Introduction

I met Mr. Orlando Salazar through his daughter Jolin, a family friend and Dartmouth alumna. From day one, his charisma and enthusiasm were overwhelming and it was clear that he was as interested in sharing his story as I was in hearing it! Our first meeting was over dinner at Ramunto’s, a quick meal that became a two-hour-long storytelling session during which Mr. Salazar provided an overview of his entire journey from Caracas, Venezuela to Lawrence, Massachusetts, back to Venezuela, to Miami, Florida, back to Lawrence, and finally to Hanover, New Hampshire.

Caracas, Venezuela photographed by Mr. Salazar

Caracas, Venezuela photographed by Mr. Salazar

Family choices drove each of his moves after first arriving in the U.S. in March of 1964 at the age of eighteen, almost nineteen. Through out the migration story a common theme is evident – Mr. Salazar’s dedication to providing for his family and his hard work used to do so.