Lesson Plan
Inspect an 1870s Charity Ledger
Students piece together an immigrant community’s struggles by delving into a charity ledger from 1873. They are introduced to the Gumpertz family, who immigrated from Germany and struggled through the panic of 1873. By reading the family article, “The Gumpertz Family Story,” students understand how Natalie Gumpertz worked together with her family and community to get by.
Theme
Working Together
Duration
1-3 Class Periods
Aim
How do we do history detective work with a document to learn about a family?
Related Program
100 Years Apart
Important Information
What will students understand through this lesson?
- Im/migrants adapt to new living conditions and types of communities, often with creativity and resourcefulness. Communities help people meet their needs in a new place.
- Neighborhoods with many immigrants and their children develop because they provide work, support, access to culture, less racism and discrimination, and friendship. While adult immigrants often spend time with people who speak their home language, children often make friends across difference.
Primary Sources
United Hebrew Charity Ledger
Investigate how an immigrant family in the 1870’s got help in a time of need.
Related Family Story
Questions on lessons and activities?
The materials on this page can enrich a visit to the Museum or help you teach about immigration. If you have questions or comments, please e-mail us.
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