To sum up today in one word it would be dehydrated. My jaw was on the floor from all the unbelievable monuments, people, and performance that we experienced today.

We started the day all the way downtown at Federal Hall, which where George Washington took the inaugural oath to become President.  It was a remarkable building inspired by Greek architecture, that still makes you feel miniscule even though towering skyscrapers surround it.  As we entered the building it was hard to not be overcome with shock and amazement at how young our country is, that these artifacts and buildings that are still around are barely over 300 years old. As incredible as it is, it is also saddening. We have these artifacts and building that will continue to outlive generation after generation, but with each passing of generation the knowledge and care for these things pass.  “No, no way”, you may say, but think about your hometown there are probably historic buildings there, but why are they going to be preserved for the rest of time? Do you know their story? It is a sad thought that these gaps could easily be solved if history was taught through stories and not just dates and names.

IMG_2438

After walking the halls that our founding fathers walked in Federal Hall, we made our way to the African Burial Ground National Memorial. The African Burial Ground National Memorial was founded in 1991 when the construction of the Federal Office caused the rediscovery of thousands of free and enslaved Africans remains. From about 1690s until 1794, Africans were buried in a 6.6-arce burial ground in Lower Manhattan, outside the boundaries of the settlement of New Amsterdam, later known as New York. As New York grew the land was taken over for landfill and development purposes.

The museum was small but filled with energy and emotion. We met Rawlins, the park ranger, who shared stories and facts about African history in New York. He was such a kind man that was ecstatic to find us so interested in history, because we can’t keep being a prisoner of the present and sweeping our past under the rug. Instead we need to learn and understand our past in order to grow and create revolutions that are much needed now. Without the knowledge of the past we will continue to run into the wind instead of utilizing its strengths. He wasn’t the only person we met today that eyes lit up when they started to talk about our country’s history. We also met with the Vice President of the AHA Society, Nicole Scholet-de Villavicencio. She is a young, vibrant woman whose heart is filled with the love of the past. Luckily she was able to take us on a quick tour of St. Paul’s Cathedral and share other stories of her life and other information on Hamilton.

Before we knew it was time to see “Hamilton”. When you enter the theatre you are hit with a rush of excitement and adrenaline because the crowd you have to push through in the main lobby was huge.  Once we got to our seats, we were overcome with excitement because couldn’t believe that we were there about to experience this play that we have only dreamed of for the past five months. It wasn’t just us who were freaking out; every person would scream a little as they got their seat even the girls whose seats were legitimately against the back wall in the nose bleeds. Everyone person was in shock that they were there.

The play was nothing like our dreams, because “Hamilton” surpassed all of our dreams by a million billion times infinity. We have only listened to the soundtrack, but the soundtrack does not do the live play justice. The way the actors brought each character to life with subtle gestures, and the fluctuation of their voices completely changed the play. They were able to create this connection between the characters and the audience, and most importantly make each person feel connected with the people around them. I have never experienced a performance that had every person fully engaged, invested, and in sync the entire time, that when it ended the theatre was silent. It took every audience member on a emotional roller coaster, that pushed you to think of our country’s history and today’s current political scene. That by the end everyone was moved and stunned by the pure genius and power of “Hamilton”.

Just as the applause seized Kaimara was up and determined to meet the cast. I was still in shock and amazement but before I knew it Kaimara talked to the stage door manager, told him our story and got us on stage to take some pictures and meet the cast. It was an overwhelming feeling to stand center stage and imagine being a cast member and every night receive a standing ovation to sold out crowds. Gosh, I can only dream to one day create something that causes people to be so moved and inspired. While on stage we got the opportunity to meet Lin Miranda Manuel, which was incredible (still can’t believe that happened)!!

IMG_2477

When we thought the night couldn’t get any better, when we got home we saw that there was a “Hamilton” hashtag for The State of the Union Address trending (#Ham4SOTU). People were using lyrics from the show and relating them to President Obama’s speech.

IMG_2480 IMG_2479

Which goes to show how “Hamilton” is taking over in the best way possible. It is helping bridge the gap of politics and a young generation to feel connected to something that seems so uninteresting at times. This play helps remind people that others have and still do give their lives for this country, and that we cannot waste our shot of continuing to make our country great. President Obama said it best during the State of the Union Address;

“So, my fellow Americans, whatever you may believe, whether you prefer one party or no party, our collective future depends on your willingness to uphold your obligations as a citizen. To vote. To speak out. To stand up for others, especially the weak, especially the vulnerable, knowing that each of us is only here because somebody, somewhere, stood up for us.”

It has been a full day, and this post couldn’t possibly cover everything (shocking, I know), so don’t forget to check out https://hamiltonwordpresscom.wordpress.com .

Check in tomorrow, when we go to see the play again!!