My Great-Great-Grandpa, William Ferrari, immigrated from Argentina to New York in 1904. He was three years old and moved with his family to New York because of his father’s work. His father, Febo, was a Sculptor and Linguist and won second place in the World's Fair in 1898 when he lived in Argentina. His family were all architects, sculptors, and artists, which resulted in William and his two brothers being graduates of the Art Department at Yale University. Willie, as he was called, also received a full scholarship to Beaux Artes Academy of Art in Paris. This is where he met his wife, Yvonne. In 1946, Willie won an Oscar in the category “Black and White Art Direction” for the movie “Gaslight”. The awards were held at some sort of theater, but Willie didn’t go because he wasn’t interested in awards and didn’t do his work to win them. Nine years later in 1955 he won another award, an Emmy for “Best Art Direction - Film Series” for “You Are There”, a radio show that recreated historical moments.The two awards have been a presence in my grandparents house since I was little, but I’ve never thought to ask questions about how they were earned until now. It’s been very interesting to learn more about my family’s history and their immigration story, and it makes me feel more connected to the people in my family who came before me.

– Bailey

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