This summer, we had the opportunity to collaborate with PowerPlay, a NYC-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing the lives of girls through sports. PowerPlay’s mission to empower young women by fostering physical, emotional, and mental growth aligns wonderfully with the Museum’s goals to empower visitors of all ages as leaders and changemakers, inspired by Jackie Robinson’s example of using sports as a platform for advancing social change and racial justice. We were thrilled to host PowerPlay students and staff at the Museum on two separate occasions.

On July 17, we welcomed participants from PowerPlay’s SuperSTARS Leadership Academy (SSLA), led by program manager Geralynn Lane. These high school students, ranging from 9th to 12th grade, took part in our Jackie’s Legacy, Your Leadership program, where they explored the core character traits and values Jackie Robinson embodied—such as resilience—both on and off the baseball field. Through a guided tour, collaborative group work, and hands-on activities, the students learned how Robinson’s journey transcended sports, leaving a lasting impact on the fight for equality and civil rights. At the conclusion of the program, these emerging leaders reflected on how they could continue Robinson’s legacy by speaking out and making a difference in their schools and communities today.

Teaming up with Gotham FC’s Abby Smith

The following week, we welcomed PowerPlay’s STARS Series cohort of elementary and middle school students led by program manager Brandi Daniels. The day was made extra special with the participation of Abby Smith, NJ/NY Gotham FC’s goalie and one of the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) top athletes. Abby’s visit added excitement and energy to the day as she accompanied the girls on a short-guided tour of the museum and supported them in a fun scavenger hunt. The girls had fun independently exploring the galleries for clues and learning more about Jackie Robinson’s life.

View a video recap of Abby’s visit with PowerPlay.

 

After the scavenger hunt, the Summer STARS had the chance to express their creativity by designing murals about how Jackie Robinson inspires them. Abby was right there beside them, encouraging and guiding them in their artistic expressions. Through this activity, the girls reflected on themes of resilience and overcoming obstacles, with many showcasing various ways Jackie Robinson did that as an athlete, activist, businessman, and engaged citizen. Abby is Gotham FC’s nominee for the NWSL’s Lauren Holiday Impact Award, which recognizes outstanding community service by a player from each of the league’s teams.

Fan voting for the Lauren Holiday Impact Award is open during the month of October! Place your vote to support Abby as the Fan Vote Winner!

Fall Visit Welcomes Staten Island Families

This weekend, we continued our partnership by welcoming 40 participants and their parents from the PowerPlay’s Staten Island sites to the Museum. Families took part in our interactive scavenger hunt that highlighted Jackie Robinson’s legacy as both an athlete and an activist. They also enjoyed a themed photo booth featuring Jackie Robinson and fun baseball props. To top off the experience, everyone shared lunch together.

These visits certainly highlighted the power of sports, education, and mentorship in empowering the next generation of leaders. It was inspiring to see everyone engage with Jackie Robinson’s story while being mentored by one of today’s top athletes like Abby Smith. We are grateful for PowerPlay’s partnership and look forward to future collaborations that continue to inspire, educate, and uplift young women.

After a fantastic school year in 2023-24, the education team at the Jackie Robinson Museum is back and ready to jump into a new school year! Check out highlights on what we have to offer this year—at the Museum and in your classroom!

Field Trips

Last school year was our first full school year of field trip programming at the Jackie Robinson Museum and we enjoyed visits from schools across New York City and beyond. This year, we can’t wait to welcome old friends and new faces to participate in our school field trips. Book a visit for Jackie’s Legacy, Your Leadership (Grades 2-12), in which students learn about the leadership traits that contributed to Jackie Robinson’s success while discovering similar traits within themselves, or Jackie Robinson Explorers (Grades 1-6), which helps students develop museum skills like inquiry and observation, all while learning about Jackie Robinson’s impact as an all-around athlete, activist, and family man.

Not a school group? Not a problem! These programs are also great for your sports team, after-school program, or enrichment group. We can also accommodate groups looking for a self-guided experience, with reduced admission available for school groups.

What Teachers Are Saying

Whichever program you choose, it is sure to be an enriching experience, but don’t take our word for it. Here’s what teachers are saying:

“Watching, listening, and actively engaging with the exhibits, my students were enthralled throughout… it was a remarkable experience that left a lasting impact on all of us.”

-Hanaa B., 5th grade

“The breakout group activity was a great way for students to work together to learn more about a specific aspect of Jackie Robinson’s life.”

– Melanya R., 5th grade

“I actually LOVED all parts of it. [The] key is to switch gears – group guided tour, team work scavenger hunt, the “Speak Out” portion…[the educators] knew how to speak to students!”

