Maine Humanities Council

Scotch immigrant family at Quebec, New York Public Library

Immigration has raised complex issues for Maine and America throughout history, affecting our society and our landscape. With new immigrants and refugees arriving every day, people continue to struggle with the profound and complicated changes that occur.

On October 29, the Maine Humanities Council will present Coming to America: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on Immigration, a one-day conference in Ellsworth, that will explore the historic and contemporary challenges of immigration.

This conference will feature presentations by Professor Edward O’Donnell from the College of the Holy Cross, Professor Tomasz Herzog of University of Maine Presque Isle, and Ian Yaffe, Executive Director of Mano en Mano in Milbridge.  The day will also include several break-out sessions to enable deeper conversation about specific topics.

The conference will take place from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm at the Grand Auditorium in Ellsworth. Register online or phone (207) 773-5051.

Immigration represents opportunity for some, escape for others, and for many people, a threat. Throughout American history, immigrants have left their mark on this country, and continue to do so today. Coming to America: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on Immigration, a one-day conference presented by the Maine Humanities Council, will explore the past, present and future of immigration in America and Maine, including discussions of the many challenges that surround the issue. Featured speakers include Professor Joseph Conforti of the University of Southern Maine, Professor Edward O’Donnell of the College of the Holy Cross, and Professor Greg Fahy of the University of Maine at Augusta, as well as others. This program will take place on April 30, 2010, from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm at the University of Southern Maine.

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"First Day of School" Portland, Maine August 2006: When Hafsa started school, she picked up English with an amazing rapidity. Her energy and intelligence represents a profound hope for her family. Credit: © Abdi Roble / Somali Documentary Project

In “Immigration: Perspectives for ME”, the MHC’s July 27 through 31st History Camp, eight high school students gathered at Museum L-A in Lewiston to learn about the history of immigration in the state, with a focus on the Lewiston area,  The students’ immigrant backgrounds—two were Somali first-generation, and four had French ancestors—helped added to their understanding of the issues explored.

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