Broward County Main Library, located at 100 S Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, has received a grant to host “Becoming American: A Documentary Film and Discussion Series on Our Immigration Experience.” The series uses documentary films and texts to engage the public in a study of the history of America’s immigration experience.
The Broward County Main Library is one of 32 sites nationwide selected to host this program series. “Becoming American” is a project of City Lore In collaboration with the Immigration and Ethnic History Society and the International Coalition of the Sites of Conscience. The project has been made possible by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the Human Endeavor.
The series consists of six programs, each built around a different facet of that experience. Each program features either a complete documentary film, or excerpts from longer documentaries, to provide the basis for a scholar-led discussion. Dr. Stephen Engle, Professor at Florida Atlantic University, will lead the discussions. The series is free and open to the public.
Program and Film Schedule
–The Century of Immigration: 1820-1924, Tuesday, July 31st from 6-7:30PM
New York: A Documentary Film – The Power and the People (Episode 4); The Jewish Americans – A World of Their Own (Episode 2)
–Promise and Prejudice, Wednesday, August 1st, from 6-7:30PM
Welcome to Shelbyville
–Between Two Worlds: Identity and Acculturation, Tuesday, August 7th from 6-7:30PM
The New Americans: The Nigerians (Episode 1)
-Help Wanted? Immigration and Work, Wednesday, August 8th from 6-7:30PM
Destination America: The Golden Door (Episode 1)
-Family and Community, Tuesday, August 14th from 6-7:30PM
My American Girls
–Immigration and Popular Culture, Wednesday, August 15th from 6-7:30PM
The Search for General Tso
Additional programs in the series are:
-The Family Immigration Story, August 11th from 4-5:30PM
Dr. Caren Neile’s lively lecture/workshop will help participants understand, identify, share and – above all – celebrate their family immigration stories.
-Patriotic Songs, performed by the Senior Moments Band, August 15th from 4:30-5:30PM
This special concert will be held prior to screening of the final film, The Search for General Tso, as we celebrate our country with music.