Field Trip Reflection

Part I:
The purpose of the New Museum Exhibit was to educate the public about Jewish history, specifically about Jewish immigration to the United States and how it shaped how the country is today. I enjoyed reading about many famous Jewish people like Uriah P. Levy, Joe Lieberman, and Joshua Herschel. I especially enjoyed reading about Albert Einstein (1879- 1955) and how he achieved fame for his description and account of the relationship between energy and mass. I found Uriah P. Levy’s (1792- 1862) story very interesting because he fought in the War of 1812 and stopped the use of flogging on Naval Officers. I learned that Jewish leaders such as Joshua Herschel, helped Martin Luther King in his marches during the 1960’s. On the walls I saw information about how Abraham Lincoln was largely supported by American Jews. I also saw that after his election, 9,000 Jewish soldiers fought for the Union (the North), compared to some 3,000 who fought for the Confederacy (the South) in the Civil War. I learned that Jewish people were not liked by the KKK, and were still discriminated against in America until very recently. I learned that Joe Lieberman, a Jewish candidate, ran for President in 2004. As I said earlier, “America's first immigrants” have really affected how America has turned out, from the riots to lower Kosher meat prices to the Jewish support of Martin Luther King and the civil rights movement.

Part II:
(1) A photograph that I found interesting was one that depicted a "Mother and Daughter from Thailand at O' Hare International Airport." The picture showed a mother with a little girl sitting on her lap. I thought this picture was interesting because the colors were very well contrasted and it showed how families stay together when they are nervous or scared.

(2) "When I left my country Vietnam I didn't know that I would probably never come back again. I was just ten years old. I knew my life would begin from this moment."

I chose this quote because it shows that people have a strong belief that the U.S. can give them a better life. I also chose this quote because at that time they didn't know they would not be going back, and if I was in their position, I would still want to go back no matter what. I also felt a slight connection to this quote because I am very close to the country of Italy and the last time I went I was nine or ten and I was worried that I would never get to go back again.