New Rochelle Public Library Selected For Human Migration Exhibit

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The New Rochelle Public Library is among just a handful of elite institutions chosen to host a curated exhibit that is both timely and timeless.

The New Rochelle Public Library (NRPL) has been selected as one of fifteen libraries nationwide to host the traveling exhibition, "World on the Move: 250,000 Years of Human Migration." The exhibit, which was developed by the American Anthropological Association and the Smithsonian’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, opened last week at the library and will run until January 3, 2025.

Organizers say that the exhibition invites visitors to recognize that migration is a complex and diverse shared human experience, by presenting case studies from across human history and a wide variety of cultures. World on the Move aims to expand the public conversation on the topic of migration and displacement.

"We’re honored to welcome World on the Move to New Rochelle," Library Director Eugenia Schatoff said. "We hope this exhibition inspires visitors to openly discuss migration, reflect on their family histories, and build empathy for those making similar journeys."

As part of the exhibit, the library received a stipend to present migration-related programming:

On Thurs., Dec. 5, at 7 p.m., "New Rochelle High School PAVE dancers will present original dance performances and oral presentations. Through newly choreographed pieces, students explore the theme of migration in 2024, sharing personal stories and reflections that bring the historical narrative into the present."

On Sun., Dec. 8, at 3 p.m., "experience an evocative dance performance by dancers from the Coleman School of Dance, who have delved into migration through various lenses — memories, animal migration, global migration trends, and immigration policy in the USA. Their movements express the emotional highs and lows of migration: sorrow, joy, fear, and relief, weaving together the universal question: Why do we move?"

On Sat., Dec. 21, from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., "New Rochelle librarian and film historian Chris Poggiali will introduce and lead a post-screening discussion of the film America, America (1963). Young Stavros leaves his war-torn homeland behind to begin a new life, encountering both allies and adversaries on his dramatic trek. Elia Kazan wrote, produced and directed this Best Picture nominee, which is based on the early experiences of his Greek immigrant uncle, who fought to come to the United States and whose starry-eyed impressions of the country were quickly compromised by reality. 168 mins; Starring Stathis Giallelis."

On Fri., Jan. 3, 2025, at 7 p.m., "a curated evening of poetry and storytelling from local teens (ages 13-18) will be presented as the closing program for World on the Move. Drawing from their understanding and personal experiences of migration, these young voices will offer powerful perspectives on the challenges and hopes connected to the journey of migration in 2024."

The New Rochelle Public Library is located at 1 Library Plaza, in New Rochelle. The exhibition and programs are free and open to the public during library hours. Registration is requested and can be done here.

World on the Move: 250,000 Years of Human Migration is administered by the American Library Association’s Public Programs Office.