Amerika Calls:
Burgenlanders in the Lehigh Valley
Amerika Calls: Burgenlanders in the Lehigh Valley is a series of videos that tells the story of the thousands of Austrian Burgenlanders who immigrated to Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley region in the 1890's to 1950's. So many immigrated to the Lehigh Valley that it became one of the largest enclaves of Burgenlanders outside of Austria. Helen (Franz) Maron and Terry (Franz) Riemer narrate their experiences growing up in Allentown as first generation Burgenland immigrants.
Coming to America - Part One
Our first video in this series explains who are Burgenlanders, why they immigrated, what it was like to travel via steamship and train to America, and the hardships this immigration created for those left behind.
Becoming Americans - Part 2
This second program in our series on Burgerlanders in the Lehigh Valley shares how these Austrian immigrants assimilated into the community, learned English, started and ran their own churches and became Americans while still retaining their Austrian roots and character.
Work during the Depression - Part 3
This third program in our series on Burgenlanders in the Lehigh Valley documents the difficulties Burgenlanders had finding and keeping work during the depression. How they participated in unionization efforts and worked hard to build a better life in Allentown is shared by our narrators.
Living in the Austrian Wards of Allentown in the 1930's and 1940's - Part 4
This forth program in our series on the Burgenlanders of the Lehigh Valley shares the experiences and culture that was common in the Austrian Wards of Allentown during the depression. Hear how Burgenlanders brought to America many of the traditions from their homeland and helped each other to survive in their new adopted home.
Remembering Pops and Mom
In this fifth program in our series of Burgenlanders in the Lehigh Valley, Helen (Franz) Maron and Terry (Franz) Riemer share remembrances of their father and Mother who were first generation immigrants from Burgenland.
page last updated 3/10/2023