Bremer, Edith (1885–1964)
Bremer, Edith (1885–1964)
American immigrant-welfare worker. Name variations: Edith Terry Bremer. Born Edith Terry, Oct 9, 1885, in Hamilton, NY; died Sept 12, 1964, in Port Washington, NY; dau. of Benjamin Stites Terry (Baptist minister) and Mary (Baldwin) Terry; m. Harry M. Bremer (social welfare leader), Sept 4, 1912.
Pioneer in social-service work who rejected forced Americanization of immigrants, encouraging them to retain their own culture while adapting to US; was a field investigator for Chicago Juvenile Court (1908), special agent for US Immigration Commission, and resident at University of Chicago Settlement and Union Settlement in NYC; became national field secretary for National Board of YWCA (1910); in NY, founded 1st International Institute, helping immigrants learn English and deal with housing, employment, and naturalization problems (1910); served as head of YWCA's Department of Immigration and Foreign Communities and as expert witness on immigrant policy at congressional hearings (1920s–30s); established National Institute of Immigrant Welfare (1944, later named American Federation of International Institutes), serving as executive director (1933–54); also served as acting director of NY International Institute (1955–58). Received Order of the White Lion from Czechoslovakia for immigrant welfare work (1927).