Family Documents
The artifacts in this gallery are family photos and memories that are cherished and held sacred by each family represented. In this gallery, you will find transcripts of conversations, photos, diaries, Jewish wedding contracts, and family trees. In many cases, these types of artifacts help to keep the memories of our ancestors alive.
3 German passports, Ship Manifests, and affidavits
Breslau, Germany now Roclow, Poland
My Grandmother Rosyln
When two lovers and one of their moms needed to safely get to the United States of America they needed passports, affidavits, and a ship to get there. Adolf, Suse and Alwine utilized these objects. They kept everything and it was passed down to me me.
They are the reason and way my family is in America. It kept my great grandmother and father safe from Adolf Hitler. If they did not have these my family would be nonexistent or or in Germany.
Grandfather's Diary
Europe
Philip b.(my father)
Its important to my family because we want to know what it was like for my great grandfather back then. One of the quotes in his journal was used in a documentary about the 20th century in the 1980s. when I learned about it I was very proud, surprised, and shocked.
My great-grandfather wrote this in is diary on his way to America and countinued to write about life in America. The diary was passed on through generations.
Passenger Manifest
Ellis Island
Grandparents
It is a passenger manifest from the Ellis Island archive that shows my great grandparents and my great aunt's immigration to America.
It is important to my family because it documents my mom's side of the family and their journey to America. If they had not come to America I would probably not be here.
Transcript of interview with my Great Aunt
Canada
My mom
My great grandmother and her siblings came to Canada from Russia and the Ukraine. They experienced all of sorts of adventures including dodging cossacks, and selling goods to villagers. Sadly, they brought nothing with them.
The obstacles my ancestors faced are very inspiring to me. If it were not for their spunk, I would not be here today. It is always interesting to learn about my family's history.
Army registration card of Isaac Louis A.
New York
Grandfather
Isaac Louis B. filled out this card after coming to the US from Russia and being drafted to the army. He served as a medic in World War 1 but got poison gassed and died a couple years later.
This artifact connects my family together because Isaac's grandson, my cousin Jerry, discovered it doing historical research online. However, it also makes the family remember how he got injured during the war.
Photo
United States, RUssia
Grandmother
The frame was made in Russia , and taken with my great- great grandmother in 1900.
It was what my great- great grandpa brought and the picture was taken the following year.
Passenger manifest for the Marine Marlin
Bremen, Germany
My nana (grandmother)
My grandmother and her parents journey took 10 days. Her dad worked on the ship to get some extra food for the family. Her mom was very sick but gave my grandmother a chocolate bar to eat. My grandmother and her family arrived at the Boston Harbor on May 7, 1949.
This piece was to show our history. This was one of the few things they could bring because you were not allowed to bring a lot of objects.
Picture of my Grandfather in Russia
Russia
Mom
My Jewish great- grandpa escaped the war and went to Russia (which did not support Jews) and got married.
It is a memory to my family about my great-grandpa and it is cool that I have Jewish heritage from both sides of my family.
Life Death Memories
not sure
Dad's side of the family
My grandpa wrote a book called Life Death Memories. He wrote this book to teach his grandkids about his experience in the Holocaust and how he lost most of his family in the war. He wanted us to be thankful for what we have.
This book is significant to my family. Everyone on my dad's side of the family read this book who is of age. My family is going to try to keep this tradition going. This book shows my family about their heritage.
Challah Cover
Germany
My great-great grandparents
This was passed on from my great great grandparents in Germany.
It survived World War I and World War II and made its way to my grandpa. He then kept it out of respect.
Photo of Oma's Family
Berchova, Czechoslavakia
Oma) My Great Grandmother)
This photo was given to Oma when she left Berchova for Bratislava to pursue her passion, fashion. The holocaust was rising at the time, so Oma had to flee. She went to Israel. She married Shimon and had Lior and Shlomit. Times were hard and they came to America to start a new life. The photo now lies in Oma's Queens home.
The photo and it's long journey represent how far my family has come, and all we've been through. And it exposes my families strong Jewish heritage.
The Jewish Holy Scripture and Photobook
not sure
My great-great uncle
My great-great uncle Jack carried the prayer book around Europe when he was fighting in World War II. He took the pictures in the photo book when he was in Europe fighting to end the Holocaust and abuse of innocent Jews.
It is significant to my family because it shows that we will practice Judaism, no matter what or where we are, and that our ancestors believe this too.
Family tree book
My house, New York, NY USA
I was the original owner
I created this artifact for my grandfather's 80th birthday. It has all my family's stories in it. All the articles were created by my grandpa.
My great-great grandmother and grandfather (mother's side) from grandpa (from dad), Baruch Abraham and Sarah, were forced to move to a prison for Jews where it was very, very cold- because they were Jews and also very religious. They didn't want to go to America because if they did, wouldn't be Jews. So they moved to Russia. On my father's side from my grandpa from my dad, not religious, scorned for this. So he went to America. Grandpa was born during the great depression and it was hard growing up. My grandpa remembers his family's history. This book is a collection of my Jewish heritage going 6 generations back.
Picture Frame
Alexandria, Egypt
Reina Trabulus
It was theirs and they went with it from Alexandria.
They represent the first Zionists.
The Family Tree
New York
Origins of the family members on the tree were being persecuted and trying to flee Russia.
Very important! Puts us into perspective historically. We know where we are now, but where did we come from?