting but the trip surprised my expectations,” said Crystal Chiu ’25.
There is always something new to learn. Whether it is the different figures in history or seeing all the artifacts throughout the museum, every aspect of the museum is impactful. “I learned about some figures in American history that aren't focused on as much as the big names like Rosa Parks,” said Olivia Glick ‘25.
“It’s not that I learned anything new, it’s more of getting to see it. I got to see it laid out, walking through it and experiencing that was a new experience. Experiencing it in a class is one thing, but going out and seeing all the artifacts and videos that come with it was very moving,” said Min Ann Tran ‘25.
The museum had several different levels which focused on different elements of African American history and culture, ranging from history on the lower levels to modern art and culture on the fourth floor.
“I really liked seeing the maps and how [the nation] progressed with the free states and the slave states and how the states evolved,” said Chiu.
Anne Sehon ‘25 added, “I think someone who was really trying to give every single sign and blurb attention, it would take them days to get through that museum.”
This trip is not only impactful for the students but the teachers as well, no matter how many times they go.
AS Lit teacher Kacie England said, “I can’t imagine teaching The Underground Railroad without having this experience. It’s probably the most powerful, well-done museum that I’ve ever been to.”