Queens is the most ethnically diverse borough in New York City. 46 percent of Queens' 2.2 million residents were born in another country. Queens residents speak 138 different languages and its neighborhoods are home to thousands of immigrants from places as far flung as China, Greece, India, Jamaica, Nigeria and Vietnam. Indeed, many believe Queens is currently the most diverse county in the nation and perhaps the world.
Queens has long provided a place of settlement for generations of immigrants and their children. During the early 20th century, Eastern-European Jews, working-class Germans, Irish and Italians moved to neighborhoods such as Astoria, Corona and Jackson Heights. By 1920, former 97 Orchard Street resident and daughter of Irish immigrants, Jane Moore (left), had moved to Richmond Hill, Queens with her husband.
While an earlier generation of immigrants entered the United States through Ellis Island, today Queens serves as the entry point for most foreign-born newcomers to the New York Metropolitan region. During the 1990s, more than one million migrated to the area by airplane, landing at La Guardia and John F. Kennedy International airports in Queens.
The immigrants who poured in-to the Lower East Side during the 19th and early 20th centuries re-shaped what it means to be an American. Their contemporary counterparts in Queens and other parts of the country are likewise challenging notions of national identity.
As part of one of The Tenement’s school activities, we ask students to tell us what comes to mind when they hear the word “American.” Students’ responses vary greatly. They are generally unable to reach consensus on the word, though they tend to agree that there are many different kinds of Americans, and a variety of factors that shape our ideas about who an American is.
At the end of the activity, students are asked to agree upon an inclusive definition of the word “American” that takes into consideration the diversity of the country. Their definitions have included:
- “Anyone who is a citizen of the United States”
- “Anyone who lives in the United States and wants to make a life here”
- “Anyone who considers themselves to be American”
- “Anyone who believes in the values of the United States government”
What do you think an American is?
Members are a vital part of The Tenement. They help make possible programs like the new
Moore Family Apartment, which will be the first permanent exhibit by a National Historic Site to document the Irish immigrant experience.
Members also support The New York Book Club and other Museum programs that explore the experiences of today's immigrants.
For as little as $45, members also get great benefits, including free admission to our ongoing programs. Join us today and help illuminate the experiences of the Moores and other immigrants past and present.
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Queens’ new immigrants are the subject of 
