Heritage by definition, is something passed down from a preceding generation. Heritage can be a tradition. Heritage is something that comes or belongs to one by reason of birth (inherited). Heritage includes all the customs, beliefs, and values that have been passed on to us by our ancestors.

Ellis Island Ellis Island is a symbol of America’s immigrant heritage. From 1892 to 1954, this immigrant depot processed the greatest tide of incoming humanity in the nation’s history. In operation until 1954, the station processed over 12 million immigrant steamship passengers. The main building was restored after 30 years of abandonment and opened as a museum on September 10, Today, over 40 percent of America's population can trace their ancestry through Ellis Island.

Statue of Liberty The statue is a gift to America from the people of France. Since 1886, the Statue of Liberty has stood near Ellis Island in New York Harbor. Symbolism: - 25 windows in the crown represent: "natural minerals" of the earth - Toga represents: The Ancient Republic of Rome - Torch represents: Enlightenment - Chains underfoot represent: Liberty crushing the chains of slavery

The New Colossus Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame, "Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore, Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" by Emma Lazarus, New York City, 1883

Theme-Freedom “ Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…” “I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” Why do you think Emma Lazarua called the Statue of Liberty the “Mother of Exiles?

Focus: Why would people leave their home, family, friend, and country to go to a new place where they might know the language, the people, or the land. 1.Read the context of the Statue of Liberty. 2.Identify four reasons why people immigrate to the United States. 3.Be ready to explain the four reasons. Economic Opportunity To escape religious persecution in their homelands. To escape political unrest. Many immigrants leave their countries for social reasons.

Immigrant Letter Assignment 1. You’ve been given a new identity. You are now an immigrant from the country or area that you’ve drawn. 2. From the perspective of a new immigrant you will compose a letter describing your reasons for coming to the United States. 3. The letter must reflect ONE or more of the four reasons that we discussed in our lesson today. 4. The letter must also describe your Ellis Island experience. 5. The letter will also reflect what the Statue of Liberty means to you. 6. Rough draft due tomorrow. Final copies will be typed in computer lab.

The Arrival Bouna notte, my bella figlia, close your eyes. Carry me in your dreams across the bottomless waters. Hold tight my cuore and savor this warm bacio, For my viglia is pericolosa and I travel under new cielos. She recalls his words as she waits anxiously in line. Her Mother counts out the money. Secretly, she prays to the blessed Virgin Mary, per favore, madre’ mia, please help us. Cin! Cin! Finally, their passage has been granted---Salute! Translation: Bouna notte-Good night Cuore-heart figlia-daughter Bacio-kissViglia-journey Cielos-skysPer favore-please Madre’mia-mother of god Salute-god bless Cin-cheers bella-beautiful