by Stella S., Allyson N., Billy Z., Elayne G.

Did you ever wonder how and why people came to America from different countries? They traveled by boats, trains, and planes. In the early 1900's boats were slow, cramped and crowded. Immigrants brought little with them- passports, luggage packed with few clothes and a few treasures. They had a limited supply of things when they arrived to this country.

People didn't know what America would be like. Would it bring happiness and peace or suffering and depression? It was as if they were going through a forest blindfolded.

People took the chance because life in their country was not at all good. Some escaped horrible conditions, some came for business opportunities, others for religious freedom. People took dangerous risks.

How did they become successful in life in America? It is because they didn't give up, and kept on moving forward. Even when things were difficult, they put their best foot forward and built a happy life. Many started a business from scratch to support their families.

In this gallery there are passports, naturalization papers, and old photographs. Each has a interesting story to tell.