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The program, which begins in 2014, allows students in every school in Eastchester, Tuckahoe and Bronxville to have an opportunity to learn local history, representatives said. The program will teach students about the town's roots, which go back to the Eastchester Covenant of 1665; that the marble quarries drew many early European immigrant workers and their families to the town; that world renowned artists, authors and celebrities have lived here; that the first president of the United States to serve as a Boy Scout (John F. Kennedy) did so here; and that the town has been home to four Medal of Honor winners, as well as countless brave soldiers who served in all the country’s wars, representatives said.
"In addition to exploring these topics, the town’s youngsters will be challenged to select a history project of their own," representatives said in a press release. "They will be asked to produce an essay, an artistic composition, a film or video, a poem, a drama or a mixed-media piece focused on this rich past, dependent on the avenues for achievement offered in their own schools."
The Steering Committee of Eastchester 350th Anniversary, Inc. approached each of the public school districts last year to solicit administrative and faculty support and asked the Bronxville Historical Conservancy to provide funding as exclusive sponsor for the K-12 Educational Program, representatives said.
“When we learned the scope of the project designed by Dick Forliano (current Town Historian and retired Eastchester Middle School teacher), I was delighted to present this to the Conservancy as a project worthy of being funded," said Dr. Robert Wein, former co-chair of the Conservancy and Eastchester 350th Anniversary committee member, in the release.
The Bronxville Historical Conservancy board enthusiastically approved the sponsorship.
“The Conservancy’s mission is perfectly matched to that of the town’s celebration of its heritage," said former Bronxville Mayor Nancy Hand, who headed the group's projects committee. "We are pleased to play a part in increasing knowledge of our rich local history by supporting educators who wish to emphasize it in the community’s anniversary year."
Eastchester’s 350th Anniversary Celebration will feature lectures, educational programs for all students, a Siwanoy Country Club gala, a community day at Lake Isle with trolley tours and re-enactments, a supersize exhibit in the fall at Concordia College and the publication of a well-researched and richly illustrated book on the history of the town, representatives said.
Residents interested in the 350th anniversary are asked to contact individual steering committee members or use the email Eastchester350@eastchester.org.
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