Between 1850 and the early 1900s, thousands of poor Irish, Chinese and Italian immigrants poured into New York City desperately seeking a better life. With no skills, nowhere to go, and no money to get there, many ended up on the Lower East Side, crushed into clearly defined ethnic neighborhoods that, over time, evolved from dangerous slums into the culturally rich, thriving communities that exist today.
This quest follows their journey, reliving their struggles, uncovering their stories, scavenging for clues and, of course, tasting those delicious foods that have stood the test of time.
Ages: 12 to 102
Duration: 2.5 hrs or longer if you linger
Best time: store hours
Starting point: Collect Park on New York’s Lower East Side
Characters and scenes from the past century of immigration.
Characters and scenes from the past century of immigration.