Union City High School transformed its classrooms into a living history book this week, offering students an immersive day of learning that bridged the past with the present. Under the guidance of educators committed to experiential education, the school’s annual “Engaging Day of History” initiative went beyond textbooks, blending interactive workshops, cultural explorations, and even a culinary journey to one of America’s most iconic cities. For the students and faculty involved, the day was not just about dates and events—it was about making history tangible, relatable, and unforgettable.
The centerpiece of the experience was a carefully curated field trip to Philadelphia, a city where American history is not just taught but lived. Students explored Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed, and the Liberty Bell, a symbol of freedom that has echoed through centuries of struggle and progress. But the day’s most talked-about moment came when the group gathered at Pat’s King of Steaks, a Philadelphia institution renowned for its authentic cheesesteaks—a dish that embodies the city’s multicultural roots and culinary creativity.
Why Philadelphia? The city’s layered history—from Revolutionary War battlegrounds to its role as a melting pot of immigration—made it the perfect backdrop for a day designed to teach students how history shapes identity, community, and even the food we eat. “This isn’t just a field trip. it’s a chance to see how history influences everyday life,” said Principal Michael Rivera, whose school has made experiential learning a cornerstone of its curriculum. “When students stand in the same room where the Founding Fathers debated, or taste a cheesesteak made with the same recipes that have fed generations, they connect to the past in a way no lecture ever could.”
Pat’s King of Steaks, located at 1219 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, has been a Philadelphia staple since 1933, serving what many consider the city’s most iconic sandwich. The cheesesteak—a simple yet transformative dish of sliced beefsteak and melted cheese on a long roll—is more than fast food; it’s a testament to Philadelphia’s Italian and Jewish immigrant communities, who adapted local ingredients into something entirely new. For the students of Union City High, the experience was a lesson in cultural fusion, resilience, and the power of tradition.
The day’s activities were designed to align with state and national education standards, particularly in U.S. History and civics. Workshops led by local historians and reenactors allowed students to engage in role-playing exercises, such as debating the Articles of Confederation or interviewing “eyewitnesses” to key historical events. Meanwhile, a partnership with the Philadelphia Freedom Trail provided guided tours that highlighted the city’s role in the abolitionist movement and civil rights struggles.
Beyond the Textbook: How Union City High Is Redefining History Education
Union City High’s approach to history education is part of a broader trend in K-12 schools across the U.S., where educators are increasingly turning to experiential and place-based learning to combat what many describe as a “crisis of disengagement” among students. According to a 2023 report by the Education Week Research Center, only 28% of high school students in the U.S. Say they are “particularly interested” in history, a decline attributed to traditional teaching methods that prioritize memorization over understanding. Union City High’s initiative is a response to that challenge, using real-world contexts to make history relevant.
For example, the school’s partnership with the National Park Service allowed students to analyze primary documents from the Library of Congress, such as letters from Revolutionary War soldiers or speeches by abolitionists, and then discuss their implications in small groups. “We’re not just teaching them what happened,” explained History Teacher Elena Carter. “We’re teaching them how to think like historians—to ask questions, challenge narratives, and see history as a living process.”
The cheesesteak experience, while seemingly lighthearted, was carefully integrated into the curriculum as a case study in cultural anthropology. Students researched the origins of the dish, tracing its evolution from Italian immigrants’ street food to a global phenomenon, and discussed how food can serve as a bridge between cultures. “It’s a great example of how history isn’t just about battles and politics,” said Carter. “It’s about people—how they adapt, create, and leave legacies that last.”
The Role of Philadelphia in Shaping American Identity
Philadelphia’s significance in American history cannot be overstated. As the birthplace of the nation’s founding documents, the city has long been a pilgrimage site for history enthusiasts. But its role extends far beyond the Revolutionary era. Philadelphia was also a key hub for the Underground Railroad, home to the first public school in the U.S., and a center for early industrial innovation. For Union City High students, the trip was an opportunity to explore these layers of history firsthand.
One of the day’s highlights was a visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where students examined artifacts from the city’s diverse communities, including works by African American artists and pieces from the city’s vibrant Asian American heritage. “Art is another form of historical record,” noted Art Teacher Marcus Lee. “It tells us about values, struggles, and triumphs in ways that words alone can’t.”
The trip also included a stop at the Independence Visitor Center, where students participated in a mock Constitutional Convention. Divided into groups representing different colonial interests, they debated the structure of government, the balance of power, and the role of individual rights—experiences that brought the Founding Fathers’ debates to life. “When you’re arguing over whether to have a unicameral or bicameral legislature, you start to understand why the Constitution looks the way it does,” said Senior Jake Rodriguez, who played the role of a delegate from a smaller colony.
