Smithtown educational program on immigration rescheduled

A program for Smithtown youth to discuss immigration was canceled Wednesday night due to inclement weather, but organizers plan to continue the event next month.

The “Community Conversations” series for 10th- through 12th-graders to learn more about both historical and present-day immigration in Smithtown and the United States was to be held at the Roseneath Cottage, on the grounds of the Smithtown Historical Society, 239 Middle Country Rd.

Smithtown Youth Bureau director Kelly DeVito said the free program will continue at the cottage as scheduled on Feb. 5 and Feb. 12 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and attendees are encouraged to attend both days. A light supper will be served.

“The goal is just to talk about immigration and just to make everyone aware of how Smithtown came to be and all the different people who live in our town,” DeVito said. “There is bullying of kids who come from different backgrounds and we thought it would be good for kids to know that everyone comes from somewhere.”

The youth bureau is partnering with the Smithtown Historical Society and the League of Women Voters of Smithtown to put on the program.

On Feb. 5, Smithtown historian Bradley Harris plans to discuss the area’s immigrant past and participants may discuss early 20th century immigration to the United States. The Feb. 12 program focuses on the changing demographics on Long Island, challenges faced by present-day immigrants, and immigration laws.

Lisa Scott, board member and youth program coordinator of the League of Women Voters of Smithtown, said the program is eligible to receive reimbursement from the New York Council for the Humanities, which provides resource materials to promote conversation among attendees.

“One of the league’s core missions is civic education, and we specifically aim at youth because it’s important to get them more engaged,” she said.

For more information on how to register for the program, email kdevito@tosgov.com or call 631-360-7595.