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Flushing High School, one of New York City’s oldest public high schools, houses a striking set of murals that encapsulate American history, values, and the essence of community. These murals, tucked away in the stairwells of this historic institution, are not just decorative pieces—they are vivid visual narratives that hold both local and national significance. For Flushing, a neighborhood now renowned for its multicultural diversity, these murals stand as a bridge between the past and present, reminding us of the community’s roots while inviting reflection on how far it has come.

A Glimpse into History

The murals at Flushing High School are reflective of the artistic style and thematic concerns of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) era, a time when public art became a vehicle for both social commentary and inspiration. The WPA, part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, commissioned thousands of murals in public spaces during the Great Depression to uplift the American spirit and create a sense of unity.

These murals were not created merely for aesthetic pleasure—they were meant to educate and reinforce core American values. The Flushing High School murals are no exception, capturing the spirit of early America through images that celebrate leadership, hard work, community, and civic pride.

Image Analysis: The Revolutionary Spirit and Labor

The murals captures a scene evocative of the Revolutionary era. A central figure in a red colonial-style coat appears engaged in conversation with another man, who bears a resemblance to significant figures like George Washington. These figures stand against a backdrop of soldiers in red uniforms, likely British troops, hinting at a narrative tied to America’s struggle for independence.

Beneath this historical tableau are men engaged in agricultural labor—digging and tending to the earth. This scene is a nod to America’s agrarian roots, a reminder that the nation’s earliest foundations were laid by hard work and perseverance. The imagery suggests that while leadership guided the country’s course, it was the toil of the common people that truly shaped the land and secured its future.  There are dark subtle references to the brutal legacy of slavery; as what appear to be slaves, lurch out from a hidden passageway.
 

Image Analysis: Community and Civic Life

The  mural shifts from a historical to a civic theme, portraying a scene of education and community. At its center is a teacher or leader, addressing a group of attentive children and adults. The figures are gathered in a communal setting, illustrating the values of education, knowledge, and the role of schools in nurturing responsible citizens.

An American flag looms large on the right side, symbolizing patriotism and unity. This is a mural about civic duty and the collective effort to build a better society, a theme that resonates strongly with Flushing’s history of community-driven development and the modern values of inclusion and diversity.

Themes and Symbolism

The murals at Flushing High School resonate with timeless American ideals, while simultaneously offering a snapshot of the nation’s past:

• Leadership and Legacy: The emphasis on key historical figures highlights the role of leadership in shaping America’s destiny, yet these murals also celebrate the everyday heroes—the farmers and workers—who laid the groundwork for independence and growth.

• Labor and Agriculture: Scenes of manual labor emphasize the importance of self-reliance and dedication, themes that resonate with the immigrant stories of hard work and striving for a better life that characterize Flushing today.

• Education and Community: The depiction of civic life stresses the importance of schools as centers for learning, citizenship, and communal responsibility—an enduring legacy in a neighborhood known for its diverse student population and educational ambition.

• Patriotism: Symbols of the American flag and Revolutionary War elements are reminders of the nation’s collective identity and shared history, offering a lens through which to reflect on how this identity has evolved in a community as dynamic and varied as Flushing.

The Murals in Modern Context

Today, Flushing is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in New York City, a melting pot of cultures and traditions. The murals, which depict a homogenous and idealized vision of American history, serve as a reminder of how far the community has journeyed from the early 20th-century narratives portrayed on these walls. What was once a vision of a unified, agrarian America has now expanded to include a global tapestry of people, each contributing to the neighborhood’s vibrant cultural fabric.

This contrast between the past and present makes the murals an invaluable artifact. They are not only a celebration of American values but also a conversation piece for modern Flushing—illustrating how the idea of community has evolved from a homogenous unity to a complex, multicultural mosaic.

Preserving History for Posterity

As the official blog of Flushing, NY, it’s our responsibility to ensure that these murals receive the recognition they deserve. They are part of the neighborhood’s cultural heritage, a testament to both Flushing’s historic role in American society and its ongoing evolution. By documenting and celebrating these murals, we acknowledge their importance in understanding the foundations of our current community and preserving them for future generations to appreciate.

These murals are not just decorations on a school wall; they are a narrative frozen in time—a story of leadership, labor, education, and patriotism that remains relevant as Flushing continues to grow and change. The brilliance of these murals lies in their ability to speak to both the past and present, inviting all who view them to reflect on what it means to be part of this unique neighborhood, and what it means to be American.

By acknowledging and analyzing the content of these murals, we are preserving a visual history of Flushing and, in turn, documenting the evolution of American identity itself. As the neighborhood continues to grow and diversify, the murals at Flushing High School will remain a symbol of both continuity and change—a fitting tribute to the enduring spirit of this remarkable community.