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Urban renewal demolished vibrant and well-loved neighborhoods across the nation in cities large and small. Join the West End Museum as we host anthropologist Professor Andrea Smith of Lafayette College as she discusses her book on urban renewal’s effect on the mid-sized Pennsylvania city of Easton and the long lasting impacts felt by those displaced in its wake.

Hear the story of “Syrian Town,” a multi-ethnic neighborhood that was demolished to clear “blight”. Targeted for its residents’ racial and ethnic makeup, relative poverty, and central location, the history of this diverse neighborhood is captured by Professor Smith who listened in as former neighbors reunited in schools and church basements to reconstruct the collective memories of displaced residents.

Professor Smith will be joined by Jared Katsiane, South End artist and member of the Reclaiming History Collective, and Charlie Gargiulo, author of Legends of Little Canada, for a panel discussion after the book talk.

Books will be available for purchase at the event.

If you would like to attend virtually, please purchase a ticket and email jaydie@thewestendmuseum.org. Those living outside of Route 128 may contact Jaydie for a discount code.

This program was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.