This history of the place
H. G. Wells once called "quietly immense" is a fine contribution to our understanding of how central immigrants have been to the American experience. Virginia Yans-McLaughlin and Marjorie Lightman, both historians, track the great historic waves of migration by which America was peopled following the first arrival of settlers from the British Isles; assemble documentary evidence of reaction to these newcomers, both hostile and sympathetic; and provide a set of study guides and questions for the use of high school students.
YA?An ideal starting point for a study of the role of immigration in American history and sociology. Don't be misled by the title; this is much more than just a guide to the museum. In addition to chronicling the waves of newcomers to America's shores from the Age of Exploration to the present, the book discusses immigration policy, past and present, and Ellis Island as a relic of that policy. A lengthy section includes historical documents such as letters, visas, the text of speeches delivered in Congress, legal documents, editorials and political cartoons, maps, charts, and graphs, all of which are keyed to the preceding text. These documents add welcome details without weighing down the narrative. One chapter describes ways in which the book can be used as a teaching resource and has a bibliography that includes fiction, autobiography, and nonfiction by and about immigrants arranged by country of origin. The volume concludes with an annotated listing of related films, videos, and filmstrips. There is no index. This is an attractively designed book with lots of photographs from the museum's collection and time lines throughout. It is useful for those planning to visit the museum or for assignments on genealogy or history.?Patricia Noonan, Prince William Public Library, VA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Yans-McLaughlin (history, Rutgers Univ.) and Lightman, acting executive director of the International League for Human Rights, offer a well-documented, easy-to-read guide to the museum at Ellis Island in New York Harbor for parents and teachers. They begin with a somewhat confusing albeit succinct and informative time line regarding immigration policy and items for historical context. They then move on to define and describe world migration, explore migration and the New World, and offer examples of immigration through Ellis Island. Their text is chock-full of examples and historical documents. A general reader who knows little of world history or of earlier generations who passed through Ellis Island will, after picking up this book, possess enough knowledge to enjoy a day at the museum. Highly recommended for school and public libraries.?Melisa Fiumara, North Tonawanda P.L., N.Y.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
I am extremely pleased to present Ellis Island and the Peopling of America: The Official Guide. This book is a valuable guide to parents and teachers who want to teach the younger generation about American and world history through an exploration of Ellis Island and the immigrant experience. It places Ellis Island within the context of the worldwide history of immigration, and as a continuing social process. It can prepare one to visit the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, guide one in the process of doing a family genealogy, or direct one to many more sources for immigration study. It will prove to be an important contribution for immigration scholarship. -- Lee Iacocca, Founding Chairman, The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc.
About the Author
Virginia Yans-McLaughlin is a historian at Rutgers University. She served as an historical advisor to the National Paris Service and The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation on the creation of the Ellis Island Museum.
