Éirinn go Brách

    Tyler Anbinder, professor emeritus at George Washington University, has a new book out entirely rooted in wonderful primary source materials. In Plentiful Country: The Great Potato Famine and the Making of Irish New York, the myth of the poverty-stricken Irish immigrant being a drain on American society is dispelled all because of a treasure trove of bank records. The records of the Emigrant Savings Bank, housed at the NY Public Library, show that even day laborers were averaging $150 in their savings accounts -- equivalent to about $6000 today!  

    How can primary sources be used to disprove other stereotypes? 

    Why is this set of data significant to American history?

    What other primary sources can be combined with this bank data to get a clearer picture of the lives of Irish immigrants to America?

    How are the reactions to the 19th century mass emigration of Irish to America similar to events happening today? 

    Irish Americans Free to Use and Reuse

    Herald of the Times, and Rhode Islander, January 18, 1847 -- Famine! 

    No Irish Need Apply, 1862 

    What Irish Boys Can Do

    The Irish Republic Newspaper, 1867-68, Chicago

    Irish American Song

    Irish Colonists in New York, 1906

    Where the blame lies, 1891 (anti-immigration cartoon)

    Immigration Challenges for New Americans

    Adaptation and Assimilation

    Irish-Catholic Immigration to America

    Immigrant Laborers in the Early 20th century, audio recording.

    Irish Contributions to the American Culture

    The Immigrant Experience: Down the Rabbit Hole

    US Census Records

    Only a small portion of the Emigrant Savings Bank Records have been digitized, but they are fascinating! The bank records span from 1841 through 1923. 

    Immigration: The Irish, New York, PBS Media

    EPIC: The Irish Immigration Museum

    Irish-American Heritage Museum

    When America Despised the Irish: The 19th Century Refugee Crisis

      3 - 5    6 - 8    9 - 12    13+    Social Studies/History    museum    Irish  

    https://www.loc.gov/item/2018696738/

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