ASHLEY SEMRICK
Educator - Public Historian - Tour Guide
Hello! I'm Ashley Hawk Semrick.
I am a public historian and veteran classroom educator who has been teaching in New York City classrooms and museums for over fifteen years. Endlessly passionate about the connection between historic sites, social studies, literacy, and art, I specialize in the inquiry model to generate student curiosity and engagement in the classroom, in museum galleries, and while giving tours throughout the city.Â
When not teaching in my 4th grade classroom, I visit classrooms all over New York City as a costumed interpreter and educator, portraying Emily Roebling and talking about bridge science in support of their Brooklyn Bridge social studies units. See the "Meet Emily Roebling" tab above for more information or to book a visit with Emily!
My public-facing history work is focused on late 19th and early 20th century infrastructure in New York City. As a licensed NYC tour guide, my historical walking tours focus on the history of the NYC subway, the building of the Brooklyn Bridge, and development of the surrounding downtown area. My work includes lectures for adult audiences on a broad range of historical topics. You can also find me at the 19th century Merchant House Museum in Noho, leading tours about the house and her ghostly inhabitants.
My consulting work focuses on helping classroom teachers develop standards-aligned curricula to strengthen integrated humanities work, develop site-based learning experiences, and grow student engagement strategies.