I rise today to join with my friend and colleague. Senator MOYNIHAN. to introduce legislation that will declare the Lower East Side Tenement Museum a national historic site. Most of us have heard the stories of how the great wave of immigrants of generations ago entered our Nation. but few really know what happened to them after they landed at Ellis Island. At the Lower East Side Tenement Museum at 97 Orchard Street in New York City. one is able to follow the lives of the immigrants beyond the first hours on our shores. The museum tells their history. displays their courage and. showcases their values in an interpretive setting that brings the visitor back to an era from which many of us came. The museum presents to many of us an awareness of our ancestral roots that we may never have known existed. Through the legislation being introduced by Senator MOYNIHAN and me. the museum will be able to affiliate itself with the National Park Service. bestowing national recognition on the humble beginnings of millions of our ancestors. The Tenement Museum is unique in that it not only traces the quality of life inside the tenement. but presents a picture of the immigrants outside world as well. Due to the cramped and dingy nature of the tenement. as much time as possible was spent outside. Thus. in order to fully explore their lives. it is essential to look toward their work. their houses of worship. their organizations. and their entertainment. The museum incorporates the experiences of yesteryears immigrants and interprets them for todays generations. It gives the visitor a powerful glimpse into the life and living arrangements that our ancestors faced on a daily basis. Besides onsite programs. the museum utilizes the surrounding neighborhood. an area which continues to this day in its role as a receiver of immigrants. Throughout our Nation we have preserved. remembered and cherished places of national significance and beauty. We have put enormous energy toward maintaining homes of noted Americans and protecting vast areas of wilderness.
Keywords matched
immigrants