The desire for a better life made about one million Swedes emigrate to the United States between 1860 and 1920. The emigration from Halland was unusually large in relation to the population numbers. Many people hoped to find their own land, or a good job. But many of them perished in dangerous mines or on risky construction sites.

The image in front of you is titled “Men at lunch”. It was taken in 1932, during the construction of the Rockefeller Center in Manhattan. The building eventually stood 259 metres tall. It may be that two of the men in the photo are from Halland. But many of them are named several times over – everybody wishes to know someone included.

To the left are people on Ellis island, just outside New York, waiting to be admitted into the United States. Their trunks hold everything they have brought with them. On Ellis island, all emigrants were inspected, and some were refused entry. It is easy to imagine the anxiety of the people waiting in line: Will I be let in? Will I be able to find work? The photos spark thoughts about our present-day situation, with emigrating refugees. They, too, are hoping for a better life.

©Hallands kulturhistoriska museum