Press Release: Immigration Panel
Posted: May 2, 2024
Immigration Past & Present – A Community Conversation at Chippewa Valley Museum
Panel conversation to include perspectives from historian, community organizer, and a community leader with a resettlement story of their own
Eau Claire, WI: On Tuesday May 14th at 6:00 pm, Chippewa Valley Museum will host a conversation on immigration with guest panelists who offer historic and current perspectives on immigration and citizenship experiences in the Chippewa Valley. The one-hour conversation will conclude with the opportunity to socialize and build connections over light refreshments and admission-free access to museum exhibits. No advance registration is required to attend.
The museum’s program manager, Angela Allred, observes that “throughout history, a lot of people in the Chippewa Valley have experienced making a home here after spending much of their lives elsewhere. The museum wants to be a place where people come together in an effort to understand those events and experiences.”
The evening’s panelists include Dr. Oscar Chamberlain, Emeritus Senior Lecturer of History at UW-EC, Rev. David Anderson of JONAH’s immigration task force, and Dr. Ka Vang, Site Manager for the Chippewa Valley Office of World Relief Wisconsin. The panel conversation will be moderated by museum archivist Jodi Kiffmeyer, who also hosts conversations with people who have something to share about Chippewa Valley History on the museum’s Who, What, When Podcast.
The event expands on questions and themes presented in Working America, a traveling photography exhibition featuring portraits of immigrant and first-generation laborers by artist Sam Comen. Each portrait is accompanied by a brief statement from the person presented in the photograph, and the exhibit includes additional information and resources tied to national waves of immigration, attaining U.S. citizenship, and labor issues. Working America remains on view at Chippewa Valley Museum through May 25th. Visit cvmuseum.com for museum admission rates and hours.
About the Panelists:
Dr. Oscar Chamberlain’s research specializes in the US Constitution before the Civil War. He worked with Chippewa Valley Museum in developing curriculum for two major historical programs for social studies teachers: Making Americans, Making America (2006-9) and Constructing Liberty (2010-2013). Immigration history was a major component of both.
Rev. David Anderson is a retired Lutheran pastor who currently serves as a member of JONAH’S immigration task force. From his work in helping people find their place in the community, he has found that those who have immigrated to the Chippewa Valley over the past 15 years “are eager to learn the language, eager to get jobs, eager to learn how to be a part of the community.”
Dr. Ka Vang completed her education through UW-Eau Claire, UW-Stout, and the University of St. Thomas. is currently the Site Manager for World Relief Wisconsin Chippewa Valley Office. Ka and her whole family came to the US in 1979 as refugees after the Secret War ended in Laos. Her refugee experience greatly shaped her whole life, and she feels called to contribute to Eau Claire’s continuing ability to welcome new generations of residents who will make Eau Claire their home, enriching our community with their talents, perspectives, and friendship.
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For more information about the museum’s role in this program, contact Angela Allred at a.allred@cvmuseum.com, or 715-834-7871Send this blog post to someone:
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