VICTOR GREENE

Public Presentations:

Milwaukee's Distinctive History as a City of Urban Ethnic Festivals
This presentations provides a historical survey of the origins and significance of the public celebrations of ethnic cultures in Wisconsin's major city. The festivals of Milwaukee were some of the first of their kind, beginning in the mid-nineteenth century with German Americans showcasing their art and cultural traditions. This festival has continued to the present day and grown into an inclusive multi-cultural festival that has helped to define the city. We will consider the rituals common to all festivals and explore the question of whether they are divisive or assimilating events.

How has America Received New Immigrant Arrivals?
Were we a welcoming sanctuary as a Nation of Nations symbolized by the Statue of Liberty, or a fearful people, afraid of losing our treasured traditional capitalist, democratic, and moral values to the threat of alien ideologies and non-white newcomers? In a review of the basic policy about pluralism and the major immigration legislation, we will learn how and why we have fluctuated in our reception from open welcome to restriction.

Other Public Program Ideas: Victor Greene’s additional interests include ethnic artifacts, noting foreign styles of churches and other buildings, and various art forms, including music. He is willing to consult on program ideas and interested in working with community organizations. Please contact him directly to discuss ideas