New Rochelle: A Community Built by Immigrants

From its settlement by French Protestant refugees in the 1680s to present day, the community of New Rochelle has become home to immigrants seeking a better life. Each tide of immigration to America has resulted in new neighborhoods, businesses, houses of worship and rich cultural traditions in the southern Westchester city. This illustrated presentation by city historian Barbara Davis will provide a sweeping view of New Rochelle’s 325+ history and the immigrants who made it the vibrant, diverse urban-suburban community it is today. The presentation concludes with the extraordinary story of Antonio Valencia and his role in the significant cluster migration of people from Michoacán Mexico to New Rochelle.