Migration Memorials - immigrants

Scottish Immigrants

befikero@unc.edu — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 02:52:34 +0000

Description:

Philadelphia is a major destination because of its booming ports which made it a very natural destination for Scottish immigrants. These immigrants were seeking a new place with new opportunities. Many were very poor and in need. The memorial shows the strides the Scottish have made.

Institution:

Community Group/Organization

Official/Unofficial:

Official

Group Acknowledged:

Scottish Immigrants

Historical Subject:

The memorial depicts a Scottish family that is fighting for better opportunities. It shows the resilience and tenacity of the Scottish. It also honors their hard work and their perseverance through struggle that eventually led to a better life. It also shows how hard the Scottish worked to give a better life for their kids.

Physical Aspects:

The monument depicts a Scottish family of four who have just come ashore in Philadelphia. They are led by a man who is still in the traditional clothing of his homeland. He is guiding his family towards their new life and opportunities. There is also a baby which will grow up in America. There is a young girl that is carrying a book as well. It shows a solid family structure with the children and the parents.

Date of Dedication:

2011

Place Location:

Files:

Themes:

immigrants

The Irish Famine

befikero@unc.edu — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 01:48:52 +0000

Description:

There are two sculptures facing each other, but from a distance. On one side there is a sculpture of a man sitting down and a woman on her knees. They are both extremely skinny and have on inadequate clothing. There is also an empty bowl sitting right beside them. The man doesn't have a shirt on and both figures look overall very rough. The woman is also on her knees with her hand in the air giving the impression that she is praying. On the opposite sculpture there is a man, a woman, and a child. All three are dressed very well and look very fit. Unlike the other sculpture, all three are walking. This contrasts depicts the struggling, anxious immigrant transforming to a new life in America with opportunity and freedom. This memorial is visited by over 3 million people per year.

LocationMem:

Between washington street and school street in Boston, Massachusetts

Institution:

Boston Irish Famine Committee

Official/Unofficial:

Unofficial

Group Acknowledged:

Irish, Irish-Americans

Historical Subject:

This memorial reflects on Ireland during the potato famine. It shows one family that is impoverished and greatly suffering while another family is thriving because of new opportunities found in America. Some say the memorial honors Irish-Americans as they have found a way to prosper, but there are also critics that say the memorial mocks the famine itself and Irish people affected.

Physical Aspects:

On one side there is a wealthy family dressed in proper clothing. They look healthy and able bodied. The family consists of a man, woman, and child. On the other side there is a man and a woman. They are very impoverished as they lack proper clothing. They also lack food as there is an empty plate next to them.

Date of Dedication:

June 1998

Place Location:

Files:

Themes:

immigrants

settlers

famine

Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism During World War II

zeque@unc.edu — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 16:08:46 +0000

Description:

This memorial is dedicated to remembering the hardships of the thousands of Japanese Americans that were sent to interment camps during WWII due to the racially-oriented suspicion that they were all spies.

LocationMem:

Louisiana Ave. NW & D St. NW, Washington, D.C.

Institution:

US Government

Official/Unofficial:

Official

Group Acknowledged:

Japanese immigrants

Japanese Americans

Physical Aspects:

The memorial's central sculpture is of two cranes breaking free of barbed wire, an image heavy with symbolism. The sculpture is encircled by stone panels that name each concentration camp and their peak population. A pool that contains five stones is located next to these panels. Its banks are lined with stone panels containing text on the historical background of the internment camps and quotes from important Japanese American historical figures. The memorial also features a sixteen foot long tube-shaped bell.

Date of Dedication:

November 9, 2000

Place Location:

Files:

Themes:

Monument to Great Migration

hty1016@unc.edu — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 17:09:57 +0000

Description:

Alison Saar's 1994 work, "Monument to the Great Northern Migration," honors the six million-odd African-Americans who traveled from the South to Chicago from 1910 to 1970.

LocationMem:

Chicago, Illinois

Institution:

City of Chicago

Official/Unofficial:

Official

Group Acknowledged:

Immigrants to the North

Historical Subject:

This bronze figure is a testament to the thousands of African Americans who migrated to Chicago in the early 20th century in search of greater freedom and opportunity. The traveler’s hand is raised in salutation to his new home. In his other hand he carries a worn suitcase symbolic of his journey, dreams and talents. The bollards surrounding the monument are also suitcases that are textured with a pattern derived from the tin ceilings of the era. The figure is oriented to the north, symbolizing the traveler’s destination.

Physical Aspects:

The sculpture depicts a man oriented and pointing northward, suitcase in hand, his entire outfit made of the worn soles of his shoes. It's situated at the historic entrance to Bronzeville, a neighborhood that boomed thanks to the Great Migration.

Date of Dedication:

1994

Place Location:

Files:

Themes:

immigrants

Great Migration

Baron Christoph von Graffenried Historical Mile Marker

wesleymh@unc.edu — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 19:14:49 +0000

Description:

This Historical Mile Marker commemorates Baron Christoph von Graffenried who founded New Bern in 1710 after migrating to America. He led Swiss and Palatine immigrants to the New World.

LocationMem:

US 17 in New Bern, North Carolina

Institution:

North Carolina Highway Historical Marker Program

Official/Unofficial:

Official

Group Acknowledged:

Swiss immigrants

Historical Subject:

Swiss immigrants in New Bern, North Carolina.

Physical Aspects:

Black and white metal mile marker.