(Old Bethpage, NY) – On the eve of Veterans Day 2021, The Museum of American Armor is announcing the appointment of Gloria Sesso, to serve in the newly created role of Education Coordinator. Ms. Sesso is currently president of the Long Island Council of the Social Studies with some forty years of experience as a social studies teacher and chairperson of social studies departments at two of Long Island’s school districts.
“Observing Veterans Day without an understanding or appreciation of the role our veterans have played in protecting our nation makes that holiday just another day on the calendar,” stated Lawrence Kadish, president and founder of the museum. “We need to advocate on behalf of classroom time that allows students to better understand our nation’s military heritage, and Ms. Sesso is recognized as an extraordinary social studies educator on Long Island.”
Kadish further stated, “Putting Veterans Day into context is just part of the challenge. Teaching about World War II is critical, as it is the seminal conflict of the 20th Century that continues to define our geo-political world. Yet it is barely given sufficient classroom time for students to establish who the combatants were, much less cause, effect, and legacy. Ms. Sesso's new professional role is to help the Armor Museum address that deficit and expand its outreach by working with students, parents, and educators to tell that story. We intend to be an innovative advocate on behalf of military history.”
Ms. Sesso was named New York State High School Social Studies Teacher of the Year (1999-2000), is Past President of the New York State Council for History Education, and received her Masters in History from Columbia University. She is the author and editor of numerous articles regarding history and has appeared at seminars and symposiums throughout the nation to examine aspects of our American history.
She is also a consultant to the New York State Social Studies Department, the Global History, and the U.S. History and Government regarding the state’s Regents examinations.
Uniquely qualified
With the creation of Education Resource Coordinator, Armor Museum Senior Trustee Michael Sapraicone stated, “Gloria is uniquely qualified to take the museum to the next level as an educational resource through her extraordinary tenure as an educator, her unmatched advocacy of history education, and her long-standing professional relationships across Long Island. She is a nationally respected educator, and her list of accomplishments underscores her passion and commitment to teaching history to a new generation of Americans.”
Dr. Libby O’Connell, History Channel Chief Historian Emeritus and Chairperson of the NYC World War I Centennial Commission, has agreed to serve as an educational advisor to the Armor Museum. “As one who has known and worked closely with Gloria for years, I can think of no more effective an advocate for placing history squarely before students. We have previously worked together to advance the Armor Museum’s educational mission, and this appointment will only strengthen that partnership.”
The Museum of American Armor presents some 40 operational armor vehicles within 25,000 square feet of space on the grounds of Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage, New York. Throughout the year, it conducts public programs that pay tribute to our American veterans in cooperation with Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Museums.
Its current hours are Friday to Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. An admission donation of $15 for adults is requested, $10 for seniors and veterans, and $8 for children.