– Jacek N., High School

 

Curriculum Guides

We also heard from fifth grade teachers implementing EL’s Athlete Leaders of Social Change curriculum unit, so we put together a curriculum guide to help students to make strong connections between the museum field trip experience and the curriculum texts, Sharon Robinson’s Promises to Keep and Jackie Robinson’s 1953 radio essay, “This I Believe: Free Hearts and Minds at Work.” Check it out here or find it on the Leadership field trip page. This guide appears alongside our Civics for All guide, with ideas for all grade levels to connect NYC Public Schools’ Civics for All curriculum with the Museum field trip pre- and post- visit.

 

NEW: Speak Out! Poster Contest

We are excited to launch our Speak Out! Poster Contest, extending the conversation between our team and your class about their power as leaders. In this inaugural year, we invite submissions from 5th graders that have participated in the Jackie’s Legacy, Your Leadership field trip. The contest takes the Speak Out! component of the field trip a step further and allows students to show off their creative side by designing a poster about a social cause they care about. Winning posters will be displayed at the museum for visitors to enjoy and learn from. Head over to the Speak Out! Poster Contest page for competition details, key dates, eligibility and guidelines, with more on the submission process coming later in the year. We can’t wait to see your students’ work!

Find Us Online

We have lots of great content online to support your classroom instruction, complement your field trip, inspire student research, and feed the Jackie Robinson fandom of sports history fans of all ages. Whether you’re looking for pre-visit activities to prepare students for their trip or an activity that will allow students to reflect on what they learned during their visit to the Jackie Robinson Museum, our Educator Resources page is filled with art activities, games, and reading list that will supplement your visit. Want to know even more about Jackie Robinson? You’ll find videos of Jackie Robinson’s daughter, Sharon Robinson, answering some of the most frequently asked questions about her father on our Student and Family Resources page.

The Jackie Robinson Museum celebrated Jackie Robinson Day in April, hosted a professional development workshop for New York City educators in May, and kicked off June with the second installment of the Leveling the Playing Field Panel Series. Find out what you missed and how to stay connected for future events and programs.

Jackie Robinson Day

Jackie Robinson Day is a busy time for us and this year was no different, with our team hosting engagements with Major League Baseball, Jackie Robinson Park, and an exciting stadium-wide activation with the New York Mets at Citi Field.

Museum banners on display at Jackie Robinson Park in Harlem

On April 15, the New York Mets hosted their Black Legacy Game, coinciding with Major League Baseball’s annual Jackie Robinson Day celebration. In attendance was Rachel Robinson, who was honored by the Mets with a special video tribute and flowers delivered by Mets manager Carlos Mendoza and team legend Mookie Wilson. It was a family affair at Citi Field for the Robinsons as Jackie and Rachel’s son, David, and grandson, Busaro, were also in attendance. Busaro threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Butch Huskey, who wore number 42 on the Mets from 1995 to 1998.

The Museum team joined the festivities at Citi Field by organizing various activities for fans throughout the stadium. Museum staff welcomed fans as they entered the Jackie Robinson Rotunda by distributing giveaways like learning guides, pens, and bracelets. Additionally, the Museum staff got fans started on the “Citi Field Challenge,” a stadium-wide scavenger hunt. This interactive activity required fans to explore Citi Field to find clues that would help them answer questions related to Jackie Robinson’s achievements and explore tributes to Robinson at the stadium.

Activities in the Jackie Robinson Rotunda, Citi Field

Located in the Rotunda near Robinson’s iconic number 42, was a “Moves Like Jackie” photo station, providing fans with a fun and engaging opportunity to pose with a larger-than-life image of the baseball legend himself. When it was their turn to step up to the plate, fans were able to select from an array of props, including baseballs, bats, gloves, and Dodgers jerseys, and strike their best Jackie Robinson-inspired poses memorializing their experience at Citi Field.

While the Mets took on the Pittsburgh Pirates on the field, fans could head to another activation table near Shea Bridge in center field. Spectators showed off their Jackie Robinson knowledge by taking a spin at the Museum’s trivia wheel game. Those who succeeded in the trivia challenge had the chance to win one of the many exciting prizes, including Jackie Robinson pins.

Fans celebrate a winning answer at Jackie Robinson Trivia, Citi Field

Overall, the night was a tremendous success with the Mets securing an eighth-inning victory over the Pirates, while the Museum celebrated the life and legacy of Jackie Robinson through engaging activities that captivated thousands of baseball fans in attendance at Citi Field!

