In colonial times Americans encouraged immigration, even in the Declaration of Independence.
“He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither,” Patriots wrote in reference to King George III’s limits on immigration to the colonies.
It wasn’t until the Steerage Act of 1819, which established basic safety standards aboard passenger ships, that the Federal Government even required ships to submit official passenger manifests.
Genealogists are pleased when they come across a manifest that records a family member’s port of entry in the United States. But just how did they managed to get here?
How did immigrant ancestors book their passage from their home country and reach the port of departure? What was it actually like to travel on an immigrant ship, and on the roads, canals and railroads once they arrived.
On Saturday, September 12th at 2 pm, the Oneida County History Center in Utica will hold a special genealogy workshop entitled “Before, During & After: Transatlantic Travel and Your Ancestors’ Routes in the 19th Century.”
The workshop, led by professional genealogist Pamela Vittorio, will consider research strategies to trace the specific paths and methods families used during and after their immigration to the United States.
The cost is $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Advanced registration here is recommended here. For more information call the center directly at (315) 735-3642.
Oneida County History Center is a not-for-profit educational institution dedicated to preserving history and promoting the culture of the Greater Mohawk Valley.
Read more about Genealogy in New York.
Illustration: The bustling scene on South Street along the East River in Lower Manhattan, New York City from Harper’s Weekly, April, 1878.
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