The story of America is a story of immigration. From the first colonial settlers through the wave of 19th-century immigrants to the 20th-century refugees from war and famine to those still coming today, the desire to build a better life has motivated millions to U.S. shores. What does it mean to be an immigrant? What forces compel you to embark on an uncertain journey? What is life like in a new and strange country? To complement students' study of historic periods of immigration, this program invites students to hear the stories of 19th-century immigrants to St. Louis.

In this program, educators and their students will have the opportunity to learn about the wide variety of European immigrants that came to St Louis in the mid- and later part of the 19th century. Students will interact with archivists and historians as they share stories of immigrants and what their life was like as they crossed the ocean and settled in this new land. They will learn about Mullanphy Emigrant Home in St. Louis which, according to Sean Thomas, Executive Director of the Old North St. Louis Restoration Group, functioned as a "lighthouse, a safe haven for immigrants getting their start" in St. Louis. Participants will find out about the services available at the Mullanphy House and how immigrants contributed to the vibrant growth of St. Louis in the 19th century.

The story of America is a story of immigration. From the first colonial settlers through the wave of 19th-century immigrants to the 20th-century refugees from war and famine to those still coming today, the desire to build a better life has motivated millions to U.S. shores. What does it mean to be an immigrant? What forces compel you to embark on an uncertain journey? What is life like in a new and strange country? To complement students' study of historic periods of immigration, this program invites students to hear the stories of 19th-century immigrants to St. Louis.

In this program, educators and their students will have the opportunity to learn about the wide variety of European immigrants that came to St Louis in the mid- and later part of the 19th century. Students will interact with archivists and historians as they share stories of immigrants and what their life was like as they crossed the ocean and settled in this new land. They will learn about Mullanphy Emigrant Home in St. Louis which, according to Sean Thomas, Executive Director of the Old North St. Louis Restoration Group, functioned as a "lighthouse, a safe haven for immigrants getting their start" in St. Louis. Participants will find out about the services available at the Mullanphy House and how immigrants contributed to the vibrant growth of St. Louis in the 19th century.