The story of the Steinway family’s departure from Germany and their arrival in America is a case study for the process of emigration from one country and immigration to another. What conditions impel people to leave their home for a new land? What conditions in another country might attract them? The lesson, with a math exercise, emphasizes the importance of New York City as an arrival port for the massive emigration from Europe at mid-century, particularly from Ireland and Germany. By studying information from an actual ship manifest, students will be introduced to a typical primary source document for the study of family history, and learn more about the individual members of the Steinway family.

A 19th-century view of Seesen, Germany, home of the Steinway family. The Steinway home in Seesen.