Culinary History: The Cheesesteak as a Cultural Symbol
The culinary component of the trip was designed to illustrate how food reflects and shapes history. Pat’s King of Steaks, founded by Pat Olivieri in 1933, is part of a long tradition of Italian-American eateries that transformed Philadelphia’s food culture. The cheesesteak’s origins are debated—some credit Geno’s Steaks (another Philadelphia institution), while others argue it emerged spontaneously in the city’s Italian neighborhoods—but its impact is undeniable.
For the students, the experience was a lesson in authenticity in both history and cuisine. “When you eat a cheesesteak at Pat’s, you’re not just having a sandwich,” said Culinary Arts Teacher Sofia Martinez. “You’re tasting a piece of Philadelphia’s story—its immigration history, its working-class roots, and its creativity.” The group even had the opportunity to meet with the restaurant’s current owner, who shared stories of how the cheesesteak has evolved over the decades, from a quick lunch for laborers to a gourmet staple served alongside craft beer.
To deepen the connection, students compared the cheesesteak to other regional dishes, such as New York’s pizza or Chicago’s deep-dish pizza, discussing how each reflects the cultural identity of its city. “Food is a universal language,” Martinez added. “It tells us who we are, where we come from, and how we’ve changed over time.”
Student Reactions: Making History Personal
The feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive. Many described the day as eye-opening, particularly the shift from passive learning to active participation. “I used to think history was just about memorizing dates,” said Sophomore Priya Patel. “But standing in Independence Hall and then eating a cheesesteak made me realize history is everywhere—even in the food we eat.”
Others appreciated the opportunity to engage with history in a way that felt relevant to their lives. Junior Tyler Chen, who is of Chinese and Italian descent, found the cheesesteak discussion particularly meaningful. “My grandparents used to talk about how food brought them together with their neighbors, even when they spoke different languages,” he said. “That’s what we’re doing here—connecting through history, even if it’s through a sandwich.”
Principal Rivera emphasized that the goal was not just to teach facts but to foster a lifelong curiosity about the world. “We want our students to leave Union City High not just knowing history, but understanding its power to shape their futures,” he said. “Whether it’s through a document, a reenactment, or a cheesesteak, we’re giving them tools to ask questions and make their own connections.”
Looking Ahead: Expanding Experiential Learning
Union City High’s “Engaging Day of History” is part of a pilot program that the school hopes to expand in the coming years. Plans are already underway to incorporate similar trips to other historically rich cities, such as Boston (for its role in the American Revolution) and New Orleans (for its unique blend of French, Spanish, and African American cultures). The school is also exploring partnerships with local museums and historical societies to create more in-depth, year-long programs.
For now, the success of the Philadelphia trip has inspired discussions about how to integrate experiential learning into other subjects, from science (through field trips to research labs) to literature (by visiting authors’ homes and archives). “The key is making sure every student has the chance to see their own story reflected in what they’re learning,” said Rivera. “History isn’t just about the past—it’s about how we move forward together.”
Key Takeaways: Why This Approach Works
- History becomes tangible: Experiential learning allows students to interact with primary sources, artifacts, and real-world locations, making abstract concepts concrete.
- Cultural connections matter: Food, art, and architecture serve as bridges to understanding diverse histories and identities.
- Active participation boosts engagement: Role-playing, debates, and discussions help students develop critical thinking skills beyond rote memorization.
- Local partnerships enhance learning: Collaborations with museums, historical societies, and businesses provide resources and expertise that enrich the curriculum.
- History is everywhere: From cheesesteaks to constitutional debates, students learn that history is not confined to textbooks but is part of daily life.
- Future expansion is planned: Union City High aims to scale this model to other subjects and destinations, ensuring a well-rounded, experiential education for all students.
The next step for Union City High will be to share its findings and methodologies with other schools through workshops and publications. The district is also exploring grants to fund similar programs for underfunded schools, ensuring that all students have access to this transformative approach to education.
For now, the students of Union City High can reflect on their day with a newfound appreciation for history—and perhaps a renewed love for cheesesteaks. As Senior Maria Gonzalez put it: “History isn’t just something that happened a long time ago. It’s alive, and it’s all around us.”
We’d love to hear your thoughts on experiential learning! Share your experiences or ideas for bringing history to life in the comments below. And if you’ve visited Philadelphia, tell us: What’s the most meaningful historical site you’ve explored?