History of Immigration

This seminar is full. We hope you can join us for an alternate seminar, workshop, or summit opportunity.

During this week-long seminar, scholars and workshop facilitators will trace the history of immigration from the early 19th century through the mid-20th century, explicitly focusing on immigrants’ search for freedom and opportunity, contributions of immigrants to their new country, and the changing legal framework for immigrants. Topics will include an examination of the first significant wave of 19th-century immigration—Irish Catholics poured into young cities, fleeing starvation and political oppression. The Irish cleared the way for later immigration. Juxtaposed to the Irish model, we will explore American nativism and riots in Philadelphia. We will also explore the German Catholic immigration from the Revolutions of 1848 and the German reluctance to assimilate into American society until after World War I.

We will explore the Ellis Island phenomenon during the late 19th century and early 20th century.  Twelve million Irish, Germans, Italian, Jewish, Polish, and Germans poured into the U.S., and the 340,000 Asians entered through Angel Island in San Francisco.  We will focus on the immigrants’ transformation from foreigners to full American citizens, contributing to the rich American culture and prosperity.

Featured scholars include University of Massachusetts history professor Vincent Cannato, author of American Passage: The History of Ellis Island.

During the week, participants will do a field study in New York City, exploring Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, the Tenement Museum, Chinatown, and Little Italy.

Thanks to a generous donor, Founding Forward will provide a $150 stipend to every accepted teacher to help offset expenses related to attending a summer professional development seminar, workshop, or summer in 2025. Upon completion of the program, teachers will receive a $150 check to help cover travel, childcare, or any other expenses they might incur. 

Accepted teachers receive a scholarship to attend the program, which covers the cost of the program, hotel room, program materials, site visits, most meals, and more.

Graduate credit will be offered by La Salle University. Pennsylvania teachers will receive Act 48 credit for this seminar.