Escaping the Holocaust as a Child On Board the Nyassa
Watch the latest episode on Immigration in SHIPS (Ships, History, Influence, and Power Series) from the Steamship Historical Society of America. Learn about one man’s story escaping Czechoslovakia the day before the Nazis invaded. This anonymous interviewee talks with SSHSA Education Director Aimee Bachari and Former Board President Ted Scull and describes the process of leaving Europe for America during World War II. You will see primary source images from the SSHSA Archive as well as images from personal collections of the interviewee. Images and video in the public domain are also used.
The Holocaust, Jewish Refugees, and Steamships Lesson Plan
Students will learn about the ways in which the United States and other Western countries were unwilling to open their borders to Jewish refugees from Germany and other European countries with Hitler’s advances.
Coming to America On Board the SS United States
Watch the oral history video that details what it was like immigrating to America from Germany post-WWII on board the United States Line’s ship, the SS United States. In between a conversation with Brigitte Bentele and Education Director Aimee Bachari, you will see primary source photographs and posters from SSHSA Archives in addition to personal photographs provided by Brigitte.
Immigration Then & Now Lesson Plan
This lesson uses Brigitte’s story to teach grades 3 – 5 and 5 – 8 about immigration to the United States. Using oral history and primary sources students will compare Brigitte’s story from 1956 with a boy who came from Poland in 1920. They will also read modern immigrants stories.
Italian Immigration to the U.S. in the Early 20th Century
This film details the history of Italian Immigration to the United States via steamship in the early 20th century, through the eyes of Gerardo D’Amico. Learn about the business of the immigrant trade and how changing laws and anti-immigration sentiment in America forced the steamship companies to focus more on pleasure cruising. This film provides primary source images from the SSHSA Archive as well as images from personal collections of the D’Amico family and Ted Scull. Images and video from the Library of Congress and in the public domain are also used.
Italian Immigration to Providence Lesson Plan
This lesson for grades 9 – 12 teaches students about Italian immigration to Providence through the eyes of Gerardo D’Amico. Students will understand push and pull factors in immigration and be able to identify how legislation can affect immigration to the United States. Students will view a local example of an Italian immigrant, and learn about his life in Providence through primary sources.
