My Great Grandmother left Ireland in the early 1920’s when she was just about 20 years old. Her mother having died in childbirth and  growing up in a poor and abusive family, she lacked opportunity in Ireland. She decided to go to the US in search of a better life. My object is my Great Grandmother’s Claddagh ring. It is from a long Irish tradition, the symbol and meaning is from slightly more recent Irish folklore. The ring in Irish tradition symbolizes friendship, loyalty and love. Which my grandmother did not grow up around. It’s important to me because it’s a symbol of my heritage that represents joy and love, also a connection to where I am from. This ring was shown to me by my mother who it was passed down to by her mother. It symbolizes things that I want to carry for myself through life. I find this piece of my heritage fascinating and it deepens my connection and understanding of my heritage, Irish history and folklore.

– Olivia Sutton

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