KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- The Wyandotte County Historical Museum is hosting the “Bittersweet Harvest: The Bracero Program 1942-1964” program.
More information below:
Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition
“Bittersweet Harvest: The Bracero Program 1942-1964”
WYANDOTTE COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM
AUGUST 1- NOVEMBER 16, 2014
You are invited to a special opening Sunday, September 14, 2014, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The opening will feature Dr. Jesus “Chuy” Negrete. He is a nationally known folksinger and musicologist. Mexican food and drink will be served. Please RSVP to 913.573.5002
Q: What was the bracero program?
A: The bracero program was a bi-national agreement between the U.S. and Mexico that allowed for bringing in contract workers to the U.S. During the bracero program, braceros were allowed to stay within the U.S. for up to 18 months, after which they had to return to Mexico. They were allowed to come back if they were re-contracted.
Q: What does the word “bracero” mean?
A: Bracero is a term used in Mexico for a manual laborer.
Q: What inspired the Smithsonian to begin working on this project?
A: The National Museum of American History holds a collection of photographs by photojournalist Leonard Nadel. Among the collections are pictures of the braceros’ experiences. These images, coupled with the fact that many former braceros were getting older and there were few oral or written accounts of their experiences, inspired museum staff to begin working on the project. The project began as an oral history documentation and evolved into an exhibition.
Wyandotte County Historical Museum
631 N. 126th Street Bonner Springs 66012
913-573-5002 www.wycomuseum.org
