A Teachers' Guide to an Ethnohistory of the Westport-Norwalk Area From 1900 to Today.

The booklet describes a multimedia project which introduces secondary students and interested adults to the ethnic history of Westport and Norwalk, Connecticut, from 1900 to 1979. Objectives of the project were to demonstrate ways to explore the past and relate it to the present, forge links between generations, encourage understanding and respect for various ethnic backgrounds, formulate a base for comparative study of cultures, and introduce students to a study of immigrant patterns. The document is presented in four sections. Section I outlines project goals, enumerates questions which the project seeks to answer, and describes methods. Specific project goals include documenting immigration patterns since 1900, investigating change in local ethnic populations, and developing ways in which schools and community groups can learn about local ethnic groups. Methods used include conducting research in libraries and local historical societies, interviewing community members, filming ethnic celebrations, and collecting ethnic materials. Section II presents a brief history of immigration patterns in the United States, 1900-1979. Section III provides an overview of immigration in the Norwalk-Westport area and discusses forces which held ethnic groups together. Section IV suggests learning activities to involve students in interviewing family and community members, listening to ethnic radio and television programs, making a study of terminology used at various times to refer to immigrants, compiling an ethnic cookbook, and listing ways in which American culture influences other nations. (DB)