Immigration Experience

Today was such an awesome experience to see Ellis Island. As we met our educators for the day, Jessica and Dana, the enormity of the history hit me. They get to work at a historic site that almost everyone in America and for that matter the world can relate to. As we rode over on the boat it was easy to speak to the immigrant experience. One can imagine the fear and anticipation that the new arrivals would be feeling. For those that were coming to work, would they find a job? If they were alone they may think of their homeland and family. For those that were being reunited with loved ones what excitement to finally see them again. The photographs that were displayed throughout the exhibit really gave a glimpse at immigrant culture. The costumes and languages that an average worker must hear a day would be a unique glimpse into the world. To think what some of them had left behind again the uncertainty would be enormous.

There were several interesting stops in the museum; the first I ran into was the kissing post. This was where families would be reunited. The plaque tells of the interesting ways that families would greet one another. For the Italians, there would be several kisses for the children but little affection displayed for the wife. The Jewish custom was an enormous amount of kisses for the family, as if they could not get enough. The back ground tour of the hospital was really a unique experience for history teachers; this reminded me of when Jonathan took us on a tour of the records kept at the Steel Mill for Colorado History. It really gives one a different perspective to see a building left by its former occupants. And lets be honest it’s cool to see a part of the site that few get to experience.

            This is an easy one to incorporate into the classroom, as our social studies team already does a mini Ellis Island simulation. It will be incredible to add all the documents that we got today. I especially like that we have some primary source readings. For students to read peoples accounts of what life was like here and what they experienced at Ellis Island will most certainly enrich the students learning. The photos of the ships will be an interesting addition as well. It is sometimes difficult for students to imagine the difficulty of the journey itself and how the immigrants dealt with it. If students can relate to this experience even in a small way, it will cement this in their learning.

            Today will be one of the most memorable here in New York. This tour was one of my favorites. In teaching when we talk about places it can become dry, but to have seen what it was really like will forever change how I discuss this with my students. I have not really looked at the jump drive that we were given, but that was really a useful tool for us as educators, having access to that type of item will make it more accessible in the classroom. I do not have to do any searching it is already done for me.

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