Immigrants and Migrants During WWI: Starting New in the Nutmeg State

Today, about 15% of Connecticut’s population is foreign born, but on the eve of WWI, it was nearly 30%. In addition, large numbers of African-Americans were escaping the Jim Crow South and settling here. How did America’s entry into its first major global conflict affect newcomers to the state? What contributions did those newcomers make to the war effort, and beyond?

Join us for a lively panel discussion about the experiences of three distinct groups of people as they built new lives in CT during a tumultuous time.

Our panelists are:

Dr. Carol Ascher, author of A Chance for Land and Fresh Air, Russian Jewish Immigrants in Sharon and Amenia 1907-1940.  She will discuss the effect of the war and specifically the growing hostility toward Eastern European immigrants on Jewish immigrants in Connecticut.

Dr. Stacey Close, Associate Vice President for Equity and Diversity at Eastern Connecticut State University, who will speak to the experience of African-Americans who came to CT as part of the Great Migration.

Dr. Rafaele Fierro, Professor of History at Tunxis Community College, who will discuss the role of Italian immigrants and Italian-Americans in the war.

Our Moderator is Mary Donohue, Assistant Publisher of Connecticut Explored.

The program is free and open to the public, but please RSVP at (860) 236-5621 x238 or by emailing rsvp@chs.org. Questions? Email Natalie Belanger, Adult Programs Manager, at natalie_belanger@chs.org or call (860) 236-5621 x289.

Through December 1, CMCH is collecting personal care items for military service members in partnership with Blue Star Mothers of America. Please pitch in by bringing an item. Learn more here.