Tracing Historical Immigration: Dutch Heritage in America
Immigration, emigration, expats.
In one way or another we or our ancestors moved around.
Photography project 2005
Leaving your beloved home country for an unfamiliar new place often prompts deep reflections on immigration, particularly due to the devastating impacts of war in various regions like the Middle East, Suriname, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine, and Gaza. However, back in the 1950s, after the tumultuous events of World War II, a significant number of individuals from Western Europe sought to move to the United States in pursuit of the elusive American Dream. These immigrants carried with them their rich Dutch heritage, and it struck me during my visits how beautifully the American and Dutch cultures blended and intertwined. There's a fascinating story that suggests the Dutch once traded New York in exchange for Suriname, which highlights the complex historical ties between these places and we are all involved.
Immigration, emigration, expats.
In one way or another we or our ancestors moved around.
Photography project 2005
Leaving your home country for a new place often makes us think of immigration due to war in regions like the Middle East, Suriname, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine, and Gaza.
However, in the 1950s, after World War II, many people from Western Europe moved to achieve the American dream.
These immigrants to the United States kept their Dutch roots, and it struck me during my visits how well American and Dutch cultures blended. There's a story that the Dutch traded New York for Suriname.