The project will focus on Queens in New York City during the early 20th century, examining its role as a hub for Italian immigrants. The time frame will primarily cover the late 19th century to the early 20th century, coinciding with the peak of Italian immigration to the United States. Keeping the scope limited to Queens allows for a more in-depth analysis of the area’s significance in accommodating Italian immigrants and understanding the social dynamics within the borough during that time.
Various sources will be employed in the digital mapping project to provide a comprehensive understanding of Italian immigration to Queens. These may include digital maps showcasing demographic changes over time, online databases containing immigration records and census data, historical maps illustrating neighborhood development, and secondary sources such as academic papers, articles, and books documenting the experiences of Italian immigrants in New York City. For me personally, I will have to do some internet research to really narrow down my selection of sources.
The final project will be an interactive web map, offering users the opportunity to explore the distribution of Italian immigrants in Queens during the early 20th century. This format allows for the visualization of demographic changes, settlement patterns, and the establishment of Italian communities within the borough. An interactive web map is the best way to present the data as it enables users to engage with the information dynamically, gaining insights into the geographic spread and concentration of Italian immigrants in Queens.
This project adds value by providing a spatial analysis of Italian immigration to Queens, shedding light on the factors that influenced settlement patterns and the socio-cultural impact of migration on the borough. By mapping out the distribution of Italian immigrants and examining their interactions with other immigrant groups and the native population, the project enhances our understanding of the dynamics of urban immigration in early 20th-century New York City. Additionally, by employing digital mapping techniques, the project offers a representation of historical data, making it accessible to a wide audience and allowing other scholars to further research and explore the significance of New York City’s immigrant history.
Nice. I like that you’re now focusing on one burrough, and one subset – Italian immigrants. We can work with that. Reach out and set up a meeting so we can go over your plan in more detail before stage 3.