Family Story

The Confino Family Story

Learn about the Confino family, Greek Jewish immigrants who lived in 97 Orchard Street in the 1910s.

Explore their Family Story and visit their recreated apartment on our 1916 Meet Victoria virtual field trip!

Overview

This article explores the life of Victoria Confino, a 14-year old immigrant from Kastoria, in modern-day Greece. Through her story, students learn about Victoria’s life in Kastoria, her immigration through Ellis Island, and her life on the Lower East Side. The article includes two primary sources, a postcard from Kastoria in 1910, and a ship passenger list from 1911, student-facing questions and writing activities.

Time Period

1910s

Related Topics

  • Sephardic Jewish Immigration
  • Garment Industry
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Primary Sources

  • Kastoria Postcard c. 1900 – This postcard shows us the city of Kastoria, Greece, the hometown of the Confino family who immigrated to New York in 1913. (See below)
  • The 1913 SS Argentina Ship Passenger List (Manifest) – Find the Confino family on the passenger list of a ship that brought immigrants to the United States in 1913. (See below)
  • Confino Family Photograph, 1913 – See portrait of the Confino family shortly after they were reunited in New York City after immigrating from Greece in 1913. (See below)

 

Bird's eye view of Kastoria, Greece in the 1900s - a sprawling coastal town full of trees and red-tile rooftops under a clear blue sky

Kastoria Postcard c. 1900

This postcard shows us the city of Kastoria, Greece, the hometown of the Confino family who immigrated to New York in 1913.

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1913 SS Argentina Ship Passenger List (Manifest)

Find the Confino family on the passenger list of a ship that brought immigrants to the United States in 1913.

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A formal black and white portrait of 6 members of the Confino family, 2 adults, a baby, and 3 other children

Confino Family Photograph, 1913

See portrait of the Confino family shortly after they were reunited in New York City after immigrating from Greece in 1913.

Download Photo

Associated Lessons

Upper Elementary: 4-5th Grade

Introduction to Primary Sources

Define “primary sources” and analyze one contemporary and one historic source.

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Upper Elementary: 4-5th Grade

Investigate a 1914 Report Card

Students learn about Victoria Confino through her 2nd grade report card from 1913.

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Associated Virtual Field Trip

1916 Meet Victoria  | Meet Victoria is a costumed interpretation program.  Students will be transported back in time to 1916 to interact with an actor playing Victoria Confino, an actual 14-year-old girl who immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island in 1913.  Victoria will show students her home and daily life, tell stories about her life experiences, and share how her family keeps their culture alive through food, language, holiday celebrations, and more.  

  • Themes: Complicating Stereotypes, Culture and Identity
  • Topic: European Immigration
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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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