Since the inception of Swampscott Unites, Respects and Embraces (S.U.R.E.) Diversity, its members have often been asked about the limited notion of what diversity means, with the conversation frequently focusing only on racial identity. In response, founding member Martha Curry created a world map for a S.U.R.E. Diversity event, inviting attendees to place a pin marking where their ancestors came from. Within a short time, more than 60 countries were represented.
Swampscott is a multicultural community with a rich tapestry of backgrounds and experiences. To highlight some of those stories, the Swampscott Tides has partnered with S.U.R.E. Diversity on its “Tell Us Your Story” project, inviting individuals to share where their ancestors came from, why they came, and what their heritage means to them.
These vignettes will be featured in the Swampscott Tides every other week and are also archived at the Swampscott Public Library.
If you would like to be included in the series, please send your 200-word story and photos to info@surediversity.org.
This week’s Tell Us Your Story is by Dr. Irma Zarinsky.
I am the granddaughter of emigrants.
Both my paternal and maternal grandfathers emigrated from Russia with their families in the 1890’s. As teenage young men they saw no future in Russia. They came by boat and were processed through Ellis Island.
The grandfathers had to learn English, go to work and support their families. My paternal grandfather and his family settled in South Boston. My maternal grandfather settled in Quincy and raised five children. Both grandfathers pursued their Judaism and were members of synagogues.
My father walked from the South End to MIT every day and graduated a chemist. He met my mother, married and settled in Quincy. When my father could not find work in the thirties, her father who was a successful businessman in the automotive field (new and used cars, a junkyard), gave him the junkyard to run. My father worked hard and prospered.
Three themes are a major influence on the offspring of both grandfathers: family, Judaism, and the importance of education. The families have thrived in America with many achieving high academic degrees.
