The Long Trip was revived in 1998 by Fern Khan, then Dean of Continuing Education, and Carol Hillman, a Bank Street alumna and former Board of Trustees member. Attendees to these "new" Long Trips include students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Bank Street. The fifth of these trips took participants to Helsinki, Finland in 2003.
Visit the 2003 image gallery to see pictures from the trip.
Participants were introduced to the country’s music, arts, culture, industry, education and history. There, music is regarded as a ‘civil right’! In Helsinki, trippers toured the city and learned about life in Finland. They enjoyed visits to Leila Mustanoja’s home for coffee and Poola, a pastry; the Kiasma contemporary art museum where the stunning works of Yinka Shonibare combining ‘disparate traditions’ were on display; the Rock Church where they were invited to refreshments following the baptism of a Congolese baby with her Finnish Godparents, and Sibelius Park, where a sculpture in his honor was made by Ailie, a female sculptress. Chief industries include shipbuilding, paper and hi-tech.
In the Aland Islands, participants stayed in Mariehamn, named after the Empress of Russia. Met at the airport by Johanna Grussner’s father who owns the transportation system. Saw and toured the famous Pommern ship, farmlands growing onions and sugar beet, and learned that no foreigner may buy land in Aland. Visited agricultural, academic and vocational schools all with brightly colored curtains at windows. Students begin school officially in 1st grade and learn 3 languages with English being compulsory. All teachers must have an M.A. to teach. Treated to a special Organ Recital at St. Michaels’ Church, and exceptional hospitality by Johanna’s parents in their historical farmhouse.
To view a timeline and map of the newer Long Trips, visit the Bank Street Continuing Professional Studies site.
