Ellis Island

Reflecting the historic realities, challenges, and hopes of the now infamous and symbolic Ellis Island, this high-spirited musical captures the courage and challenges of the immigration experience. This performance celebrates the multicultural foundations of our nation with wonder, excitement, and heart.

California Content Standards easily applied in your classroom:

• 3.HI.3: Know the histories of important local and national landmarks, symbols, and essential documents that create a sense of community among citizens and exemplify cherished ideals (e.g., the U.S. flag, the bald eagle, the Statue of Liberty, the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Capitol).
• 5.HI.5.8.1: Discuss the waves of immigrants from Europe between 1789 and 1850 and their modes of transportation into the Ohio and Mississippi Valleys and through the Cumberland Gap (e.g., overland wagons, canals, flatboats, steamboats).
• 8.HI.8.6.3: List the reasons for the wave of immigration from Northern Europe to the United States and describe the growth in the number, size, and spatial arrangements of cities (e.g., Irish immigrants and the Great Irish Famine).

LESSON PLAN IDEA: Students plot points on a world map indicating from where immigrants who came into New York’s Ellis Island originated.

Visit the artist’s website at www.americanfamilytheater.com.