Summary of "New York City Travelogue 2024" Episode

The History Chicks: A Women's History Podcast presents a vibrant and detailed account of Susan and Beckett's recent field trip to New York City. This episode, released on October 23, 2024, navigates through their enriching experiences, challenges, and the deep connections formed with fellow travelers. The hosts intertwine historical exploration with personal anecdotes, offering listeners an immersive journey through one of the world's most dynamic cities.

1. Trip Planning and Preparations

Before delving into New York City, Susan and Beckett share exciting news about their upcoming field trip to Paris scheduled for April 25 to May 3, 2025. This announcement, though brief, sets the stage for their enthusiasm and organizational prowess in orchestrating memorable travel experiences for their community.

2. The Black and White Cookie Quest

One of the standout humorous challenges faced during the trip was the quest to procure black and white cookies for the group's swag bags—a nod to New York's iconic culinary tradition.

• Beckett's Determination: Beckett envisioned including individually wrapped black and white cookies but encountered logistical hurdles. She recounts, "It required, I don't even know, like, an Olympic relay to get it here." ([08:16])

• Susan's Ingenuity: Despite the setbacks, Susan stepped up to handle the delivery, ensuring the group's snack needs were met. This collaborative effort culminated in a successful pickup at Juliana's Pizza, reflecting their dedication to providing a cohesive group experience.

• Traveler Testimonial: Poppy from the group shared, "The cookies are the black and white cookie. They were very, very good. And not just because you went through such effort to get it to us." ([11:16])

3. Historical Site Explorations

The trip was richly infused with visits to significant historical landmarks, each offering unique insights into women's history and broader societal narratives.

a. Val Kill and Eleanor Roosevelt

Susan and Beckett's connection to Eleanor Roosevelt deepened through a special tour of Val Kill, Eleanor Roosevelt's retreat.

• Susan's Reflection: "We toured Eleanor Roosevelt's retreat called Val Kill. It was completely surreal to tour basically a national park with someone who grew up there." ([02:29])

• Exclusive Access: Their tour, guided by officials from the National Park Service and the FDR Library, provided intimate glimpses into Eleanor Roosevelt's personal artifacts, including her passport and personal items.

b. Sagamore Hill: Theodore Roosevelt's Estate

A visit to Sagamore Hill, Theodore Roosevelt's historic home in Oyster Bay, underscored the legacy of the Roosevelt family.

• Guest Insights: Chris from the group remarked, "Seeing all of Theodore Roosevelt's items that he had collected and had been gifted over his presidency was really interesting to see incorporated as part of a home." ([19:03])

• Alice Roosevelt's Influence: Laura Hart highlighted, "Alice Roosevelt Longworth... donated her childhood bedroom furniture and even directed the curators on exactly how it should be arranged in the room."

4. Cultural Immersions and Performances

New York City's vibrant cultural scene was a focal point of the trip, with significant emphasis on Broadway's contributions to women's history.

a. Broadway Shows: Suffs and Hamilton

• "Suffs" Experience: The group attended Suffs, a musical celebrating the American suffragist movements of the 1910s and 1920s.

  • Susan's Enthusiasm: "Attending this musical with a bunch of women who knew and understood the history... was a really magical experience." ([23:16])

  • Beckett's Motivation: Ashley from Augusta, Georgia, shared, "Suffs reminded me just how far we've come in the last 100 years and how far we have yet to go."

• "Hamilton" Encounter: The group also experienced Hamilton, with Beckett expressing her admiration for the show's portrayal of its characters despite personal mishaps like accidental singing.

  • Susan's Humorous Take: "I didn't know I was singing along with it... I was so embarrassed." ([34:12])

  • Traveler Testimonial: Emily from Washington State noted, "The music was so well put together. The cast was incredible. I laughed, I cried, I was moved."

5. Museum Visits: Tenement Museum and Metropolitan Museum of Art

The educational aspect of the trip was enriched through visits to museums that encapsulate the immigrant experience and artistic heritage.

a. Tenement Museum

Located on the Lower East Side, the Tenement Museum offered immersive exhibits on the lives of immigrants.

