Immigration Policy in American History

This workshop will explore the long history of immigration policy in the United States and its legacy in politics today. Our discussions will cover the wave of Irish immigration to Boston in the mid 19th century, along with the parallel Know-Nothing anti-immigration movement, and debates over immigration restriction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well Progressive Era efforts to “Americanize” immigrants. This workshop will draw on items from the Society’s rich holdings to help put contemporary debates in context.

This workshop will run from 9:00 to 4:00 each day. This program is open to all who work with K-12 students. Teachers can earn 45 Professional Development Points or 2 graduate credits (for an additional fee).