On Tuesday November 21, 2023, Ms. Kathryn Humphrey’s art class and Mr. Andrew Austing’s AP African American Studies class took a day trip to Washington D.C to visit museums.
The trip began at 7am where the Bel Air students and staff met outside of school to get on a charter bus. From school, it was about an hour or two bus ride to D.C. On the bus students and teachers alike enjoyed the company and conversation. While on the bus they were able to see the Capital, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial.
The first museum visited was the African American Museum, a museum that showcases all the history of African Americans from the beginning of slavery, to civil rights, to the present day. Starting from the basement, there were slavery and African artifacts. The bottom levels revealed the darker part of history whereas the top floors displayed black excellence and culture. It showcased art, music, and talent of African Americans.
“It was a very eye-opening experience.” says Alexis Madden, a student of the AP African American studies class. The trip was very impactful for all. Since slavery is taught through videos and lessons, to her the reality came to life in the museum. The museum showcased the rawness of it all, no censorship. In the deeper levels of the museum, you can hear the waves and voices of the enslaved, leaving you to listen to it in reverence. “That’s why I appreciate this museum, you can see the struggle and look towards the light,” Madden expressed.
The next leg of the D.C trip was the Philips Art Collection. The museum was initially Philip’s family collection of paintings in their home. Duncan Philips was a published art critic who expanded the collection significantly. He had a room specially built over in the north wing of the family home which opened in 1921 as America’s first Modern Art Museum. It provided a public gallery space since art at the time was shunned and not publicly accepted. Over time the collection grew, exceeding over 600 works. With public demand, the Philips family had to move to a new home in 1930 to turn the entire 21st Street residence into a full art museum.
The trip came to an end after the Philips Museum. Everyone that went felt like the day was well spent. They gained knowledge and new perspectives, had fun connecting with their peers, and riding in a comfortable bus ride. On the way back, the bus was silent like nap time in Kindergarten. Everyone had mellowed out after a long day of fun. Overall, it was a great trip to remember.