Uncovering the Truth: Irish Contributions and Myths in New York City
Historian Tyler Anbinder used bank records from the Emigrant Savings Bank to dispel the myth that Irish immigrants who fled to the United States during the Great Potato Famine were impoverished, revealing that many had substantial savings and achieved upward mobility. His book, "Plentiful Country: The Great Potato Famine and the Making of Irish New York," documents over 1,200 famine immigrants' lives in detail, challenging longstanding stereotypes and highlighting their ambitious and driven nature. The famine immigrants played a significant role in shaping the American Dream, proving that anyone could succeed in America and contributing to the idea of economic vibrancy and opportunity in the country.