Fans lined up for Museum activities at Citi Field

Professional Development for NYC Teachers

At the end of May, the Museum’s Education Department collaborated with the NYC Public Schools’ Social Studies and Civics Department to host a full-day professional development session called “Barrier Breaker: Jackie Robinson and the Activism of Professional Athletes.” This opportunity brought together thirty teachers and administrators from schools across the five boroughs to examine some of the Social Studies Team’s Civics for All curricular resources, including the Barrier Breaker #1 comic which focuses on Jackie Robinson’s life and legacy. The session facilitated discussions on how educators can integrate comic books as source materials and stories of athlete activism into their teaching.

The day began with a tour of the Museum’s exhibitions, led by curator Jennifer Jensen and director of education Samantha Gibson. During this time, participants had the opportunity to explore various artifacts on display, while discussing the historical context surrounding Jackie Robinson’s barrier-breaking journey and the role of athletes in advocating for social change.

Educators tour the Museum

After the Museum tour, participants reconvened in the conference room, where Brian Carlin, Director of the Social Studies Department, facilitated a session on utilizing comic books as primary sources in the classroom. This session seamlessly transitioned into the Education Team’s “Rookie of the Year” comic activity, providing a practical application of the concepts earlier discussed.

Analyzing both a 1948 comic book insert highlighting Robinson’s rookie season and the Barrier Breaker #1 comic, participants worked in small groups to think critically about what additional stories could be incorporated to provide a more comprehensive portrayal of Jackie Robinson’s life during the pivotal period of breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball.

Educators rewrite comic books during the Museum’s professional learning day

The afternoon portion of the professional development session concluded with two insightful sessions led by Jenna Ryall, Director of Civics for All, and Joe Schmidt, Senior Instructional Specialist, who facilitated engaging discussions about civic engagement and baseball history, respectively.

Overall, the workshop provided valuable insights regarding the intersection of between sports, activism, and civic engagement and equipped educators with the tools and knowledge necessary to inspire their students and foster a deeper understanding of this intersection through their lessons.

Leveling the Playing Field: Women in Soccer

On June 6, the Museum kicked off the second installment of the Leveling the Playing Field series with a panel discussion on Women in Soccer. An all-star lineup of women, who have been breaking barriers and making a difference in their respective professions, came to together to share their stories on the changing landscape of the world’s game today.

(L to R) Moderator Renee Washington with panelists Bekah Salwasser, Kia McNeill, Darian Jenkins, and Danita Johnson

Renee Washington, PHLY Sports host and ESPN and NWSL Analyst, moderated an inspirational panel full of wisdom and humor shared by Darian Jenkins, Broadcast analyst, former NWSL player, and member of the Black Women’s Player Collective; Danita Johnson, President, Business Operations of DC United; Kia McNeill, Head Coach of Women’s Soccer at Brown University; and Bekah Salwasser, Executive Director of the Red Sox Foundation and former professional soccer player for the Boston Breakers.

With topics ranging from affordability and access issues for young soccer players to career pathways for players transitioning to the world of business, the panelists offered honest and transparent insights into the challenges they have faced as women of color in the sport. However, they also provided the audience with a sense of hope and positivity, conveying that the best is yet to come for the game of soccer. Despite the obstacles, the panelists’ experiences and perspectives highlighted the potential for continued progress, greater inclusivity, and more opportunities for young girls and women to pursue their dreams in the beautiful game.

The Museum has been bustling and busy as we continue to share the legacy of Jackie Robinson with a growing audience through our programming. Make sure to sign up for our mailing list and keep an eye on Programs and Events to find out what’s up next!

 

Video transcripts available: Bekah Salwasser (clip 1), Darian Jenkins (clip 2)

The Jackie Robinson Museum kicked off 2024 with several great programs for audiences of all ages and interests.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the Museum held special guided tours, games, art activities, and a music workshop to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. King and to showcase the friendship and collaboration between him and Jackie Robinson in their shared fight against inequality.

The first stop for most visitors was our fan favorite trivia wheel in the lobby, which encouraged guests to test their Jackie Robinson knowledge and featured a special category about his partnership with Dr. King. Children and adults alike eagerly played for a chance to win a prize and many even returned on their way out!

Guided tours led by curatorial assistant Sidney Carlson-White highlighted key moments in Robinson and King’s relationship during the Civil Rights Movement, including the high stakes presidential election of 1960 and the Birmingham campaign of 1963.

The Education Center was also bustling with energy as educator Lavita Burr hosted a Music of the Civil Rights Movement workshop. Children created musical instruments, then played them along with freedom songs of the 1960s and jazz performances that were a part of, and inspired by, the movement. The workshop took special inspiration from the Robinson family, including their legendary An Afternoon of Jazz concerts that helped raise money for civil rights organizations like Dr. King’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).

