The cultural artifact that is very important to my family is “The Flynns of Linfield”, a book that explains my Dad’s family history and their immigration from Ireland into the United States. The book begins in 1865 with the birth of my Great Great Grandfather, James Flynn in a small farmhouse in Pallas Green Limerick. He married and lived with his wife in Linfield, originally known as “Flynn’s Field” where they raised 13 children. One of the 13 children was my Great Grandfather Michael “Mick” Flynn. Mick Flynn grew up in Linfield Ireland, eventually moving to England in support of the World War II effort. He helped produce British Spitfires in a factory in London. While in England he met his wife Bridie. Bridie was pregnant with my grandfather when all women and children were required to leave London. Mick decided to move them back to Ireland and Bridie later gave birth to my grandfather on St. Patrick's Day. After some time they moved back to London and had a second child. Conditions in London continued to deteriorate as the bombing raids began. Their apartment was bombed and destroyed. My Great Grandparents, with their children fled England, leaving behind Ireland for Canada as they awaited sponsorship for the United States. Once sponsorship was approved they moved to New York City where my Grandfather Poppy and my Great Aunt grew up. It is also where my Dad was born. My family has a deep connection to our Irish heritage and we have family that continues to live in Ireland and Wales . We also have a deep love of New York City where my family's American dreams began.

– C

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