Exploring Vietnamese Block Printing

In Partnership With New Haven Free Public Library

The Best We Could Do is a graphic novel memoir by Vietnamese-American author-illustrator Thi Bui. To tie in with the book’s themes about identity and discovering her heritage, we’ll explore the traditional Vietnamese art of wood block printing. Devin Fitzgerald, a lecturer at Yale, will present a history of this art form, including showing several Vietnamese wood blocks from his collection. Afterward, participants will engage in a creative activity by using Tinker Lab supplies to explore the process of block printing.

Shun Li And The Poet/Io Sono Li

In Partnership With New Haven Free Public Library

Io sono Li is about how a Chinese barmaid (Tao Zhao) and a Slavic fisherman (Rade Serbedzija) find friendship and more in an Italian fishing village.

The Storytelling of Bollywood

With 2.7 billion movie tickets purchased annually, Bollywood is the most widely consumed form of fiction in India. How has the industry used its reach? What themes has it imparted, both past and present? Join us as we explore Bollywood’s unique style of storytelling, from early film classics like “Mother India,” to more recent controversial films like “Padmaavat.”

Nita Prasad is Professor of History and Director of Asian Studies at Quinnipiac University. She has published on various aspects of Indian history, including women and the law, religious schisms, and the history of Bollywood.

Gina’s Journey: The Search for William Grimes + What Could Have Been - Film Screening

A special screening on the Beinecke Library mezzanine of two films that activate essential archives of New Haven, Yale, and national history - “Gina’s Journey: The Search for William Grimes” and “What Could Have Been.”

Iraqi Odyssey

In Partnership With New Haven Free Public Library

Tracing the emigrations of his family over more than half a century, this riveting 3D documentary epic from acclaimed expatriate Iraqi filmmaker Samir pays moving homage to the frustrated democratic dreams of a people successively plagued by the horrors of dictatorship, war, and foreign occupation.

Chinese Immigration Story Time

In Partnership With New Haven Free Public Library

Join Yale Repertory Theatre for a special story time and kite-making activity. We will be reading Paper Son: The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong, Immigrant and Artist by Julie Leung and Chris Sasaki, which tells the story of Chinese-American illustrator and kite-maker Tyrus Wong. Inspired by Wong’s work as a kite-maker, each child will get a chance to construct and take home their own paper kite.

Celebrating Stories and Culture (Mitchell Branch Library)

In Partnership With New Haven Free Public Library

Join us for a special story time featuring books and songs focused on immigration, inclusion, and celebrating the diversity in our community. We will feature stories highlighting the immigrant experience and hold space for families to share their own stories.

Ghost Mountain

Film Screening/Q&A

Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey as we present the screening of "Ghost Mountain"! Follow the incredible story of Bunseng Taing, a resilient Cambodian refugee who triumphed over unimaginable horrors to find sanctuary in Connecticut. Discover his gripping tale, including a harrowing escape from the Killing Fields and a lesser-known ordeal. Stick around for a captivating Q&A session with Mae Bunseng Taing and James Taing, authors of "Under the Naga Tail." Join us for an evening of inspiration and reflection!

The Journey of Vaan Nguyen

In Partnership With New Haven Free Public Library

Hoiami Nguyen never imagined that he will end up so far from his home village of Bong Son in central Vietnam. Political circumstances and the roulette of life have washed him to the shores of Israel. The penniless Vietnamese refugee became a father of 5 Hebrew speaking Israeli daughters. His daughter - Vaan, describes her parents' ordeal using a razor sharp language in her blog. She feels trapped in circles of identity which will never meet.

Celebrating Stories and Culture (Stetson Branch Library)

In Partnership With New Haven Free Public Library

Join us for a special story time featuring books and songs focused on immigration, inclusion, and celebrating the diversity in our community. We will feature stories highlighting the immigrant experience and hold space for families to share their own stories.

The Great Migration & New Haven

Talk/Conversation

Delve into a lively conversation about the Great Migration, exploring its profound connection to New Haven and the pivotal role the Q House played for Southern migrants. Let's uncover stories, share insights, and celebrate the rich tapestry of history that continues to shape our community.

Under The Same Moon (La Misma Luna)

In Partnership With New Haven Free Public Library

After his grandmother passes away, a young Mexican boy illegally travels across the border to search for his undocumented mother living and working in the U.S.

Pushing The Elephant

In Partnership With New Haven Free Public Library

When war came to Rose’s village, she was separated from her five-year-old daughter, Nangabire. Rose managed to escape with nine of her ten children and was eventually resettled in Phoenix, Arizona. Over a decade later, mother and daughter are reunited in the US where they must face the past and build a new future. As mother and daughter get to know one another, they must come to terms with a painful past, and define what it means to be a survivor, a woman, a refugee and an American.

Urban Life Experience Book Discussion:The Best We Could Do By Thi Bui

In Partnership With New Haven Free Public Library

New Readers Welcome Saturdays at 12 noon at Wilson Library. This month we discuss The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui. This book has also been selected for the City of New Haven's NEA Big Read.

The Best We Could Do – A Book Talk

In Partnership With New Haven Free Public Library

Join Teen Librarian Emily to discuss the NEA's Big Read, The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui. Open to New Haven teens. Snacks and a zine about the book will be provided.

What Does Legacy Mean To You?

NXTHVN's 2023-2024 Apprentices present their culminating exhibition, Legacy, What Does it Mean to You? to be displayed in the mobile art museum, cARTie, with tour stops throughout the New Haven area. The exhibition includes original pieces created by NXTHVN's High School Apprentices as well as residents from the Hannah Gray Home in Dixwell that focus on the topic of legacy. In partnership, the Arts & Ideas High School Fellowship Program students will host a panel on the topic of legacy during the exhibition opening on June 22, 2024 at NXTHVN.