The Port Washington Public Library will be exhibiting the Immigration in New York State, 1650-1950, from May 1- May 29 in the Library’s Community Gallery, courtesy of the Long Island Library Resources Council.
Immigrants built a vibrant, diverse, and modern New York State. However, the arrival of European immigrants was also incredibly disruptive. Indigenous people were pushed off of their lands. Enslaved, indentured, and otherwise subjugated populations were exploited in the establishment of the state.
Our history bears those imprints, as well as many more positive outcomes. Immigrants have come to New York for many reasons: to escape persecution, to improve their economic outlook, and to build new lives.
This exhibit focuses on historic immigration to New York State from 1650 to 1950. Our story begins with the arrival of Dutch settlers and continues through the end of the World Wars.
Like much of the general documentary record, New York Heritage Digital Collections lacks significant representation of immigrants— particularly more recent immigrants to New York. To address this shortcoming, New York Heritage is actively prioritizing the addition of materials depicting under-represented groups.
Port Washington Public Library, 1 Library Drive in Port Washington.
For more information about the exhibition, visit https://nyheritage.org/index.php/exhibits/immigration