I'm An American -- Yolanda Mero-Irion

Recorded Sound | Digitized | RG Number: RG-91.0052

Overview

Description: On April 20, 1941 Yolanda Mero-Irion spoke with William H. Marshall, Assistant District Director of Immigration at Ellis Island, about the responsibility she feels to protect democracy and the United States. Mero-Irion explains why she feels American citizens will not sit by, like Europeans, and allow democracy to be destroyed. She admits her first impression of America was not positive, however she fell in love with the country and a man. The pianist explains how America welcomes artists and musicians. She also shares how she believes artists can excel in a democratic environment. Mero-Irion concludes the segment by declaring she loves America and is grateful for what she has received. She adds she is eager to give back.

Yolanda Mero-Irion (b. Mérő Yolanda) was born on August 30, 1887 in Budapest, Hungary to Jewish parents. At the age of 8, she began studying at the National Conservatory and by 15 she was touring with Dresden Philharmonic. The classic pianist moved to America in 1900. Six weeks later she fell in love, got married and became a naturalized citizen. She played in concerts under the baton of Gustav Mahler, Leopold Stokowski and others. Mero-Irion became the world’s only female impresario, at that time, when she co-founded the New Opera Company. The pianist was also an activist and philanthropist. She championed for the improvement of quality radio content, launching attacks against soap operas and advertising. She also provided support for destitute musicians through the co-creation of the Musicians Emergency Fund.
Date: Broadcast: 1941 April 20
Format: WAV

Physical Details

Language: English
Genre/Form: Radio broadcasts.

Rights & Restrictions

Conditions on Access: This archival media can only be accessed in a Museum reading room or other on-campus viewing stations.
Copyright: NBC Universal
Conditions on Use: Contact NBC Universal at www.nbcuniarchives.com for permission to duplicate and use this film or sound recording.

Administrative Notes

Legal Status: In process
Recorded Sound Provenance: The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum purchased digital copies of these sound recordings from the Library of Congress in March 2018.
Recorded Sound Notes: More information about Yolanda Mero-Irion:
https://www.nytimes.com/1963/10/19/archives/mrs-yolanda-meroirion-dead-organized-musicians-aid-fund-gave-up.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yolanda_Mero

More information about I’M AN AMERICAN:
https://www.uscis.gov/history-and-genealogy/our-history/historians-mailbox/im-american
https://www.npr.org/2017/10/16/557338355/im-an-american-radio-show-promoted-inclusion-before-world-war-ii
Recorded Sound Source: Library of Congress - Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division (MBRS)
File Number: Source Archive Number: RWB 6674

Record last modified:: 2024-02-21 07:27:09
This page:: https://collections.ushmm.org/search/catalog/irn620830

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I’M AN AMERICAN premiered in 1940 on the eve of WWII. The NBC radio broadcast was spearheaded by the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the U.S. Department of Labor to foster a “deeper consciousness of the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship and more tolerance for fellow american of all birthplaces”. The weekly program featured distinguished foreign-born citizens discussing their naturalization process, the meaning of “democracy” and reminding all Americans of the value/privilege of U.S. citizenship. Sound recordings of I’M AN AMERICAN are available from the NBC Radio Collection in the Library of Congress.

Date: 1940-1944

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I'm An American -- Yolanda Mero-Irion

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