Our Voices as New Virginians

Join us for an afternoon of readings by students from Harrisonburg City Public Schools. These students, who are recent immigrants from around the world, will read poetry and personal writings written in the On the Road VOICES classes at Harrisonburg High School. Following the readings, there will be an opening reception for the New Virginians: 1619-2019 & Beyond exhibit.

New Virginians: 1619-2019 & Beyond is an interactive exhibit that explores the experiences of Virginians who have arrived in Commonwealth during the past 25 years. Featuring video-recorded conversations with immigrants and refugees from more than 30 countries, the New Virginians exhibit explores themes such as opportunity, family, service, faith, and gratitude. The exhibit will be on display from September 25 thru October 31 at the Central Library in downtown Harrisonburg during regular operating hours.

The New Virginians project is a collaboration between the Library of Virginia and Virginia Humanities, with support from 2019 Commemoration, American Evolution, which named New Virginians a Legacy Project. Our Voices as New Virginians is a collaboration between HCPS, On the Road Collaborative and MRL.