Benjamin A. Gorman
This unit can be used to help illustrate the development of New England towns; New Haven will be the model, showing how people have strived to improve their environment. It can be used in the eighth grade social studies curriculum when studying the Northeast. The unit demonstrates how architecture reflects our human values, and the activities are planned to acquaint students with some of the elements of architecture.
By studying the buildings around the New Haven Green, the city’s purpose in the classic sense can be established. New Haven’s center reflects the Greek emphasis concerning religion, government and the market place. The architecture surrounding the Green is a facade which attempts to make real our dreams of creating a civic place. It is a place of pride where our accomplishments are evidenced in stone, glass, etc. At New Haven’s center, the past is still present in its structures, it still serves our many needs and is a source of civic pride.
The unit provides information for a slide presentation of the city’s buildings around the Green. The slide set is available at the Teachers Institute office.
(Recommended for Social Studies grade 8, Study of Connecticut grade 6, Urban Studies grade 9 and Art grades 9 through 12)
Key Words
Architecture New Haven Connecticut American History
