By Dee Longfellow
In Pursuit of Happiness: Immigrants in Our Communities, the current exhibit at the Elmhurst History Museum will be closing on Sunday, May 14. It explores the journeys of area immigrants and their descendants, who have carved out a sense of cultural identity and belonging in this local region.
On Saturday, May 13 from 1 – 5 p.m., the Elmhurst History Museum is hosting a free Cultural Crossroads Celebration on the lawn of the museum, located at 120 E. Park Ave. Residents are invited to join in a colorful celebration of cultural diversity featuring an array of various performances and interactions with special guests.
“It’s meant to be a ‘Last Hurrah’ for the Immigation exhibit we’ve had on display the last several months,” museum executive director Dave Oberg told the Independent in an exclusive interview. “There will be a big tent on the lawn, we are working with the International Club at York High School, we’re going to have a youth Mariachi band, it’s going to be a whole lot of fun, I hope folks come out for it.”
Guests will be welcome to view the In Pursuit of Happiness exhibit on its closing weekend and participate in family-friendly activities outdoors (weather permitting) and in the Museum’s Education Center. Watch a performance by the Illinois Shaolin Kung Fu Academy, a group of multi-age martial artists who perform at Chicago Bulls games and across Chicagoland. Meet representatives from the Xilin Association and Immigrant Solidarity DuPage.
EHM, library host film screening
On Friday, May 5 beginning at 2 p.m., the EHM and the Elmhurst Public Library are co-presenting a free film screening of the movie, The Namesake at the library. Based on Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri’s best-selling book, the 2006 film chronicles the history of an immigrant family from India and the triumphs and challenges two generations face adapting to their new homeland. PG-13, 2 hours + 2 min. running time. No reservation required.
