Immigration Story
From Ireland to America
Newspaper Discussing the Increase in Irish Immigrants (1965)
There was no specific reason why Maureen left Ireland, she explains that,
"It was the thing to do to come to America"
Maureen had to have a sponsor in order to come to America in 1962. A sponsor was typically a family member who would claim legal responsibility for the travelling immigrant. Luckily, one of her aunts who lived in Dorchester was able to sponsor Maureen.
A Journey of Firsts
On the 15th of August, 1962, Maureen arrived at Logan International Airport in Boston, Massachusetts. This was her first time travelling by airplane as well as her first time in a large city other than Dublin. Her first impression of Boston was that,
"It was so hot, I thought the heat was coming up through the streets"
-Maureen McDonagh
Maureen explains how many Irish immigrants were happy and eager, much like herself, to become American citizens during this time because of all the opportunities the country had to offer.
Boston's Theatre District 1962
Boston Logan International Airport 1962
Newspaper Article Featuring Women's Fashion 1960's
Her Love for America
"I loved this country and I still do! I was so happy here, it was just like extended family, I just loved it thats all... the clothes the beautiful clothes, then you went to town and just my god the fascination, I was shocked by all the buildings, it was all huge!"
-Maureen McDonagh
Becoming an American Citizen
At Last an American
Before she immigrated to Boston, Maureen had to visit the American Embassy in Dublin in order to be approved to enter America. At the Embassy they checked Maureen's history for a criminal record and made sure that she had her vaccinations for Tuberculosis and Smallpox. The Embassy confirmed that her background was clear and that her health was good, allowing Maureen to be able to immigrate to America.
American Embassy, Dublin
The Preamble of the Constitution
Example of the Oath of Alligence for American Citizenship
Once she arrived in America, Maureen applied for security the following week and was then known as a registered Alien. In order to gain her citizenship, Maureen had to study American history, memorize parts of the Constitution, undergo an interview, and had to take an oath pledging her loyalty to America. Maureen originally only held Irish citizenship because she was born in Ireland. However, when she became an American citizen she had to give up all rights to her country of origin including her Irish citizenship.
After spending six years in America, Maureen officially became an American citizen in 1968.
Later as an American citizen, Maureen was able to be a sponsor for three of her sisters in order for them to immigrate to Boston. She had to sign several papers and endure a long process to legally claim responsibility for her siblings as immigrants.
Life in Boston
Work Life
Maureen attended highschool in Ireland but she did not attend college as a full time student in America, so instead she started working at a bank. She worked with adding machines and helped people cash their checks. Maureen felt that everyone was very nice to her because most of the people who had accounts at the bank were all Irish. She describes them as,
"They were lovely people, you know, and there were a lot of Irish American's which was a huge plus"
Although she liked her job, Maureen had to quit when she had her first son in 1956. After starting her family, Maureen worked jobs that had flexible hours, including working nights at nursing homes and domestic work, such as house cleaning.
Adding Machine From the 1960's
Newspaper Article for a Bank in the 1960's Featuring a Female Bank Worker
Maps of Dorchester 1962
Community in Dorchester
Many of Maureen's family, mostly aunts and uncles, were living in America a year before she arrived. When she did come to America, Maureen lived with one of her aunts in Dorchester. At the time, she had four uncles and two aunts that lived there. She explains that,
"Dorchester was all Irish anyway, it felt like you were right at home"
Here in Dorchester, Maureen was surrounded by her family, she knew almost everyone in the neighborhood and was often related to many of her neighbors.
St. Patricks Day Parade in Boston Late 1960's
Fun Fact!
Irish Currency
American Currency
Maureen's uncle would teach her the differences between Irish and American currency as well as the values of American coins and bills.
"Coming into any of those houses (her aunts and uncles homes) you sit down and you have dinner, and then you would practice. He would bring out the money and ask now whats this one and whats that one, and thats the way it was"
-Maureen McDonagh