Vishniac was fluent in Russian, German, and French when he arrived in the United States, although he knew very little English. This composition notebook was used to study the English language and the history, traditions, and government of the United States, probably in preparation for his 1946 citizenship exam. The composition book includes the words for the Pledge of Allegiance, the song “God Bless America,” grammar, conjugation, and vocabulary lessons, information about the branches of government, and short essays about the benefits of living in America.

For all uses of photographs by Roman Vishniac contact ICP at: vishniac_archive@icp.org.