Growing up in New York City can be a thrilling and exciting experience. The dynamic urban rush is like no other, and the Big Apple boasts a colorful cross section of diversity. It is the ideal playground for teenagers to explore their interests. The city has a wide variety of opportunities for young people to pursue possible career paths and to explore their hobbies.
I had the opportunity to delve into one of my interests last summer: history. I have always enjoyed learning about the past and making comparisons between before and after. I was fortunate to obtain a paid internship that not only helped me garner experience in professional, historical research, but also introduced me to the amazing New-York Historical Society.
The experience further fostered my passion for history and inspired me to develop a particular interest in the history of New York. The city, as modern as it may seem, has historically significant roots, dating back to the 1600s. Our vibrant metropolis has played an extremely influential role in shaping American history.
Located across the street from Central Park West, the New-York Historical Society is truly a gem that New Yorkers of all ages must visit. The museum was founded by DeWitt Clinton (the same guy who built the Erie Canal and also implemented the city’s grid system) and John Pintard in 1804 to promote the preservation and remembrance of the past. It does just that, housing a comprehensive collection of many artifacts, and has many changing exhibits that shed light on New York’s role during certain eras of American history.
Prior to my internship, I had never stepped foot into the museum. Having the opportunity to browse through the exhibits during breaks made me realize how blind I had been to the history of my very own city.
As I explored the museum for the first time, I had no idea what role New York played when it came to slavery, the Civil War, the Gilded Age, or even beer making in America! The museum has something for everyone, offering lectures, concerts, walking tours, classes, and internship opportunities for high school and college students.
It is also family-friendly, with a complete floor dedicated to the DiMenna Children’s History Museum. The exhibits are pint-size and easy for young ones to follow. Even as a teenager, I thoroughly enjoyed playing the little games and was surprised by how much I learned.
Each exhibit at the New-York Historical Society is not only jam-packed with information for history buffs, but also provides a fun learning experience for history neophytes. There are many interactive exhibits that make learning about history more visual and entertaining. Glossy touch-screen panels allow visitors to peruse details about certain events and artifacts. The first-floor lobby is a beautiful and harmonious collection of artifacts and artwork. Some items are even placed in glass cases beneath the floor, adding an exciting twist to the exhibition.
Working at the museum, I was drawn to unique areas of it that I normally wouldn’t explore. I always read through all the information in exhibits, but I rarely visit the research libraries inside the museum. As part of my internship, I had the opportunity to use the library at the New-York Historical Society to look at primary source documents and old books. I even handled a book from the 1850s. I could smell the aged and weathered quality of the book. Flipping through the delicate pages, I could not believe I was so much closer to history. The library is incredible, and, in my opinion, could surely give any library in the world a run for its money.
Still, the fourth-floor Luce Center, an open exhibit that crams artifacts of every style, shape, and size into a warehouse-esque setting that encourages visitors to explore independently, was my favorite by far. At times, it was easy to get lost in the labyrinth of artifacts that completely transform the fourth floor of the museum into a treasure trove. During the course of my internship, I must have walked through that area a gazillion times. Yet, on each visit, I was entranced by the items behind the glass
Interning at the museum was a valuable, memorable experience. I made new friends, made a few bucks, and learned new skills, like researching techniques and, most importantly to me, how to do in-text citations (which has proven very handy for school papers!). Thanks to the museum, I definitely got my dose of history and was left pining for more. The museum and internship inspired me to pursue history even further — this time, with a specific focus on discovering more about New York’s role in history.
It is important for teenagers to take advantage of what the city has to offer. We are very fortunate to live in a place where opportunities are endless and there are programs, jobs, and internships for every interest. Working and studying in the city makes you feel like part of something bigger and can help you make the most of your summer.
Aglaia Ho is a 17-year-old student from Queens who enjoys writing. Her work has been published in Creative Kids, Skipping Stones, Daily News/Children’s Pressline, and The State of the Wild.
