A Journey from Ancient Times: Peruvians in New Jersey

September 17 - December 31, 2009
Opening Reception
Schedule of Programs

Main Library
Second Floor Gallery
5 Washington Street
Newark, NJ

The Newark Public Library explores the history and cultural traditions of Peru and its people—particularly those who now call New Jersey home—in its yearly tribute and celebration of Hispanic Heritage this fall.

The four-month exhibit, A Journey from Ancient Times: Peruvians in New Jersey, showcases Peruvian history, culture and traditions, as well as the mystical and magical aspects of Peru, and focuses on the experiences of America's Peruvian community. The exhibit was curated by Ingrid Betancourt and the members of the Peruvian Exhibit Organizing Committee.

On view are photographs and information on Peru's 11 UNESCO World Heritage sites, samples of Peruvian arts and crafts, literature and artifacts, as well as information on the first Peruvian-born, U.S. astronaut, Carlos Noriega, who participated in the 1997 and 2000 space shuttle missions, and Dr. Elmer Huerta, the first Latino president in the history of the American Cancer Society.

The Garden State is home to one of the largest Peruvian communities in the United States. Although Peruvians have settled throughout New Jersey, the majority reside in the northeastern part of the state—particularly in Paterson, Clifton, Elizabeth and Passaic. The exhibit includes historic photographs and memorabilia from the early years of the Peruvian community's presence in NJ: the first Peruvian Parade held in the state, the earliest sports, civic and religious organizations, images of important religious processions, copies of New Jersey's first Peruvian newspapers, and a collection of caricatures by well-known Peruvian socio-political caricaturist Carlos Bernales, CABE.

There will be an opening reception on Thursday, September 17, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in Centennial Hall, Main Library, 5 Washington Street. Dr. Carlos I. López Cano Vieira, an international lecturer and professor at Portugal's Algarve University, will be the keynote speaker. Born in Lima Peru, Vieira is expected to give a unique perspective of his native country describing the growing Peruvian diaspora in Europe, the United States, Japan and Argentina over the last three decades. The evening's line-up will also include a musical performance by Peruvian singer, Liliana Pérez and the group Contigo Perú and a traditional Peruvian dance presentation.

The exhibition and reception are free and open to the public. For more information, please call the Library's Sala Hispanoamericana at 973-733-7772.