Immigration to the United States, 1789-1930

Documenting voluntary immigration to the United States from the signing of the Constitution to the start of the Great Depression.
http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:hul.eresource:immigrat?utm_source=library.harvard
California, the land of promise, 1897. View Details.

This digital collection of historical materials from Harvard's libraries, archives, and museums documents voluntary immigration to the United States from the signing of the Constitution to the start of the Great Depression.

Concentrating heavily on the 19th century, the collection includes:

  • over 400,000 pages from more than 2,200 books, pamphlets, and serials
  • over 9,600 pages from manuscript and archival collections
  • more than 7,800 photographs
First page of a bill introduced to regulate the movement and residence of Chinese persons and persons of Chinese descent.
Bill introduced to regulate the movement and residence of Chinese persons and persons of Chinese descent.
Widener Library
Colorful map, dating back to 1851, of California with designations regarding the location of gold
Map of the gold region in California, 1851
Harvard Map Collection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By incorporating diaries, biographies, and other writings capturing diverse experiences, the collected material provides a window into the lives of ordinary immigrants.

The collection also includes contextual information on voluntary immigration and quantitative data.

Accessing These Materials

 

Contact

Americas, Europe, and Oceania Division, Widener Library