Gallaudet University has received a $1,300 award to host a six-week program series funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities entitled "Becoming American: A Documentary Film and Discussion Series on Our Immigration Experience" This series was a six-week public program featuring documentary film screenings and scholar-led discussions designed to encourage informed discussion on immigration issues against the backdrop of our immigration history.

The Drs. John S. & Betty J. Schuchman Deaf Documentary Center at Gallaudet hosted the "Becoming American" series. Films represented a selection of diverse immigration experiences drawn from both the past and the present. At each film screening we strived to add a "Deaf lens" to the topics raised via discussion. William Ennis, III, Ph.D., introduced each film, provide historical context and co-moderate discussions.

Gallaudet University was one of thirty-two sites nationwide selected to host this program series which was a project by City Lore in collaboration with the Immigration and Ethnic History Society and the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience. "Becoming American" was made possible by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the Human Endeavor.

The "Becoming American" film series was co-hosted by Multicultural Student Development and Mentoring and the National Deaf Life Museum.

For further information about the program contact Jean.Bergey@gallaudet.edu.

Blue sepia image of dozens of immigrants carrying suitcases and boxes being funneled into a single line, most of the women wear headscarves typical of the early 20th century, the man in the front is wearing a tag. Words “Becoming American” are in white typeface in the center. Under the image “A Documentary Film and Discussion Series on Our Immigration Experience.”

Four sponsors of Becoming American Series: City Lore, National Endowment for the Humanities, International Coalition of Sites of Conscience, Immigration & Ethnic History Society.