The International Institute – known variously as the International Institute of Greater Bridgeport, the Nationalities Service Center of Greater Bridgeport, the International Institute of Connecticut, and now the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants – was founded in 1918. Originally a part of Bridgeport's YWCA, the International Institute was originally created to provide social support and encourage the Americanization of young female immigrants and first-generation girls. Over time, the mission has expanded to support immigrants as well as refugees from war torn regions of the world, help individuals gain American citizenship, offer family resources, provide information, assist with family reunions, and much more. The material within the collection focuses primarily on the Institute from the late 1940s to the 1970s, documenting not only the transition of services provided, but the immigrants that America and specifically Bridgeport welcomed. Please note that this collection has restrictions due to sensitive information within.
Connecticut's Archives Online