The Sarah Larson Lecture Series on the Dunwoody campus would like to announce its fall event, Inventing Thanksgiving: Pilgrims, America, and Immigration. The lecture will be given by Kari Miller, Associate Professor of English at Georgia State University, Perimeter College, on Wednesday, November 2, 2016, from 1 – 2:15 p.m. in the C Auditorium (NC 1100) at Dunwoody. This event is free and open to the public. Professors are welcome to bring their class, however early arrival is advised as seats fill quickly.

Every November, Americans around the world gather together to celebrate Thanksgiving, a tradition many believe to be unbroken since the Pilgrim’s first celebration in 1621. But the actual history of the holiday tells a very different story, one that sheds new light on the way that national identity has developed over time. Aspects of American identity and history inform our modern debates about immigration and patriotism, which are growing increasingly polarized. As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving again this fall, reflecting on its history helps us to add new meaning to the holiday.

Although a native Floridian, Miller has been obsessed with the New England Pilgrims since she was a little girl. Her dissertation, which she is revising into a book, explores the way that American fiction writers crafted the Pilgrim story. She currently teaches American literature and composition online and tries not to overwhelm her students with talks about Puritanism.

Additional event information, flyers, and event sign-in sheets may be requested by emailing Megan Levacy at mlevacy@gsu.edu or calling 770-274-5583. A digital flyer for the event will be shared online soon.

 

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