Washington Irving Archive Project

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Washington Irving Archive Project Voter Education

Fifth-grade students from Washington Irving discovered the struggles waged by many groups to gain the right to vote. Elisabeth Hickey’s Challenge Class took on the role of historians as they researched the theme of “Voter Education.”

The students used primary source documents provided by the Rockefeller Archive Center to learn as much as they could about an issue related to voting. On May 9, the students presented their findings in a Gallery Walk set up in the school hallway. Community members stopped by each table and the children presented their research. Then they discussed their findings during a panel discussion.

Hickey said, “This is a new concept for many of them, seeing the opposition to equality in voting.” Students said they were amazed at what they learned.

“It surprised me how racist people were and how they had to fight for equal rights,” said Sebastian Londono. He studied the role of the NAACP and voter education.

Greenburgh/White Plains NAACP President Janice Griffith visited the gallery and said, “I am amazed at what these young children are doing and proud that their teachers are teaching them.” She is grateful the fifth-graders recognized the need for people to vote and how the NAACP contributed. “I hope they vote and have open minds.”

Other students studied the role of the League of Women Voters. “The most interesting thing is how the League of Women Voters communicated with flyers and they still do that today,” said student Lalar Rajpurphit. “Everyone should be treated equally, no matter what gender or skin color.”

Susan Schwarz, First Vice-President of the League of Women Voters of Westchester County said, “ I hope they will always remember they have a stake in democracy. It gives me hope. They are so smart, and they have such wonderful and creative questions. Their enthusiasm is catching.”

Annadele Dyott studied The Voter Education Project affected black turnout.

“I really enjoyed learning about America’s History,” said Maddie Choi “It does make me a little frustrated that America went through these phases and how difficult it is was for people to get the right to vote.”

Students then had the opportunity to present their research to archivists at the Rockefeller Archive Center the next day where they met with RAC President, Jack Meyers and Director of Research and Education, Barbara Shubinski.

Students and archivists saw first-hand how history remains alive and influences the world.

Photos: Elizabeth Berkowitz & Grace Noone; Editor: Grace Noone

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