Gjenvick-Gjonvick Archives

The USA has long been the goal of immigrants. While the wave has been from the southerly direction for quite a few years now, once upon a time it was the dream of many a European to get on a ship and sail to America.
Today’s FamilyFirst pick is called The Gjenvick-Gjønvik Archives. It’s a vast collection of photographs, passenger lists, steamship brochures, and many more interesting tidbits from a time when many of our ancestors were leaving one part of the world to come to another.
My own family sailed over from Norway in the late 19th century. I hope that eventually, as passenger lists continue to be indexed, the name “Endreland” may turn up.
That would be a thrill.

But in the meantime, put yourself in the shoes of those who nervously climbed aboard a huge ship and settled in to several day’s journey in churning seas, fighting nausea and close conditions with other passengers who may have been carrying communicable diseases.
Imagine the thrill of seeing the New York skyline for the first time.
Think about your own courageous family members who took a big chance by packing up everything they owned and headed for a strange country a long, long ways away.
http://www.gjenvick.com/