I know little about my family's immigration history, but I grew up hearing stories from my grandmother, a child of a Polish immigrant, that revolved around her experiences growing up in the rural home that is pictured. She speaks of what she calls the "olden days" of rural life, spent going to school and cooking her favorite Polish foods. When she got married, she moved down the street, where she and my grandfather still live to this day. Recently, my aunt has purchased this very home that my grandmother grew up in; this action prompted me to think about how much my family's history is rooted in place. Dwellings were and still are a means for immigrants to physically and symbolically occupy space and create a sense of belonging within community and society. My family, descended from immigrants, rooted themselves in America through participation in local organizations like churches and the creation of small family businesses, while still continuing cultural traditions.

– Jennifer Congdon

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