On January 26th, the eighth grade students had the opportunity to share with the community their project “Our Nations Generations: Sustainable Cities” at the Fairfield Museum and History Center. Their exhibit will remain until April 22nd.

The project began in the fall when eighth grade students from Unquowa were paired with fifth grade students from New Beginnings Family Academy. They studied Bridgeport history, selected lots or buildings that required revitalization and applied sustainable practices in developing a proposal to revitalize the area. These proposals were paired with drawings, computer generated renderings, poetry and photographs taken during a walking tour of the area. The project allowed students to use their problem solving skills in order to address the need for urban planning. Students proudly shared their work and enjoyed discussing their ideas.

The Exhibit opening was well attended by students, teachers, parents, relatives and community members. Also in attendance were Jay Mesencik and Geralene Valentine, photographers who instructed the students on what to look for when taking pictures of architecture, and Charles Brilvitch and Craig Norton who assisted the students in their walking tour of Bridgeport.

We look forward to next year’s project which will center around the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and historical and contemporary issues related to this document.