For more than 20 years, eighth-grade students from Rosemary Clarke Middle School (RCMS) have had the incredible opportunity to explore some of the most historically significant cities in the United States through the school’s annual Eastern Seaboard trip. This year’s adventure, held April 4–12, took 24 students and 12 dedicated chaperones on a whirlwind tour of Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.
The group kicked off their journey with a red-eye flight from Las Vegas to Boston, hitting the ground running upon arrival. With the city still quiet in the early morning hours, students began their historical journey with visits to Paul Revere’s statue, the Old North Church, and the Bunker Hill Monument. Though weather delays disrupted plans to attend a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, spirits remained high. The group pivoted with a stop at the iconic Mike’s Pastry before settling in for the night.
The second day in Boston included a tour of the historic Granary Burying Ground, where several signers of the Declaration of Independence are buried. Luck was on their side as they returned to Fenway Park to catch most of the rescheduled game before visiting the USS Constitution. Students even had the chance to learn how to fold the American flag and tie nautical knots. A moving stop at the Boston Holocaust Memorial followed, capped off by a lively ghost tour through the city’s historic streets.
From Boston, the group traveled to New York City, starting with a ferry ride to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Students explored the Statue of Liberty and the Immigration Museum, gaining insight into the immigrant experience in America. The day continued with a ride on the subway to visit notable landmarks like the Ghostbusters firehouse and dinner in Little Italy.
The following day included visits to the Financial District, One World Observatory, and the 9/11 Memorial pools. After taking in Central Park and Times Square, the group enjoyed a night on Broadway, watching the acclaimed musical Hamilton. Some lucky students and staff even had the chance to meet and take photos with Thayne Jasperson, an original cast member of the show.
In Philadelphia, the group stepped back in time with visits to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Students mailed postcards from the first U.S. Post Office and explored the National Constitution Center and Signers Hall. A spirited dash up the famous “Rocky steps” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art rounded out the day before heading to Washington, D.C.
Upon arrival in the nation’s capital, the group toured Arlington National Cemetery, witnessing the solemn changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Visits to the Lincoln Memorial, WWII Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial followed, where students honored selected veterans by rubbing names onto paper from the memorial wall.
Rainy weather didn’t dampen the experience as students toured the Capitol Building, Library of Congress, National Archives, and Ford’s Theater. That evening, they visited the Martin Luther King Jr., Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Thomas Jefferson Memorials.
On the final day, with clearer skies, the group toured the U.S. Treasury, viewed the White House, and explored George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate before catching their evening flight home.
One of the most valuable aspects of the trip was the educational enrichment provided by the tour guides in each city. Each guide enhanced the students’ understanding by sharing their own historical knowledge about the locations, events, and influential figures that shaped the United States. This thoughtful narration helped transform each stop from a sightseeing moment into a meaningful learning experience.
Despite the challenges of cold and rainy weather, the group made every stop as planned, thanks in part to experienced tour guides familiar with RCMS and the ever-handy rain ponchos brought along from past trips. For many students, it was their first time flying or visiting these historic cities, making the journey a particularly memorable one.
Enrollment is now open for future RCMS Eastern Seaboard trips—specifically the 2026 trip for current 7th graders and the 2027 trip for current 6th graders. For more information, contact Lori Odegard at lodegard@nyeschools.org or Kelley Hodge at khodge@nyeschools.org.
