The Confino Family Story

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

This Family Story is part of our Upper Elementary Unit Plan. You can view the full unit plan here.

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

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)

Associated Lessons