My great-grandma, Annie Durrigan, came to the US from Ireland in 1927 through Ellis Island. Before entering the US, Annie had to show she was healthy and literate and could support herself. Her name is on a brick at Ellis Island because my family donated to the restoration of the Main Hall. Annie immigrated on the same day Charles Lindbergh flew to Paris. I never had the chance to meet her. 

Annie knit a woolen hat for me before I was born. I have not worn it a lot but it is pretty warm so I wear it sometimes. It still fits! This artifact is significant to me because it was made by a member of my family. Annie learned to knit in Ireland. She made lace too, also known as tatting, a very special skill.   In Ireland Annie was a farm girl. She worked with livesetock and milked cows by hand. When it was harvest season, she picked vegetables like potatoes from the ground.  Annie had to adapt to life in the city. During World War II she used her sewing skills and made sweaters for the military. Later, she worked for Singer Sewing Machines. Annie knit all her life. She made hats, blankets, and sweaters, too.                                                           

– LN

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