Ita Moel's eye infection

One of the biggest obstacles on the way to the “promised land” of America was trachoma, an infectious eye disease. If a passenger was found to have trachoma during the medical examination then the migrant would be inexorably sent back. Young Ita Moël was sent back twice.

The migration of the Hutlet family

When the Hutlet Family moved to America it was a major undertaking. They took their eight children with them as well as a lot of familiar household items on their exciting journey to an unknown country.

Eugène Van Hove

Eugène Van Hove lived in Antwerp. In December 1927, he started work on the Belgenland, which departed on a world cruise.

Ambassador Sam Fox on his parents’ migration

The former American ambassador to Belgium, Sam Fox, is a descendant of Red Star Line passengers. He shared the story of his parents’ emigration to the United States and how it influenced his life.

The trip that resulted in a lifetime of photography and fame

A passenger inspiring the future generations

The story of world famous photographer Eduard Jean Steichen, and how his journey across the Atlantic as a young boy shaped his future.

Douglas Fairbanks

In 1931, Douglas Fairbanks was a Hollywood star. He acted, wrote screenplays and produced films.

The oldest Belgian war veteran became an American

After the war many Belgians left for the United States. In 1920 there were about 7200 of them, a migration record for the Belgians.

Stories of emigrants

Millions of passengers travelled with the Red Star Line and told stories about their journeys to their children and grandchildren.

Stories from passengers and crew

Scroll through the photo albums and diary's from passengers and crew members.

The stories

teaser