My name is Mónica De la Barrera. I am from Perú. I came to NYC on December 22, 1996. I am a student at the ESOL immigrant service program at Sunnyside Community Services.  I have this object from mom; my mom received it from her mother-in-law. Her mother-in-law obtained it from her mother. In conclusion this “Antique Dust English Mirror” is of my Great-grandmother. My great-grandmother was from Italy. Her name was Grimanesa Montepagano.  She was my father’s grandmother. She came to Peru in January 1905. She immigrated with her sister to Perú. My mom would retell my great grandmother’s history; she used this antique dust mirror every day.  She would keep it in her purse. In those days women wore long dresses and high-heal-shoes and many accessories in gold and silver.

She landed at the Seaport in Trujillo, Perú. She got married with an African Peruvian man. She had two children.  One of them was my grandmother; her name is Luisa Injoque Montepagano.  She got married with my grandfather Lucas De la Barrera.  They had two children. One of them was my father, Lucas De la Barrera. He got married to my mother, Teresa Flores. They have all passed away; but I am happy I have this “Antique Dust English mirror” to remember them. 

– Monica de la Barrera

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant