The Immigrant Experience
School Program
People from Many Places
What does being an immigrant mean?
Discover the diversity of the people who made the San Francisco Peninsula their home in the exhibit, Land of Opportunity: The Immigrant Experience in San Mateo County.
Tour
During an exploration of the exhibit Land of Opportunity: The Immigrant Experience in San Mateo County, students discover what countries immigrants came from, the rich cultural traditions they brought with them and how those traditions have become part of the local community.
Cultural Activities
Students participate in cultural activities divided into two themes offered different months.
Toys, Music and Celebration: September through January
Through craft-making, students participate in some pastimes enjoyed by Irish, Mexican and Italian immigrants.
Paper Arts for Celebration: February – June
Students create paper arts that are part of Japanese, Chinese and Mexican celebrations.
Objectives
- Students will be able to identify seven major groups of people who have immigrated to San Mateo County.
- Students will be able to identify how the work of immigrants in the county supported the growth of San Francisco.
- Students will become familiar with some of the rich cultures of the people who moved here from all over the world, and how these cultures enrich life in the county.
- Students will become aware of some of the discrimination immigrants have faced in San Mateo County.
Hands-On History
