In Pursuit of Happiness: Immigrants in our Communities

The U.S. is home to over 40 million immigrants, more than any other country in the world. Although Chicago has been a hub for immigrant workers, since World War II the suburbs have become home to a larger and more diverse foreign-born population. This exhibit examines the personal stories and experiences of area immigrants and their descendants as told through first-person accounts, photographs, treasured objects, video and more. Gain an understanding about DuPage County’s growing diversity and the challenges many immigrants and their families face as they shape an evolving identity in this country.

Exhibit Themes

The exhibit will consider a number of different topics related to the immigration theme, including:

The path to U.S. citizenship including essential documentation, language barriers, prejudice and more, featuring an actual citizenship test for museum visitors to try.
The history of immigration laws that both support and hinder potential citizens.
Video accounts from a variety of DuPage County immigrants, refugees and their descendants who share their diverse experiences and discuss their first impressions and what brought them to this country.
Displays of meaningful, treasured objects from countries of origin that have been passed down through generations.
Special traditions including foods, language, music, rituals and attire that immigrants share with their families and communities to retain a sense of cultural identity.