Investigating Where We Live

A free summertime program in which middle- and high-school students (12-16 years) use cameras to examine diverse neighborhoods in New York City. Through photographs, drawings, and text, participants document their experiences while developing an understanding of their physical environment. A final exhibition of the students’ works gives the public a fresh perspective on the City and its unique neighborhoods.

Program Goals: Learning and Skill-Building
Students in the program:

• explore the city’s built environment

• learn about urban planning, architecture & historic preservation

• learn basic photography and graphic design skills

• meet and work with photographers and designers

• have fun

• learn the boundaries, parks, and landmarks that define a community, as well as the history of the people who live there

• visit and evaluate museum exhibitions

• learn to read & create maps

• learn how to design an exhibition

• keep photos and negatives for future projects, college admission, or a portfolio

• receive a 35mm instamatic camera

• fulfill community service requirements for school
Program Information

Investigating Where We Live is a program of the National Building Museum sponsored in New York by the Municipal Art Society. The National Building Museum is a private non-profit institution in Washington, D.C., created by Congress in 1980 to celebrate American achievements in building.
[Download the IWWL 2008 Application Form]