Invisible Histories

An excellent example not only of the tenacious, indefatigable Megan Smolenyak’s focus when it comes to solving a mystery but also of how a real young woman’s life can become nearly lost to history is that of Annie Moore, the first immigrant to step onto Ellis Island. Perhaps it’s because we in America do tend, generally speaking, towards creating mythological backstory about our origins and the Annie Moore story certainly qualifies. However, the real version that Megan was instrumental in tracking down is heartbreaking and grounded in the gritty and desperate day-to-day reality of immigrants to New York in the 1890s.

A lengthy article but absolutely a must-read.

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