• Susan's Emotional Connection: "This was really emotional from the Tenement Museum where we heard about the lives of immigrants of different eras and different nationalities." ([43:59])

• Traveler Reflections:

  • Stephanie from Kansas City exclaimed, "Having the opportunity to tour the tenements with tour guides who shared the stories of the immigrants... really stuck with me."
  • Teresa from Illinois shared, "Seeing how women had to live daily... was a testament to the fortitude of our ancestors."

b. Metropolitan Museum of Art

At the Met, Susan and Beckett engaged directly with exhibits, enhancing their understanding of historical figures.

• Susan's Interaction: "I actually asked a random guard, can you tell me where Hatshepsut is? And she said, absolutely, follow me." ([30:17])

• Chris's Experience: "They have two [Edmonia Lewis statues]. They're a lot smaller than you would think they are in real life... he knew exactly where they were."

6. Iconic Landmarks: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

The hosts emphasized the profound historical significance of these landmarks in the immigrant narrative.

• Statue of Liberty Visit:

  • Susan's Awe: "Seeing the original torch... there was pictures of, you know, or the actual artifact was right there... wonderful experience." ([60:35])

• Ellis Island Exploration:

  • Beckett's Mishap: "I fell straight down the stairs at Ellis Island and landed on my kneecaps." ([61:18])
  • Traveler Testimonial: June from Vermont recounted, "The hospital wards... seeing Peter in 'The Snowy Day' story and its significance... made me realize the impact of these immigrant stories."

7. Remembering Tragedies: 9/11 Memorial

A somber visit to the 9/11 Memorial provided a reflective pause amidst the historical explorations.

• Beckett's Observation: "There were people who had been adults or older teenagers when it happened... and another group, much younger, that was doing things like taking selfies." ([66:19])

• Susan's Insight: "We are in a curious... point with this memorial where it is still within living memory... it’s a stark reminder of living history." ([66:49])

8. Gilded Age Mansions and Final Farewell

Exploring the opulence and historical context of Gilded Age mansions contrasted sharply with earlier visits to immigrant-focused sites.

• Bowery Boys Walking Tour: The group toured Upper East Side mansions, reflecting on the disparities in living conditions during the Gilded Age.

• Farewell Dinner at Delmonico's:

  • Susan's Sentiment: "This is kind of like our senior prom... So, those who attended shared memories of the luxurious dinner setting, complete with branded plates and multi-course meals." ([69:38])

  • Beckett's Reflection: "These trips are such a bonding experience... it's like a wedding where you become so close in a short period."

9. Traveler Testimonials and Reflections

Throughout the episode, numerous testimonials from fellow travelers provided personal insights and emotional connections to the trip's experiences.

• Dana Jacques: "Seeing the musical Suffs with a bunch of women who knew and understood the history... was a really magical experience." ([22:53])

• Parker from British Columbia: "I crushed the subway... seeing things like the Stonewall National Monument and original Winnie the Pooh was amazing." ([73:21])

• Natalie from Vermont: "The Triangle Shirtwaist fiery memorial was a horrible event... it galvanized Frances Perkins to enact changes in government." ([52:54])

• Allison Lusk: "The Tenement Museum has been able to preserve the building along with the handwritten notes... a special memory was going to the Empire State Building with my daughter." ([50:05])

10. Concluding Thoughts

Susan and Beckett conclude the episode by reflecting on the depth of their New York City experience, highlighting the blend of historical education, cultural immersion, and the forging of lasting friendships. The episode encapsulates not only the sights and sounds of New York but also the profound personal growth and community spirit fostered through shared journeys.

Notable Quotes:

1. Susan on Val Kill Tour:
   "We toured Eleanor Roosevelt's retreat called Val Kill. It was completely surreal to tour basically a national park with someone who grew up there." ([02:29])

2. Beckett on Cookie Challenge:
   "It required, I don't even know, like, an Olympic relay to get it here." ([08:16])

3. Traveler Amanda on "Suffs":
   "Unfortunately, the musical is closing... But it is still closing. That just tells you how tough it is to succeed." ([22:05])

4. Emily from Washington State on Broadway:
   "The music was so well put together. The cast was incredible. I laughed, I cried, I was moved." ([35:02])

5. Natalie on Triangle Shirtwaist Memorial:
   "Seeing Frances Perkins... galvanized her to enact changes in government." ([52:54])

6. Parker from British Columbia on Subway Success:
   "Coming from a small town and not having traveled much, the subway was a little intimidating. But I crushed it like a champ." ([73:04])

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the "New York City Travelogue 2024" episode, weaving together historical exploration with personal narratives to offer listeners both informative and heartfelt content.