There are many fascinating stories associated with the U.S. Immigration Station, Angel Island. Many of us are familiar with the experience of Chinese immigrants whose stories are carved on the walls of the Detention Barracks. Less familiar is the role the Immigration Station played during 1914 to 1919 as World War and the Mexican Revolution drove refugees and prisoners-of-war to Angel Island.
We wish to thank Maria Sakovich, public historian and independent scholar, for allowing us to share this look at another aspect of the Immigration Station’s history. This article also appeared in Prologue, the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration magazine in Summer 2009, Vo. 41, No. 2.
By Plimun Web Design
When the "Enemy" Landed at Angel Island
Our Prayers Go Out to the Family and Friends of Silvia Lange
Silvia Lange, a longtime volunteer docent at Angel Island State Park and friend of AIISF, was reported missing on January 25, 2010. Her car was found with two dogs inside at the Point Reyes North Beach parking lot. Another of Silvia's dogs was found with a leash caught up on some rocks along the beach. Search parties have been unable to find her.
A year ago, Silvia participated in the Grand Reopening of the Immigration Station as she provided historical interpretation of Deaconess Katherine Maurer, who helped immigrants for nearly 30 years at Angel Island. Silvia also joined us at the January 21, 2010 100th anniversary commemoration. She said it brought her great joy to welcome each new U.S. citizen as she handed them a program.
Our prayers and well wishes go out to her friends and family. Anyone with information about Lange's whereabouts is urged to call National Park Service rangers at 415-464-5170.
Inspired by Angel Island
The poems that were carved on the walls of the Immigration Station by Chinese immigrants continue to move people. Those poignant, angry, reflective and visceral expressions are universal declarations of the human spirit In the coming months, we will share some recently translated poems written by Japanese immigrants to Angel Island. Written both by men and women, these poems were sent to Bay Area Japanese newspapers from 1910 to 1930.
As part of the celebration of the Immigration Station’s 100th anniversary in 2010, we will publish the works of contemporary poets who have been inspired by the Angel Island poems. Nancy Hom and Leon Sun are artists and community activists as well as poets. We are pleased to share their work with you.
If you would like to submit poetry to be posted on our website, please write to
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Visit Angel Island
Introducing the NEW Angel Island Tour Adventure! The Angel Island Company has been in business since 1995 and specializes in large, group events of 15 or more. One call is all it takes to create a memorable experience for your group. We make it easy for you by coordinating all the arrangements for the round-trip ferry service from either San Francisco or Tiburon, arranging shuttle and/or tram service around the island, reserving space on the NEW United States Immigration Station docent-led tour and providing full service catering and reserved seating for you on the Harbor View Deck. Book your event today with the Angel Island Company by calling 415-897-0715 or click here for more information.A Tribute to Him Mark Lai
by Felicia Lowe
Noted scholar, historian, writer and advisor to the Angel island immigration Station Foundation, Him Mark Lai, passed away on May 21, 2009. A memorial program will be held on Saturday, June 22 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Chinese Culture Center in San Francisco. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the “Him Mark Lai Digital Archive Project” of the Chinese Historical Society of America (CHSA), the “Him Mark Lai Heritage Fund” of the Chinese Culture Foundation (CCF), or Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA).
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Noted scholar, historian, writer and advisor to the Angel island immigration Station Foundation, Him Mark Lai, passed away on May 21, 2009. A memorial program will be held on Saturday, June 22 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Chinese Culture Center in San Francisco. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the “Him Mark Lai Digital Archive Project” of the Chinese Historical Society of America (CHSA), the “Him Mark Lai Heritage Fund” of the Chinese Culture Foundation (CCF), or Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA).
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