What kinds of materials does the IHRC have about immigrants?
Gathered from all parts of the country and overseas, the materials in the Center’s collections are largely the products of the immigrants and their descendants. Typical manuscript and archival materials are the personal papers of community leaders, clergy, journalists, or educators and the records of fraternal organizations, immigrant service agencies, or publishing companies. Most of the books, pamphlets, serials, and newspapers originated from the prolific ethnic presses in the United States (and Canada) from the late nineteenth century to the present. All of these materials document many kinds of ethnic activities, from daily life in the household to work, celebrations, and organizational activities. The IHRC also has a substantial body of records that document the response to immigration by organizations and individuals who provided services, worked for government policy reform, and educated Americans about immigrant needs and problems.
