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.