The copy of the passenger manifest above from Ellis Island is from the ship that my paternal great-grandfather arrived on when he immigrated to the US over one hundred years ago. On the manifest Raffaele Agostinelli, my great-grandfather on my dad’s side, is accounted for on the 27th row (highlighted in yellow). This document specifically records the immigrants physical characteristics, mental health condition, marks of identification and other qualifiers (highlighted in green). The opportunities that the city, and the country, had for immigrants like my family drew them to leave their homes and entire lives behind and become a part of something entirely unfamiliar. By acknowledging the privileges that I have, I think of my family who risked everything to pursue these ideals of prosperity, liberty and freedom and I am constantly reminded of how their sacrifices have given me the opportunity to prosper.

– Mia Agostinelli

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