Book talk focuses on CNY’s immigrant bean pickers

UTICA, N.Y. >> Author Karen Foresti Hempson will discuss her new, creative nonfiction book “Bean Pickers: American Immigrant Portraits,” onWednesday, June 5, at 5:30 p.m. at the Oneida County History Center.

The book shares eight true-life portrayals that focus on the struggles and triumphs of Italian-Americans who begin their American lives as summer bean pickers. Compelling personal stories of the 20th century

immigration wave, the

Great Depression, Prohibition, and World War II are brought to life as each character demonstrates their determination to seek a better life. A chapter on the Utica’s refugee center, along with Mayor Rob Palmieri’s support of newcomers in the 21st century, serves as reminders of the critical roles that immigrants play in building a strong and welcoming nation.

Hempson earned finalist status for her book in the 2017 international WilliamFaulkner-WilliamWisdom Writing Competition, and Honorable Mention in the Vinnie Reams Writing Competition. She compiled her immigrant family’s authentic artifacts and personal narratives to compose her first creative nonfiction book.

A native of New Hartford, Hempson taught for 40 years in Cortland, N.Y. and is now retired in Skaneateles, N.Y. She lives with her husband and her nearby family of two married daughters and grandchildren.

For more information, contact the center at 315735-3642 or visit www.oneidacountyhistory.org.