Where Can a Letter Take You?: Home

Prior Knowledge: 

• My Hebrew name (after my grandfather's sister who perished in Holocaust)
• Family lore (son survived in France and was in resistance)
• Holiday postcard circa late 1920's (provided husband's name)

Wonders

• What exactly happened to Tante Anna?
• What were conditions like in Poland in 1938 for Jews?
• Was Tante Anna's plan to come to the U.S. for a visit or to stay?
• Was she coming alone or was there a plan for her family as well.?

Process

Prior Knowledge:

• Strict quotas regarding numbers of people let in
• FDR did not believe U.S. should mix into affairs of another country
• Focus on preparing for war rather than saving refugees

Wonders:

• What was the process for obtaining a visa?
• How long was the process?
• How much influence did FDR have in possibly changing the system?
• What was the role/influence of the State Department?
• Were any changes made as the war progressed?

Process:

 Access through Cary Library

Prior Knowledge:

• America wanted to appear neutral
• Public sympathetic but not open to receiving immigrants
• Antisemitism
• More could have been done

Wonders:

• Was there a refugee policy during this time period?
• Why did the State Department make it more difficult during this time to come to the U.S.?
• How much did the government know about the plight of Jews & others in Europe?

Process:

 Access through Cary Library