The Eastchester 350th Anniversary, Inc., a nonprofit group that encourages residents of Bronxville, Eastchester and Tuckahoe to contribute to the retelling of local history, are organizing the celebrations. Bronxville village was incorporated into the town in 1898 and Tuckahoe was incorporated in 1903, representatives said.
"Over the past couple of months, teachers in the Bronxville School have been working with students at all grade levels, helping them select projects based on a number of national themes, but adapting their research to local landmarks and events," representatives said. "In addition to researching the town's growth during various periods of America's history, students are also being encouraged to examine a number of topics that are relevant to Bronxville, Eastchester and Tuckahoe. They include research on the characteristics of immigrants from southern Italy, especially those who worked in Tuckahoe's marble quarries; the migration of African-Americans from the South during World War I; how the town handled the Spanish flu during World War I and much more."
Organizers have asked students from the three communities to create essays, artistic compositions, films or videos, poems, dramatic presentations, mixed-media pieces or scholarly papers as part of the celebration.
"I believe the Eastchester 350th anniversary initiative is helping our students learn about their village and town," said social studies curriculum leader Chris Doyle, who is leading the Bronxville School's efforts. "Many times students have heard stories about famous people, events or structures, but now, through this celebration, they can become the historians and can help shape future knowledge about our community."
The exhibition of student work will take place at 6 p.m. April 3 in the multipurpose room of the Bronxville School building.
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