Nancy Lee Waters will present "The Packet Ships That Brought Them To America". In the 1800s, hundreds of thousands of immigrants left Europe for America seeking economic opportunities, religious, and political freedom. Many hoped to reconnect with family who had previously immigrated.
The primary mode of transportation to and from the old county was aboard packet ships. These sailing vessels carried cargo and passengers and sailed between American and European ports. The name “packet” originated in the 16th century when "the packette" was transported on vessels that sailed between Ireland and England. Packet Ships controlled the seas of the Western Ocean until the dawn of steam and clipper ships.