Reflecting on the American Dream During the 250th Anniversary
As we mark this significant milestone in the nation’s history, the descendants of early immigrants who journeyed through Ellis Island are taking a moment to consider what the American Dream truly means.
One notable figure is Annie Moore, a young girl from County Cork, Ireland. She arrived in America on January 1, 1892, after a grueling 12-day journey. Today, a statue commemorates her story in a downtown museum, symbolizing the hopes and dreams of countless immigrants.
Moore was among the first of approximately 12 million immigrants who passed through Ellis Island until its closure in 1954. Her life in New York was not easy; she faced “desperate poverty,” moving frequently from one rowhouse to another. Married to Augustus “Gus” Scheier, a German-American baker, her life was marked by both struggles and joys, especially as she mourned the loss of half of their ten children before they reached age three.
Her great-nephew, Michael Shulman, reflects on the pride he feels being part of this legacy. “I’ve lived the American dream,” he said, noting his grandfather, Philip, was Annie’s youngest brother who traveled with her to America. He’s now 69 and thinks widely about how those roots provided him with not just financial freedom, but also the opportunity to pursue a career of his choosing.
Shulman emphasized the importance of family history, stating, “I don’t think people realize how significant it is,” expressing his belief in the uniqueness of the American experience.
For Shulman, the essence of America lies in its diversity—”We are a nation of immigrants,” he proudly remarked.
Indeed, the story of Moore extends beyond her hardships. Despite her difficult life, which ended in 1924 at the age of 50, she left behind a rich tapestry of descendants. Maureen Peterson, her great-granddaughter, shared insights in 2013, highlighting how each generation has benefitted from better educational opportunities. Her family includes a vibrant mix of Chinese, Dominican, German, Jewish, and French heritage. “We became a true American family,” she said.
Moore’s journey influenced generations. Her great-granddaughter, Adrienne Kraus, currently pursuing a master’s in clinical mental health, sees the family’s fighting spirit as central to their identity. “To me, that’s the American dream,” she stated, hoping that every generation will continue to strive and grow.
Kraus expressed empathy for those seeking better lives for their families, recognizing the privilege of being born in America. Living in Newtown, Connecticut, she takes immense pride in her lineage and shares that her children, who take pride in their family history, sometimes face skepticism from their peers. Her youngest, Anna, embodies the strength of their ancestor, according to Kraus.
Reflecting on their family’s resilience, Kraus said, “I know what being a part of this country means to her and to all of us.” She pointed out that her mother is Dominican and couldn’t fathom the different life they would have had without the opportunity for a new beginning.
This determination truly embodies the American spirit.
“The whole point of America is that everyone should feel at home here,” Kraus said, echoing sentiments from Emma Lazarus’ famous poem about America’s welcoming nature. “That was Annie. She thought she was in the Promised Land.”
As we celebrate, Shulman mused about what his ancestors might think in today’s context. He humorously suggested that Moore might have “borrowed money” to meet Hamilton, imagining that if an employee seeks a job, they’d likely find an immigrant eager to step up.
