ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CITY HISTORY CLUB OF NEW YORK CITY. - 1897-98. Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library Gift of Seymour B. Durst Old York Library ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CITY HISTORY CLUB OF NEW YORK CITY. 1897-98. Objects. " The City History Club has for its object the study of the History of the City of New York, in the hope of awak- ening an interest in its traditions and in the possibilities of its future, such educational work being for the improve- ment, uplifting and civic betterment of the community." methods. The work has been conducted through four channels : 1. A NORMAL CLASS. 2. GENERAL CLASSES. 3. PUBLIC LECTURES. 4. MONTHLY PUBLICATIONS. Officers, Mrs. Robert Abbe, President, 11 West 50th Street. Mrs. Charles Havens Royce, Secretary. Miss Abbe, Treasurer, 489 West End Avenue. €xecuttue Committee. The Officers. Miss Elsie Clews. Miss M. M. Kingsbury. Miss E. G. Sebring. Mrs. S. C. Van Duzen. normal CeacDer, Frank Bergen Kelley, A. M., Ph. D. (Head of the De- partment of History, Columbia Grammar School), 34 East 51st Street. 1 Membership, Any resident of Greater New York, who is in sympathy with the aims of the City History Club, may become a member. Annual members. Any person may become an Annual Member by the pay- ment of 50 cents a year. £ife members. Any person may become a Life Member by the payment of $10. founders. Any person may become a Founder by the payment of of $100. Junior members. Pupils in the General Classes may become Junior Mem- bers by the purchase of the club badge. Price, 5 cents. 2 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CITY HISTORY CLUB OF NEW YORK CITY. The object of the City History Club is the development of popular interest in the study of local history. The requirements for membership are so broad that any one may become a member and share in the benefits of the Club. The first aim of the Club is to awaken intelligent and active interest in the traditions of our own city. It is not in- tended to make antiquarians of the members, although a cer- tain amount of antiquarian research has been stimulated. With this aim in mind, both geography and history have been taught, in order to show the physical reasons for New York's greatness. Local maps have been specially prepared for the Club, the origin of historic names has been traced, and particu- lar attention given to the sections of the city near the homes of the pupils. Plans have been made for excursions to points of interest about the city. These excursions have aroused an interest among the Club members, awakening a desire for more knowledge of the events of local history, and a more profound respect for those who have advanced the interests of the city, state and nation. The second and chief aim of the Club is " the improve- ment, uplifting, and civic betterment of the community.' * " History is past politics, and politics future history." There- fore, a proper study of history should lead the student to a philosophic understanding of cause and effect, of the value of past experience in the conduct of civic affairs. Old laws bearing on present political and economic questions have been studied with particular reference to their inception and resultant action on the community. The present city govern- ment has been described, and its similarity to, and intimate connection with, the state and national government graphic- ally explained. Special attention has been given to the prac- tical workings of the several city departments, with the idea of teaching pupils that the city belongs to its citizens, and that good government should be wisely, economically and unselfishly administered of, "for and by the people." Par- tisan politics have been ignored, but civil service reform and non-partisanship in municipal affairs have been inculcated. Since the work has been largely experimental and unique in its methods, it is difficult to say definitely how nearly these objects have been attained. Moreover, the best results of such endeavor lie below the surface, and may not appear in full fruition for many years. Still, results have been obtained and encouraging reports have been received from nearly all classes. Interest is particularly strong among the junior members, as evidenced by regular attendance, earnest atten- tion and eagerness to learn. Without the faithful co-operation of the volunteer teachers the work would have been impossible, and much praise is due to their untiring energy and zeal. Che normal Class. The Normal Class is composed of Club members who have been willing 1 to teach one or more classes and to attend the fortnightly teachers' meetings. Thirteen such meetings have been held on alternate Mondays at the home of the President. The Normal Teacher has presided, giving particular attention to methods of teaching rather than to historical facts. Much illustrative matter has been pre- sented in the effort to adapt the topics to the various sorts of classes. Several teachers' conferences have been held in connection with the Normal Class at the close of its ses- sions, when plans of work have been discussed, successful methods presented and many helpful suggestions made. Syllabi of the courses and of the separate lessons have been supplied, and the following graphic material has been furnished for the use of teachers and classes: thirty thou- sand pictures, illustrating the history of the city ; one thou- sand five hundred colored maps of Greater New York ; three hundred large maps for class-rooms ; one thousand note- books, and many mechanical appliances for class-room work, including reglets, crayons, klyps and keys, spring clothes- pins, etc. 5 Course of Study, 1897=1898* 1. " Physical and political geography of Greater New York." 2. "Greater New York Charter ; comparison of City, State and Federal Government." 3. " Bird's-eye view of the history of New York City and the chief elements of its growth and development." 4. " The Indians of New York and their early relations with the French, Dutch and English." 5. " Period of discovery and early trade in New Netherland. Review of chief events in the discovery and opening of America to European Influences." 6. " The Netherlands and New Netherland. Colonial policies of Spain, France, England and The Nether- lands compared." 7. " The four Dutch Governors. 1626-1664." 8. "A view of New Amsterdam in 1664. The debt of America to the Dutch Republic." 9. " Early English period. General view of the English colonies in America. 1664-1701." 10. Struggles toward freedom ; the French and Indian wars ; the Assemblies versus the Royal Governors. 1701- 1761." 11. "Struggles toward freedom; the People versus Parlia- ment. 1761-1776." 12. "New York in the Revolution. 1775-1783." 13. "Development of the State and Federal Constitutions." 14. " The free city ; New York, the capital. 1783-1807." 15. "The War of 181 2 and the beginnings of New York's commercial greatness. 1807-1837." 16. " Period of great expansion. New York in the Civil War. 1837-1867." 17. " New York, the metropolis. 1867-1898." 18. "The administration of the city, with a special study of two city departments." 19. "Some city institutions: the parks, museums, and the libraries." 20. " Civil service reform and good government." The Club is indebted to the following for special lessons in connection with the Normal Class : 6 Mrs. F. B. Kelley, "Factors of New York's greatness." Mrs. S. C. Van Dusen, " The Defenses of New York." Mr. George McAneny, "Civil Service Reform." " Mrs. C. F. Spaulding, " A Sample L csson " tli c Andrew McGowan Class being present and giving part of the pro- gram of an entertainment recently held by them. ficiicral Classes. Number of classes May, 1898 May, 1897 Net gain 70 38 Classes reorganized during 1897 and 1898. . . New classes organized during 1897 and 1898 Total membership in general classes 32 1,400 7 Remarks. Graduated. Gave entertain nient. 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