The convergence of St. Patrick's Day and Women's History Month, provides us the perfect opportunity to honor Miss Annie Moore, the first immigrant to pass through the Ellis Island Immigration Station. She was only 15 years old, in fact it was her birthday, January 1, 1892. She was traveling with her two younger brothers, Anthony and Phillip, from Queenstown, Ireland to join their parents in America. Today, there is a statue of Annie at her port of departure as well as one at Ellis Island, her port of arrival. She surely symbolizes the pursuit of the American dream.

Although our clothespin doll is happily collecting flowers in fields of heather (Background Photo Credit: "Fields of heather" by TheOnlyMoxey is licensed under CC BY 2.0), the image below from the Library of Congress shows, perhaps, a more realistic picture of the conditions in Ireland at the time. This photo is titled, "Letter from America." You can imagine that young Annie would have received a letter like this from her parents with stories of New York City and instructions on how they would meet upon her arrival. What an adventure for that young lass! More than 4 million Irish left their homeland bound for America between 1820 and 1920 for a new life. Though life had become difficult in Ireland, they left behind a beautiful country and sometimes family and friends they would never see again. Many celebrations still take place in America today, honoring Irish heritage and traditions. Green beer, anyone?! If you'd like your own custom made Irish doll by Nancy Bell Anderson, click here. Or, if you'd like to try your hand at some international dolls, use our patterns in "It's a Small World."

Sláinte! (an Irish toast to good health)

Heather @ Heritage Folk (Yes, I'm part Irish!)