Immigrants have come to New York State for many reasons: to escape persecution, to improve their economic outlook, and to build new lives. Arrival of European immigrants into New York, like today, was also cause for discussion, disruption and practical challenges. For a state and nation built by immigrants, new arrivals were not always welcomed. Despite those challenges and injustices, immigrants’ experiences, knowledge, and cultures have enriched our state and shaped our history, Immigrants continue to build a vibrant, diverse, and modern New York State. At Canisius. an institution founded in part with the ideal of helping to acclimate and educate new immigrants, we continue that tradition into the 21st century.
Andrew L. Bouwhuis, S.J. Library is hosting a panel exhibit that focuses on European immigration to New York State from 1650 to 1950.The exhibit, created with content from New York State Digital Collections https://nyheritage.org/ is designed as a resource to enrich engagement and discussion. The exhibit begins begins with the arrival of Dutch settlers and continues through the end of the World Wars. The exhibit is located on the main floor of the Bouwhuis Library, and available for viewing during library hours.
Immigration in New York State, 1650-1950 is designed and sponsored by the Empire State Library Network, Western New York Library Resource Council, New York State Historic Newspapers, and New York State Library and Archives.
Submitted by: Kathleen DeLaney, University Archivist and Special Collections Librarian
