HISTORICALLY SPEAKING NEW YORK PATCH PROGRAM
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1. In 1789, George Washington was elected the first president of the United States. At that time New York City was the nation's Capital. Locate New York on a map of the United States. What states border it? Locate New York's capital. Identify its state bird, flower and flag.

2. New York has very diverse terrain including several bodies of water and a variety of natural resources. Explore a region of New York. Some examples: Long Island's sand dunes; grazing cattle in Schohaire; snow covered peaks in the Adirondack mountains; ferry boats swishing towards Liberty Island; and sailboats docked along the lake.

3. When Europeans first arrived in New York, Native Americans taught them how to collect maple tree sap. Today, over 300,000 gallons of syrup are harvested every year in New York. Research more about the Native Americans that resided in New York. Choose a tribe to learn more about. What type of housing did they reside in? What crops did they grow? What skills did the children learn? For extra: create a Native American art project or listen to a folk tale.

4. Many Dutch settlers moved to New York in the 1700's. This was just the beginning of settlers that would soon arrive, all from different countries. Today you can see evidence of all these cultures in places such as Chinatown and Little Italy. Choose a culture to learn more about. Try a food, craft, game, OR learn some simple phrases in their language. Examples: German, Dutch, Chinese, and Italian.

5. As the new people moved to New York and began new lives, they also built houses and businesses. Research a job from the 1800's. Does this job still exist, or has it changed due to technology? How has it changed?. Examples: Blacksmith, farmer, baker, trader, merchant, shoemaker or tailor.

6. New Yorker Alexander Hamilton helped to create America's first banking system. This system made New York the financial capital of the nation and started the New York Stok Exchange on Wall Street. Wall Street is still the premier place where Americans can buy and sell stock (pieces of a company). Plan for a trip, set a goal, and budget your spending money OR choose a stock to follow for a week OR play the card game PIT.

7. In the 1800's, factories were built and soon New York City was bursting with businesses. As you ride down streets today, you can see specialized stores that sell purses, buttons and bows, trims, costumes, and flashy jewelry. Visit New York City or learn more about a building, store, or attraction in the city. Examples are: Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, Times Square or any shopping area.

8. New York is known for its talented performers, including musicians, comedians, dancers, and actors. Choose one person to learn more about that resides there or was born in New York OR visit a musical, play, show, or broadway performance in New York. Examples: Jay Leno, Tommy Hilfiger, and The Lion King.

9. New York has many places that celebrate the arts and display the artistic talents of others. View art in New York browse through paintings from sidewalk vendors or shops, look for apples displayed throughout New York City OR create an art project of your own. Art examples: create a watercolor design, sculpt the Empire State Building from materials like clay, cardboard, or Popsicle sticks, or create your own apple design.

10. From stadiums to planetariums there are always things to do in New York. Choose a recreational event to enjoy or explore. Examples are: Marine Museum, Howe Caverns, Musuem of Natural History, Discovery Center or Central Park carriage ride.

11. New York is a state known for its parades and special celebrations. They host over 1,000 festivals, events and parades every year. The topics range from film festivals to Nightmare Hayrides at Halloween. Choose a festival, event or parade to attend or learn more about, such as the Adirondack Balloon Festival, Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, Kite Weekend, or Blueberry Festival. Find out when it is celebrated and why.

12. Skyscrapers, billboards, taxi cab horns, and flashing neon lights; you are in the heart of New York City. There is more to New York City than Manhattan. It is a city surrounded primarily with water and is made up of five regions called bourroughs. These bourroughs are Manhattan, Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. Choose an area to learn more about or visit that area. Where is it located in New York City and what architectural displays, housing, parks, and sites are there to see?

13. New York was the first state to preserve a historic site and establish a state park. Learn more about New York's wildlife by taking a nature hike in New York or visiting a zoo. Zoos are located in most of the large New York cities. You can also complete this through books or internet.

This patch program will help its participants learn more about the history and sites in this state. If you have the privilege of visiting this state, you can complete some of these requirements there. It would be helpful to learn more about the state prior to your visit. Use the library and the internet to research more.