A Thousand Dollars and Back

Video Documentary

Welcome to “A Thousand Dollars and Back”, a thought-provoking and emotionally charged documentary film that explores the story of early Romanian immigration to Minnesota. This film provides a glimpse into the lives of the immigrants and their descendants, who came to the United States in search of a better life and built a thriving community in South Saint Paul and Saint Paul, Minnesota.

The film is based on oral history interviews conducted by members of the Heritage Organization of Romanian Americans in Minnesota (HORA) and the Romanian Genealogy Society. The transcripts of these interviews are housed at the Dakota County Historical Society, providing a rich and vibrant source of information about the experiences of these immigrants.

Whether you're a historian, a member of the Romanian community, or simply someone interested in learning about this important chapter in American history, "A Thousand Dollars and Back" is a must-see film. With its powerful storytelling and expertly crafted production, this film is an unforgettable tribute to the sacrifices and triumphs of the Romanian immigrants and their descendants. So come and join us for a journey back in time and discover the story of a community that left its mark on American history. 

About the Film

The documentary tells the story of early Romanian immigration to the communities of South Saint Paul and Saint Paul, Minnesota, from the early 1900s until the advent of World War II through excerpts of interviews with children and grandchildren of the early immigrants. Most Romanian immigrants to Minnesota came from the Banat and Transylvania regions of what was then Austria-Hungary. Many settled in industrial areas of the Midwest and followed connections with friends and family before finally making permanent homes in the Saint Paul area. Here they established a prolific community with two Romanian Orthodox Churches (St. Mary’s in Saint Paul in 1913, and St. Stefan’s in South Saint Paul in 1924.)

More Info

• Duration: 1 hour
• This is a kids-friendly event
• Language: English (with Romanian subtitles)
• Parking available

About the Funds

This is a fundraising event for HORA Minnesota

All funds raised will be used to create a new documentary: Who am I? - Documenting Romanian Immigration to the US