Partners Focus on Robert Moses & Cross Bronx Expressway

Juniors Kiley Barch and Emma Polinsky joined together to collaborate on research project focused on master builder Robert Moses and the development and construction of the Cross Bronx Expressway that won first place in the Group Documentary category of the National History Day contest at Huntington High School.

“Our decision to research Robert Moses stemmed from our interest in exploring New York’s history,” Ms. Polinsky said. “After spending the past few years working together on National History Day projects, Kiley and I recognized the importance of deepening our understanding of local history. We had previously encountered the concept of redlining and its impact on communities in Long Island and New York City, and we wanted to delve deeper into this topic, especially as it continues to affect many today and aligns with this year's theme of rights and responsibilities.”

The award winning project, which was shown to the audience at last week’s National History Day awards ceremony, will now advance to the Long Island regional finals at Hofstra in March. To view the documentary,visit this link.

“We chose to focus on the construction of the Cross Bronx Expressway due to the significant controversy surrounding whether the destruction of neighborhoods was justified in building a new highway,” Ms. Polinsky said. “The lasting effects of this historical event motivated us to investigate it further.”

Ms. Barch and Ms. Polinsky are both among the top students academically in Huntington’s Class of 2026. In addition to excelling in the classroom, they are both active in sports, clubs and outside pursuits.

“Our research spanned several months,” Ms. Polinsky said. “We began by studying Robert Moses’ accomplishments and the various roles he played in New York. Next, we explored the historical context leading up to the expressway’s construction by reviewing historical newspapers and other resources. We then learned about the construction process through secondary sources and interviews. To conclude our research, we examined before-and-after photographs of the Bronx and studied local policies aimed at mitigating the expressway’s impact.”

Robert Moses reigned over New York for more than four decades, wearing more than a dozen hats as chairman or president of various boards, commissions, public authorities, etc. He is largely responsible for the bridges, highways, state parks and public housing projects that dot the metropolitan area landscape as well as many upstate projects.

“Although I'm still uncertain about my future college and career plans, I’m beginning to gain a clearer idea of my interests,” Ms. Polinsky said. “I’m enjoying my AP Psychology course and considering pursuing a career in that field. As for my college plans, I aim to attend a large institution that offers a wide range of opportunities and experiences.”