Chicago
Decades of Immigrants
Immigration is a real, protracted, and emotionally-laden political and personal conversation happening in the US, in the past, in the now, and in the future. We all come from somewhere. For some, that path is known. For others, that path is speculation, sorrow, mandated or miraculous. War, employment, family… all of these – and many other – reasons that motivate one to set forth, with or without family, into the unknown. This trip will explore the story of immigrants and refugees to the USA, in the 19th and 20th centuries, that came to NYC and then move forward into the “US City of the 20th Century”, Chicago.
Over the Long Winter Weekend, students will explore the stories of those that chose to – or were forced to – leave their homes for the United States. They will travel to Chicago with a one night stop in NYC where they will explore Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. In Chicago, students will visit historic sites and museums while uncovering the many stories of immigration of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Program Notes
- During this trip, students will stay in hotels. Meals will be shared at hotels, restaurants, or picnic-style.
- This travel program takes place during the entirety of Long Winter Weekend. Students will depart campus together on Thursday, Feb. 1 and return to campus together on Feb. 5.
Program Dates
February 1 – 5, 2024 (Long Winter Weekend)
Program Eligibilty
This program is open to all students with a preference towards those who are interested in exploring immigration of the 19th and early 20th centuries. All interested students are encouraged to apply by November 5. Financial Aid is available to all qualifying students.
Faculty Trip Leaders
Jan Flaska; Cindie Fidanza
Approx. Trip Cost: $ 2,100 (*INCLUDES ROUNDTRIP TRANSPORTATION FROM MA TO CHICAGO)
Deerfield Academy’s Center for Service and Global Citizenship strives to make all of our travel programs affordable and accessible for all students while ensuring a high-quality global education experience. While the costs of travel around the world have been rising steadily over the past several years, all of our trips are subsidized, and thanks to the generosity of many we are able to provide robust financial aid for qualifying students.
2024 Preliminary Itinerary
* This itinerary is subject to change
February 1: Departure from Deerfield MA
- Train from Greenfield, MA to NYC
- Hotel check in & settling in
February 2: NYC
- Day visit to the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
- Overnight train to Chicago
February 3: Chicago
- Visit to the Chicago History Museum
- Visit Pilsen neighborhood and National Museum of Mexican Art
- Sacramento Kings at Chicago Bulls (United Center)
February 4: Chicago
- Morning walk in Lincoln Park
- Visit to Dank Haus-German American Cultural Center
- Cooking Class and visit to Gene’s Supermarket
- Visit to the Swedish American Museum
February 5: Travel day from Chicago to Deerfield
- Morning museum visit to T.G. Masaryk Czech School
- Return to Deerfield, MA – Flight to Bradley Airport