The Immigrant Experience in America

From colonial times through the 20th century, America was one of the great examples of a nation built on immigration. This vision, however, came at a tremendous cost to the indigenous inhabitants. Furthermore, not all immigration was voluntary, such as African human beings sold into slavery, or religious communities attempting to escape persecution.

Over the centuries, our attitudes, policies, and legal approaches towards immigrants have taken many shapes and forms, and some ethnic groups have been less tolerated than others.  

This will be a mediated discussion on the immigrant experience and its history, covering rural and urban situations, men's versus women's experiences, and national, state, regional, and local dimensions.  

Audience members are encouraged to bring questions and personal stories.

Guest Panelists: 

Dr. Katherine Jellison, Professor of History, Ohio University

Mr. Tom O'Grady, Director of Outreach, Southeast Ohio History Center  

Dr. Mariana Dantas, Associate Professor of History, Ohio University

Dr. Timothy Anderson, Associate Professor of Geography, Ohio University

Dr. John O'Keefe, Assistant Professor of History, OU Chillicothe