From Data to Stories: 250 Years of Immigration in America, Virginia, and Fairfax County

Tuesday, October 27, 2026 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM EDT
Pohick Regional Library

Delve into the history of immigration in Virginia and Fairfax County from 1940 to 2024 with Dr. Marissa Kiss, the Assistant Director of George Mason University's Institute for Immigration Research (IIR). We'll explore immigration across the broader scope of U.S. history, learn about long-term immigration trends and changes over time, and determine how to evaluate that information critically. Participants will also identify ways in which they can become the author of their own family’s immigration story by documenting and preserving their family’s experiences.

This program is based on the findings of a new project launched by George Mason University's Institute for Immigration Research (IIR) that examines 250 years of immigration data, stories, and policy across United States history. Pairing quantitative data with personal narratives and stories allows participants to see how immigration is both a longstanding part of American history and a deeply personal and human experience.