New Exhibit Showcases Emma Lazarus

Emma Lazarus, engraving by T. Johnson, from photograph by W. Kurtz for Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine; Collection of The New-York Historical Society.

Celebrate 10 years of community at NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library as it showcases the exhibit “Emma Lazarus, Voice of Liberty, Voice of Conscience.”

The exhibit traces the life, work, and lasting influence of Lazarus, a fourth-generation American from a prominent Jewish family in New York City who is known for the iconic words of her 1883 poem, “The New Colossus,” which is printed on the Statue of Liberty.

In addition to her progressive work as a poet, Lazarus was a tireless advocate for the poor, an early feminist, and a champion of immigrants and refugees. In the words of exhibit curator Esther Schor, “She showed America how to become more generous, more noble, and more just. Her passion for justice lives on whenever we Americans dedicate ourselves to welcoming immigrants, training and educating the poor, and celebrating diversity.”

The exhibit is open now through Feb. 24, 2012 in the Second Floor Gallery, and is complimented by a host of programming, including:

Genealogy 101:

  • Jan. 17, 1 to 2 p.m. – Where Did They Live? Using Online Map Tools. Lab A
  • Feb. 7, 1 to 2 p.m. – Finding your Caribbean Roots. Lab A
  • Feb. 21, 1 to 2 p.m. – Preserving Your Family Records. Lab B

Lunch & Learn Lecture Series:

  • Jan. 26, 12 to 1 p.m. – Mother of Exiles: The Statue of Liberty
  • Feb. 9,12 to 1 p.m. – Jews in the New World: A History to 1865
  • Feb. 23,12 to 1 p.m. – A Lock on the Golden Door: A History of U.S. Immigration Policy

Emma Lazarus Poetry Workshop

  • Jan. 29, 2-4 p.m.: NSU Associate Lecturer Kate Ann Heidelbach discusses the work of poet Emma Lazarus including her famous sonnet ‘The New Colossus’, which is inscribed on the Statue of Liberty.

Genealogy Society of Broward County:

  • Feb. 5, 2-4 p.m.: Genealogy Research in Immigration Records: A presentation by Donna M. Moughty

Jewish Genealogy Society of Broward County:

  • Jan. 22, 1-3 p.m.: Navigating the World of Jewish Genealogy: A presentation by Jeffrey Miller
  • Feb. 26, 1-3 p.m.: DNA and Jewish Genealogy. A presentation by Bennett Greenspan, President, Family Tree DNA

To learn more about Emma Lazarus and additional upcoming exhibit-related events, visit:  http://nova.campusguides.com/Lazarus.

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