EASTON, PA - Why would anyone leave all they have, pack their bags and abandon the place they call home for a world unknown in a country far and unfamiliar?
"What I’ve noticed is a common thread between all of these stories is struggle and resilience," says Sigal Museum / Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society Curator, Brittany Merriam, "I think another big component of what all of these stories share is wanting a better life and to do better for their families."
At Easton, Pennsylvania’s Sigal Museum, a new exhibit is exploring the stories of those who left everything and everyone behind, for a shot at a new life and new chances here in the Lehigh Valley.
"The goal of this exhibition is to make everybody feel like their story matters and that they have a place here," assistant curator Jean Bemesderfer tells PBS39 News Tonight Reporter, K.C. Lopez, "Many people don’t think of their family heirlooms as having value in terms of--- they don’t think of them as having historical value; personal value, yes, but not historical value. Getting people to believe that about themselves has been one of the hardest parts of this and this is going to be an ongoing process where people see themselves reflected here and understand that, oh my history does matter. You know, my mom’s cooking apron does matters. It tells a story as much as any piece of extraordinary piece of artwork."
But the Sigal Museum’s curator, Brittany Merriam tells PBS39, there’s always something new to learn from a bunch of old stories...
"This is all we have; each other is all we have. This is our home and no matter what is happening politically, whatever is happening in your neighborhood, you’re a stakeholder in it, this is part of what’s around you and you can effect change," explains Merriam, "We want to remind you and inspire you that you can do this! Right? And you can do it with the people around you and you certainly have more of an effect on the world around you than you know. And this is something we want especially young people to reflect on..."
In the exhibit, visitors can see, smell and hear their way through history, with an interactive journey through time that allows guests to listen to the sounds of a black owned barber shop in Easton; the razors shaving, music bumpin' and patrons chatting, touching the stylists’ smocks, even smelling the aftershave.
From Lebanese Town and the Jewish Community Center’s Camptown, to the area’s first black social club, those who ventured long distances and into unfamiliar cities brought with them bits and pieces of home that created a new sense of comfort for all of those feeling like an outsider in a new place...
Merriam says, "The three main things that makes the Lebanese culture, what stands out, is food, faith and family. And who can’t relate to that?"
Destination Northampton County made its debut this PAST weekend, but will remain on display for some time. It’s the museum’s newest permanent exhibit and is open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays.
Got a news tip? Email K.C. at KCLopez@wlvt.org!