East End Field Trip Gives Students Insight into Long Island’s Past

Riverhead High School ACE History of Long Island Students Explore the Rich History of the North Fork

RIVERHEAD, NEW YORK (OCTOBER 2023) — Riverhead High School students enrolled in the Accelerated College Education (ACE) History of Long Island course discovered the rich and abundant history of Long Island’s North Fork on a recent field trip led by Riverhead High School social studies teachers Alison Bauernfeind, Samantha Mallahy and Garrett Moore. The students enjoyed a ride on the Sea Jet, courtesy of the Cross Sound Ferry, where they sailed to view eight different lighthouses and historic sites around the waters of Plum Gut, Gardiners Bay, the Long Island Sound, the New London Harbor and the Fishers Island Sound.

“This field trip was a hands-on adventure for our History of Long Island students to explore the significance of the East End lighthouses and witness the pivotal role these lighthouses played in shaping the region’s maritime identity,” said Ms. Mallahy, instructor of the ACE History of Long Island course. “Students were able to foster a deep connection to their local heritage and develop an appreciation for the importance of preserving historical landmarks.”

ACE History of Long Island is a Stony Brook University dual enrollment course offered to juniors and seniors at Riverhead High School. The full-year class meets on alternative days and provides students with three Stony Brook University credits. The course engages students in an exploration of U.S. history through the lens of Long Island’s past from colonial times to the present. Prominent lesson topics include Long Island’s Native Americans, colonial settlements, the development of towns and counties, the American Revolution, slavery, whaling, farming, the Long Island Railroad, suburbanization and modern cultural, social and economic developments.

“On our trip, students were able to foster a deep connection to their local heritage and develop an appreciation for the importance of preserving historical landmarks,” said Ms. Mallahy.

In addition to the Sea Jet ride, the group toured various historic locations along the North Fork and gained knowledge of the stories of Mieg’s Raid, Founder’s Landing and other North Fork lore. ACE History of Long Island students regularly enjoy a great deal of historically-rich field trips throughout the school year. In the past, students have taken trips to Old Bethpage Village Restoration, the Suffolk County Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium, the Montauk Lighthouse and Morton’s Wildlife Refuge. The District is excited to continue the tradition of these engaging field trips to teach students about the history that lives right in their backyards.

Riverhead High School students in the ACE History of Long Island course learn about their region’s history from Riverhead High School social studies teacher Garrett Moore

Riverhead High School students enjoy a ride on the Sea Jet, exploring different lighthouses and locations in the waters around the North Fork

From left, Riverhead High School social studies teachers Alison Bauernfeind, Samantha Mallahy and Garrett Moore teachers lead the ACE History of Long Island class on their trip

Riverhead High School students explore the waters and beaches of the North Fork

Riverhead High School students excitedly travel on the ACE History of Long Island field trip