Documenting Before the Digital_NYC Immigrants’ Stories is an editorial design and historical research project that explores the lives, working conditions, and personal experiences of immigrants living in New York City during the late nineteenth century. Through a collection of fragmented narratives, photographs, and archival materials, the publication examines the physical and emotional challenges faced by immigrant communities during a period of significant social and economic transformation.

Inspired by the ways stories were documented before the digital age, the project investigates the role of photography, books, and printed media in preserving historical memory and giving visibility to marginalized voices. The editorial design draws upon historical documentation methods while employing contemporary visual communication strategies to create a compelling and accessible reading experience.

Through the integration of typography, imagery, and narrative sequencing, the publication presents archival material as both historical record and human testimony. The design seeks to foster a deeper understanding of immigration history while highlighting the enduring relevance of these stories within contemporary discussions of identity, migration, and belonging.

All materials utilized in the project are property of The New York Public Library’s Picture Collection.

Disciplines: Editorial Design, Publication Design, Historical Research, Visual Communication, Typography, Archival Design.

Software: Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop.