The Newest Americans opens at the…

CHANDLER, Ariz. - This new temporary exhibit capturing experiences of immigrants from 23 countries prompts discussion on America's legacy as a nation of immigrants and the future of the American dream.

Offering a unique look at U.S. citizenship and the immigration process, The Newest Americans will appear at the Chandler Museum from Sept. 30, 2025, to Jan. 18, 2026. The traveling exhibit features 29 portraits by Sam Comen and interviews by Michael Estrin, capturing the experiences of immigrants from 23 countries of origin, including Mexico, Rwanda, China, Russia and Syria, and promoting discussion on America's legacy as a nation of immigrants.

"We wanted to explore the definition of 'American' and who has the right to become one," said Sam Comen. "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."

The Newest Americans, an exhibition from Sam Comen (photography) and Michael Estrin (reporting), is produced in partnership with The California Museum and traveled by Exhibit Envoy. Text panels are presented in English and Spanish.

The Newest Americans opens Sept. 30, 2025, and will be on view through Jan. 18, 2026, at Chandler Museum, 300 S. Chandler Village Drive. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m.; closed Monday. Free admission.

Find more information on the exhibitions and programming by calling 480-782-2717.

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About Chandler Museum
Chandler Museum is an innovative learning environment where the community comes together to share our stories, store our cultural heritage and experience Chandler as a people and place. The vision of the Museum is to be the community's principal resource to explore its people's history, culture and place in a rapidly changing world of today - within and without the walls of a building. More information at Chandler Museum.

About Exhibit Envoy
Exhibit Envoy provides traveling exhibitions and professional services to museums throughout California. For more information, visit Exhibit Envoy.

Media contact:
Rebecca Vega
Chandler Museum
480-782-2879

Image: Maria Teresa Cervantes (right), pictured with her daughter and grandson, country of origin Mexico. By Sam Comen, courtesy of the photographer.