Journées européennes du patrimoine 2024: "Roads, networks and connections – 1847-1858: The Emigration Wave of Mosel Residents," a lecture by historian Caroline Resch at the "A Possen" Museum

Journées européennes du patrimoine 2024: "Roads, networks and connections – 1847-1858: The Emigration Wave of Mosel Residents," a lecture by historian Caroline Resch at the "A Possen" Museum

On October 6, 2024, as part of the European Heritage Days 2024 themed "Streets, Networks, and Connections," the "A Possen" Museum will host a lecture by Caroline Resch, a historian who explores the 19th-century emigration waves that prompted many Luxembourgers, particularly from the Moselle region, to seek a better life abroad.

Faced with difficulties such as poor harvests, famines, high taxes, and poverty, many residents of Luxembourg began leaving for South America and the United States as early as 1830. Caroline Resch will focus on the emigration from the Moselle Valley, particularly from the Upper Moselle region, including the communities of Wormeldange, Stadtbredimus, Bous, Remich, and Schengen, which were marked by a veritable epidemic of emigration.

Through careful analysis of archives and a microhistorical approach, the historian will shed light on the paths and lives of several migrating families. Many of these families became pioneers in their new American communities. The strong connections to their Luxembourgish roots persist, as evidenced by marriages between descendants of migrants, such as between Nicolas Kieffer Jr. from Kleinmacher and Catharina Steinmetz from Elvingen.

For those interested in history and family stories, this lecture offers a unique opportunity to delve into the captivating life stories of Luxembourgish emigrants of the 19th century. Join this event and discover how these families overcame challenges and left their mark on American communities while preserving their connections to Luxembourg.

A glass of friendship will conclude the lecture.

Caroline Resch graduated with a Bachelor's degree in “European Cultures – History” from the University of Luxembourg in 2022 and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in “European Contemporary History”. The author emphasizes her particular interest in the topic of American immigration in her bachelor's thesis and her article on the emigration wave of Mosel residents in the 19th century. As part of her master's thesis, the author is researching the social life of Luxembourgish immigrants in the United States. Simultaneously, Caroline Resch works as a historical researcher on the development of the video game "The Migrants' Chronicles" and is a member of the Luxembourgish association "Roots and Leaves."

Sunday 6 October

At 3pm

In Luxembourgish

All ages (children must be accompanied by an adult)

Booking required by telephone on +352 23 69 73 53 or by email info@musee-possen.lu

Price: free admission