Hometown Heritage will host a public programming series called “Becoming American: A Documentary Film and Discussion Series on Our Immigration Experience.” This series features documentary film screenings and scholar-led discussions designed to encourage an informed discussion of immigration issues against the backdrop of our immigration history.

The series is open and free to all. The Oct. 8 program will be held on Drake’s campus. Additional programs will be held at venues in Perry and Des Moines.

Tuesday, Sept. 25, 5:15–7:15 p.m.
Becoming American: A Century of Immigration Screening & Community Discussion
State Historical Museum, Des Moines

Sunday, Sept. 30 , 2–4 p.m.
Becoming American: Promise & Prejudice
Perry High School Library (Spanish-Language Screening), Perry Performing Arts Center (English-Language Screening & Community Discussion)

Monday, Oct. 8, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Becoming American: Between Two Worlds Screening & Community Discussion
Sussman Theater, Drake University

Tuesday, Oct. 16, 5:45–7:45 p.m.
Becoming American: Help Wanted? Screening & Community Discussion
Perry Public Library

Sunday, Oct. 28, 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Becoming American: Family & Community Screening & Community Discussion
Grand Theater, Perry

Monday, Nov. 5, 5–7 p.m.
Becoming American: Immigration & Popular Culture Screening & Community Discussion
Carnegie Library Museum, Perry

Hometown Heritage is one of thirty-two sites nationwide to host this program series which is made possible by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the Human Endeavor. “Becoming American” is a project of City Lore in collaboration with the Immigration and Ethnic History Society and the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience. Founded in 1986, City Lore’s mission is to foster America’s living cultural heritage through education and public programs. The Immigration and Ethnic History Society promotes the study of immigration history through scholarly publications and education outreach, focusing on migration to North America and the ethnic groups that developed as a result. The International Coalition of Sites of Conscience is the only worldwide network of historic sites, museums and memory initiatives dedicated to remembering past struggles and addressing their contemporary legacies.

Read more information, or contact info@fcctrust.org for questions.

Dorothy Pisarski, School of Journalism and Mass Communication