ENGLISH CORNER, CON LINDA JIMÉNEZ – This week’s trivia question: How many immigrants were processed at Ellis Island every day between 1900 and 1914?

Leah Kaplan’s grandparents emigrated to the United States from Eastern Europe at the turn of the 20^th century.   She was especially close to her maternal grandmother and knew some of her personal history,  but she was curious and decided to delve into the specifics.  Through exhaustive research Leah was able to discover the intricate details of her grandmother’s arduous journey from her village to Ellis Island and a new life in America. Leah realized that her grandmother’s story was not very different from that of many immigrants from many different countries, and she also understood that young people today, who did not know their immigrant ancestors, are generally unaware of what they went through in order to escape the terrible conditions in the “old country” in search of a better life for themselves and their families.  She has developed a presentation about this journey, which she offers in person and via zoom to student and community groups. 

For more information, you can write to Leah at:   leahkaplan3701@gmail.com