Record Detail
People of Sacramento Archive

Caption: Immigrants were often counseled in the American ways.

Date: circa 1880

Historical Context:
Immigrants from all parts of the world brought with them ways of thinking, believing, and acting. However, not all aspects of a groups' cultural behavior were acceptable to some citizens in the United States. Some even took it upon themselves to counsel the immigrants on the proper way to behave in America. In the 1910s, the Daughters of the American Revolution counseled Italian immigrants: "An Italian, like any other foreigner, is appreciated when he lives the American social life. Until then he counts for nothing. Join American clubs, read American papers. Try to adapt yourself to the manners and customs and habits of the American people. . . Throw away all weapons you may have...Speak in a low voice...Try not to gesticulate, and do not get excited in your discussions...Thus you will be respected, welcomed in America."

Ethnic Group: Italian

Place: Sacramento

Events: n.a.

Key Words:
portrait
pressure
discrimination

Image Number: 2882

Objects/Items of Note: Women's 19th century dress.

Name/Biographical Data: --?-Cecchetini.

Image Credit: SMHD, Sacramento Ethnic Communities Survey, Italian Cultural Society