Programs

Nineteenth Century Baltimore: A City of Immigrants

Join Baltimore historian and educator Wayne R. Schaumburg for an inside look at the city's role as a major immigration port during the 19th century. Known as "Ellis Island South" by 1900, Baltimore was second only to New York in immigration during 1884, 1891, and 1892.

This illustrated program will explore why immigrants came, how they got to Baltimore, and once they arrived, how they assimilated to life in a major urban center.

Also, this program will address present-day immigration issues and answer questions like, "What things have remained the same? Are we more tolerant of people with different racial, religious and ethnic backgrounds today, and can these newcomers share in the dream of a better life for themselves and their children in 21st century America?"

Wayne R. Schaumburg has taught in the Baltimore City Public School System for over thirty-five years. For over fifteen years he has given illustrated talks on Baltimore history to community, business, historical, college, and senior groups. He has also written a number of publications related to Baltimore and is currently researching the history and architecture of the Upton Estate in Baltimore (1838). Mr. Schaumburg received his M.L.A. from Johns Hopkins University and has an M.S. in history and social science from Morgan State University.