The Seward House Museum welcomes Dr. Carl Bon Tempo, a Professor of History at SUNY Albany, for a pair of exhibit-linked events tied to his recent book, Immigration: An American History (Yale University Press, 2022. The program, “Founding Immigrants,” promises to bring the immigrant experience to the forefront in an interactive, historical regrounding of America’s fight for independence. As part of this program, the SHM and Seymour Library will create related  “book club kits” that will be freely available for all library members within Auburn and Cayuga county. Reading groups will be facilitated by both organizations throughout the spring.

May 13: Bon Tempo’s visit will begin with a free companion event to the reading group program at Seymour Library. He will perform a live reading from his book and then lead a ranging, open-ended conversation about America 250, its values and legacy, and the important legacy of diverse immigrant groups in securing the success of the Revolution.

May 14 at 6 PM: Join Bon Tempo for an evening book talk at the Carriage House Theater. Drawing from his book, Bon Tempo will deliver an original lecture centering immigration in America’s founding narrative. He shall also trace how many of the debates and challenges born out the Revolutionary era continued through the age of William Henry Seward and eventually into our own present. Bon Tempo will discuss not only how revolutionary leaders discussed and understood immigration during the conflict, but emphasize the direct contributions and sacrifices made by various immigrant enclaves to the cause of liberty.