ICS and TeachRock Present: Crafting the American Soundtrack: Ellis Island, Jewish Immigration, and Musical Legacy

Join ICS and TeachRock to discover how music and primary sources bring to life the American immigrant experience between 1880 to 1924. Educators will explore strategies for analyzing song lyrics, Ellis Island artifacts, and iconic instruments crafted by newcomers who shaped the nation’s soundtrack. The session will also examine the push-and-pull factors of Jewish immigration, the cultural contributions of Jewish Americans, and political backlash to this immigration wave. Participants will walk away with adaptable, classroom-ready resources that foster empathy, historical inquiry, and critical thinking.