My object is a tea set. It was my great great grandmother’s (Sophie). She lived in Russia, and then escaped with 8 of her sisters. They went to China, but the Russian government was trying to get all the ex-patriots back to Russia. Only her sibling Celia and she did not return to Russia. And they were the only ones who survived. Later while in China her husband, fearful that the political climate was changing, went to Canada. Around 1928, Sophie and her daughter followed, with this tea set. They had so little while moving, and they chose to bring the tea set with them. Eventually as the tea set got moved through generations, it was brought to the U.S. by my grandparents who moved from Canada to Tennessee. Through all the obstacles Sophie and her family had to overcome, this tea set survived. I will never take their sacrifices for granted. The tea set has become a family symbol of the memories, challenges, and journeys that my family has faced throughout our history. Even though I never met my great great grandmother Sophie, this connects me to her and my family in general. The little pieces of individual stories and journeys, like this tea set and it’s story, helps to shape America’s bigger picture. 

– BC

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more