Edward T. O’Donnell To Speak About New York Immigration

NEW YORK, NY, April 6, 2011. On Wednesday, April 20th, the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society and the New York Public Library will present historian and author Edward T. O’Donnell, Ph.D. in a lecture at the Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street, New York, NY. An expert on New York City history, Dr. O’Donnell is an Associate Professor of History at Holy Cross College in Worcester, MA. His books include Visions of America: A History of the United States, Ship Ablaze: The Tragedy of the Steamboat General Slocum, and 1001 Things Everyone Should Know About Irish American History.

In this engaging multimedia presentation, Dr. O’Donnell will explore how and why so many millions have come to the U.S. and what challenges this tradition has posed to national identity, tolerance, and democracy. He will examine the major immigrant groups -- Irish, German, Italian, Jewish, and Chinese -- who arrived in the 19^th and early 20^th centuries, the vibrant ethnic enclaves they established, the struggles they endured to earn a living, and the contributions they made to New York, the nation’s ultimate multicultural city. This talk addresses many aspects of the immigrant experience, including tenement life, labor and the labor movement, and nativism.

The program begins at 5:30 pm in the NYPL’s South Court Auditorium. Reservations are not required; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. For additional information, contact Lauren Maehrlein, Director of Education, at 212-755-8532, ext. 211, or education@nygbs.org [1].

About the NYG&B

The New York Genealogical and Biographical Society has been a primary resource for research on New York families since 1869. By offering educational programs, scholarly and informational publications, and online resources, the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society helps people of all backgrounds build connections with their families and their communities, especially those linked to New York City, State, and region and to appreciate their families’ experience in the broader context of American history. The NYG&B maintains an eLibrary of unique digital material, including the entire run of its quarterly scholarly journal The NYG&B Record, for its members at www.newyorkfamilyhistory.org [2].

Media Contact

Cathy Michelsen

212-755-8532, ext. 208; cmichelsen@nygbs.org [3]

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NYG&B Programs [4]