A new exhibit titled “The Newest Americans” will be on display at the Chandler Museum from September 30, 2025, to January 18, 2026. The exhibition features portraits by Sam Comen and interviews by Michael Estrin, highlighting the experiences of immigrants from 23 different countries. The show aims to encourage discussion about what it means to be American and the ongoing significance of immigration in the United States.
“We wanted to explore the definition of ‘American’ and who has the right to become one,” said Sam Comen. “We wanted to document the stories of new Americans, to know why they came to this country, and what the American Dream means to them. While their answers varied widely, to our surprise all the participants share the belief that America is still the land of opportunity, and the hope that their futures will be brighter as naturalized citizens of this country.”
The exhibition is produced in partnership with The California Museum and is being circulated by Exhibit Envoy. All text panels are available in both English and Spanish.
The Chandler Museum is located at 300 S. Chandler Village Drive. Admission is free. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; it is closed on Mondays. More information about exhibitions and programming can be obtained by calling 480-782-2717.
Chandler Museum serves as a place for community members to engage with local history and culture through exhibits like this one.
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