P.S./M.S. 183 Presents a Living Museum

With the assistance of Ms. Kaul-Smith and Ms. Gates, Class 819 of P.S./M.S. 183 in Rockaway Beach, hosted a “Living Museum” on Tuesday, March 5. This culminating activity showcased weeks of research and creativity stemming from the required reading of “All Quiet on the Western Front.”  In an effort to make the learning culturally relevant, students read supplemental text pertaining to the contributions of African Americans to both the military and war efforts during the early decades of the 1900s.

This thematic event specifically honored the contributions of African Americans to Aeronautics and Combat from World War I through World War II. Seventh and Eighth grade students were assigned to five groups and eloquently delivered presentations and shared their dioramas and models showcasing the contributions of the Harlem Hellfighters (369th Infantry Regiment), Bessie Coleman, The Tuskegee Airmen, The Triple Nickles (555th Parachute Infantry Battalion), and the 6888th all female Central Postal Directory Battalion, all while dressed in military garb. Foods that the soldiers were compelled to eat were also showcased.