Leveling the Playing Field: Women in Baseball

On January 26, the Museum launched the Leveling the Playing Field series with a panel discussion on Women in Baseball. An all-star lineup of women, who have been breaking barriers and making a difference in their respective professions,  came to together to share their stories and converse on the state of baseball today.

Shakeia Taylor, Deputy Senior Content Editor at the Chicago Tribune and baseball historian, moderated an inspirational panel full of candor and wisdom shared by A.J. Andrews, Pro Softball Player & MLB Network Host; Amber Sabathia, CAA Baseball Agent and Co-Founder & Executive Director of the PitCCh In Foundation; Mo’ne Davis, Aspiring Women’s Sports Owner, former Little League World Series pitcher; and Wendy Lewis, former Senior VP, Diversity and Strategic Alliances, Major League Baseball.

The Leveling the Playing Field series will continue to bring together women of color to discuss critical issues on and off the field, with each session focusing on a different sport and its social impact through an intersectional lens of race and gender. Next up: soccer!

Parent Coordinator Experience

We ended January by collaborating with the New York City Department of Education’s Office of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) to welcome twenty-five Parent Coordinators from several school districts to tour the Museum and learn more about our programming and special events.

Overall, the year is starting off great as we continue to share the legacy of Jackie Robinson with new audiences through our programming. Check out Programs and Events to find out what’s up next!

The Jackie Robinson Museum welcomed visitors of all ages and some very special guests during November public programs, which kicked off with Fall Fun Community Day. Taking place just days after the Texas Rangers won the World Series, Fall Fun Day paid tribute to Jackie Robinson’s all-star baseball career. Visitors enjoyed museum tours highlighting Robinson’s path to the Dodgers, a showcase of artifacts including trading cards and World Series programs and craft activities exploring Robinson’s legacy. The highlights of the day were undoubtedly its special guests. Sonya Pankey Robinson, the eldest grandchild of Jackie and Rachel Robinson, delighted visitors – children and adults alike – with a reading of Testing the Ice by her aunt, Sharon Robinson.

Ms. Pankey Robinson was also joined by none other than her grandmother, Mrs. Rachel Robinson, who greeted visitors at the event.

The following week, the Museum had the pleasure of hosting a screening of award-nominated documentary, It Ain’t Over, about the legacy of baseball legend Yogi Berra. Arriving guests had the opportunity to tour the Museum and even got a sneak peek at a few object highlights from the collection. Following the screening, Howard Bryant (author and senior writer, ESPN) joined Lindsay Berra (granddaughter of Yogi Berra, sports journalist, and film producer) and Sean Mullin (director of It Ain’t Over) to discuss the intersecting careers and legacies of Robinson and Berra—from wartime service experiences during World War II to their enduring resonance as pop culture icons whose legacies transcend sports.

On Robinson and Berra’s famous collision at home plate in Game One of the 1955 World Series, the panelists looked beyond the question of “safe or out?” Bryant reflected:

“In baseball, we talk about numbers, numbers, numbers. But moments are what we remember in the sport. To have the greatest catcher against the greatest base stealer in the World Series… to have that moment endure the way that it does. I love that touch.”

Berra added that despite their famous dispute that day, her grandfather had tremendous respect for Robinson as a player.

“Speed pushes people…out of your comfort zone…it forces everyone to be a little bit miserable. And Jackie was so good at that.”

Sharpen your pencils! It’s a new school year and the Museum’s Education Team is thrilled to share a number of new resources for educators, students, and families.  

FIELD TRIPS

We hope your first stop will be to book a visit to the Museum! Our signature field trip Jackie’s Legacy, Your Leadership (Grades 2-12) invites students to explore Jackie Robinson’s core leadership traits and how he used them at key moments in his life, on and off the field. New for this school year is Jackie Robinson Explorers (Grades 1-6), which helps students hone their inquiry and observation skills as they piece together Robinson’s actions as an athlete, activist, family man and more. If you already have plans or don’t see your date on the calendar, book a self-guided visit instead.

Now booking for the fall with additional spots opening on a rolling basis.

NEW TIMELINE AND LEARNING GUIDE

Field trips are just the beginning! We have also revamped our popular Timeline and Learning Guide Booklet to showcase one-of-a-kind artifacts from the Museum, embedded discussion questions to prompt critical thinking, and the same rich depth of content on Jackie Robinson’s life and legacy. We think you’re going to love it. View it online or complete this form to request a set for your classroom.

ONLINE RESOURCES

Along with the print booklets, we have launched new resources on our website for educators, students and families. Classroom materials including videos, games, and more have a new home on the Educator Resources page, perfect for prep before your Museum visit or to complement your in-class instruction. Students and families, start your exploration (or that Jackie Robinson research project) with the Student FAQs and video content on the Student and Family Resources page.