THE NEW COLOSSUS. By Emma Lazarus 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-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Focus Question: What does the Statue of Liberty represent? The New Colossus Written by Emma Lazarus in 1883 as a fundraiser for the Bartholdi Pedestal Fund, the poem is inscribed on a bronze plaque that was placed on the interior wall of the pedestal in 1903 Focus Question: What does the Statue of Liberty represent?

Symbols A symbol brings to mind an idea. Over the years, a symbol tends to take on a meaning related to its history, function or appearance. For example, Bartholdi, the designer of the Statue of Liberty, knew that for most people chains represent tyranny; likewise, a broken chain symbolizes freedom. These associations were built in to the Statue during its creation. Ideas can also be gradually transferred to an object over time. In this way, an object can take on new, sometimes unintended meanings. As millions of immigrants found themselves welcomed to America by the Statue of Liberty, it became associated with their struggle for freedom and desire for a better life. In 1989, Chinese students demonstrating in Tiananmen Square made a model of the Statue of Liberty to symbolize their revolution. When you see the Statue of Liberty, you may simply see one of the largest statues ever built, or you may associate it with universal qualities of freedom or democracy, or you may have personal feelings about it based on your own experiences.

The birth of the Statue of Liberty The Statue of Liberty is a monument that stands in the New York Harbor. It's official name is "Liberty Enlightening the World." It was a gift to the people of the United States from the people of France. The statue is modeled after Libertas, the ancient Roman goddess of freedom. ..

Why build a statue? In 1865 Édouard de Laboulaye, a French writer and professor, had an idea for a monument that honored America's independence. He was against Napolean III who was oppressively controlling France. His views inspired Frédéric Bartholdi to design the monument. His plan was for a statue to be 151 feet tall and made out of thin sheets of molded copper. Engineer Gustave Eiffel helped to design the structure. Yes, Eiffel Tower…. Eiffel designed a special frame so the statue could withstand strong winds and changing weather, and also allow for the metal to expand and contract. Teams of builders began working on the statue in France, but the project suffered delays due to lack of funding. To raise support, parts of the statue were on display in Paris and in New York City. Bartholdi chose an island in the New York Harbor for the monument, and President Rutherford B. Hayes agreed to the site. The statue was completed in Paris, but it had to be dismantled and shipped to New York, where it was rebuilt. Finally, the Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886. It had taken over twenty years to plan, design, and build.

Frédéric Bartholdi Édouard de Laboulaye

Gustave Eiffel

Let’s Look at the Statue of Liberty’s Symbols… She wears a crown with seven rays, which stand for the seven continents and the seven seas.

She holds up a torch, which stands for liberty She holds up a torch, which stands for liberty. Help children understand that the liberty is "lighting the way."

The statue holds a table that says July 4, 1776 in Roman numerals The statue holds a table that says July 4, 1776 in Roman numerals. What is the significance of the date? This is the date the Declaration of Independence was signed. The tablet is a symbol for the law and government.

The statue stands on a broken chain, which is a symbol for independence. She is stepping forward, which stands for progress, or moving into the future

Immigration An immigrant is a person who moves to a new country. In the late 1800s, millions of immigrants moved to the United States for better opportunities and to start new lives. Many came through Ellis Island, which is near the Statue of Liberty. Each day hundreds and sometimes even thousands of immigrants arrived in America and saw the statue as a welcoming presence Near the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor is Ellis Island. This island served as an immigrant station and a temporary shelter for people coming to the U.S. from other countries. Between 1892 and 1954, approximately 12 million people passed through Ellis Island seeking refuge, freedom and opportunity. The main building on Ellis Island is now a museum dedicated to the history of the Ellis Island Immigration Station Check it out: http://www.history.com/topics/statue-of-liberty/videos#the-statue-of-liberty

Reflection: You are an immigrant arriving to the U. S Reflection: You are an immigrant arriving to the U.S. after a three month long journey. How do you feel as you see the Statue of Liberty for the first time? How will coming to America change your life?