The Chandler Museum is broadening horizons with its latest exhibit, “The Newest Americans,” a compelling glimpse into the lives of immigrants from 23 diverse nations. Scheduled to run from Sept. 30, 2025, to Jan. 18, 2026, the exhibit stands as a poignant embodiment of America’s mosaic of immigration stories and citizenship journeys. Through intimate portraits by Sam Comen and candid narratives by Michael Estrin, visitors will come face-to-face with the human side of immigration policies and the individuals they affect.
The display, which features a series of 29 portraits alongside personal interviews, provides a platform for discussing the role of immigration in shaping the paradigm of the American dream. According to Sam Comen, this project is about digging deep into the concept of what it means to be an “American” and who gets to claim that title. “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,” Comen told Chandler Museum.
Visitors can expect an immersive, authentic experience as the stories unravel in both English and Spanish. The partnership with The California Museum and Exhibit Envoy ensures that “The Newest Americans” resonates with a wide audience, ideally sparking dialogues on cultural identity and communal heritage…