TABC’s introductory economics classes recently visited Wall Street with a few questions in mind. Why is the heart of New York’s financial district known as Wall Street? Does the Wall Street bull sculpture on Broadway really bring you luck if you rub his head? What’s with all those hand signals and gestures of the traders on the floor of the stock exchange? These questions and many more were explored and answered as students in both sections of the class, accompanied by their instructors, Cary Reichardt and Donna Hoenig, participated in a tour of New York’s financial district on Tuesday, Oct.24. The tour began with a historical overview of the area from its Dutch colonial origins, and continued over to the Museum of American Finance, passing Alexander Hamilton’s grave on their way.

At the Museum of American Finance the students were able to view many of the exhibits which described the Federal Reserve Bank system, trading stocks, bonds and commodities, famous American entrepreneurs and the circulation of money. Kudos to Yehuda Saks for actually spotting a stock certificate that was issued to Bernie Madoff on display! (The discovery was followed by an explanation of what a Ponzi scheme is.) As the weather began to challenge them, the group braved the downpour and winds, making their way to their lunch stop at Bravo Pizza. After the lunch break, the tour guide led the group to Ground Zero and the 9/11 Memorial. Despite the downpour, everyone was visibly moved and had many questions about the site and the symbolism of the memorial itself.