The Moore Family Story

Learn about the Moores, an Irish American family who lived in 97 Orchard Street in the 1860s.

Overview

This article explores the story of Joseph and Bridget Moore, Irish immigrants living in the Lower East Side with their three U.S.-born children. Students learn about the Moore’s living in a mostly German neighborhood, and consider how the family is expressing their Irish identity in New York. The article includes primary sources, drawings, and photographs of the Moore’s recreated apartment, and the teacher guide includes student-facing questions and writing activities.

Time Period

1860s – 1870s

Related Topics

• 19^th Century Irish Immigration
• Cultural Pride
• Discrimination

Primary Sources

• Map of the location of the Moore Family’s homes in 1860’s New York – Track the different neighborhoods an Irish immigrant family lived in and consider why they moved. (See below)
• 1874 Drawing of St. Patrick’s Day Parade – See an artist’s depiction of one of the most important days of the year for Irish families in New York City in the 1870’s. (See below)
• NEW Bridget Moore Video – A Tenement Museum costumed interpreter plays Bridget Moore in 1868.  She lets us see her new home and shows us how she maintains her Irish culture. (See below)