Immigration is a central component of the American narrative. The Library launches a six-week series of film screenings and discussions exploring its history and impact, looking first at the period from 1820 to 1924—the Century of Immigration—when 40 million new arrivals swelled the U.S. population.

Two 30-minute film segments examine the great wave of immigrants to New York City and the allure of America to Jews seeking religious freedom and economic opportunity. University of Missouri-Kansas City historian Sandra Enriquez leads a post-screening discussion.

The event opens Becoming American: A Documentary Film and Discussion Series on Our Immigration Experience, a project of City Lore, New York City’s center for urban folk culture. It is made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.