Norman Rockwell Museum To Host
Annual United States Citizenship Naturalization Ceremony on September 9
Stockbridge, MA, April 29, 2017—In partnership with Berkshire Immigrant Center, Norman Rockwell Museum will once again host a naturalization ceremony inside its galleries on Saturday, September 9, starting at 10 a.m. Berkshire County residents who immigrated to the country from around the world will be sworn-in as new naturalized United States citizens during a special ceremony to be held against the backdrop of Norman Rockwell’s iconic Four Freedoms paintings.
“Hosting the citizenship naturalization ceremonies has been one of my most rewarding moments during all my years with the Museum,” notes Norman Rockwell Museum Director/CEO Laurie Norton Moffatt. “Norman Rockwell celebrated all the world’s cultures and peoples through his art. I hope our new citizens will always feel at home here at the Museum, and hold a special memory of this ceremony.”
For the second year, the ceremony will be presided over by the Honorable Joan M. McMenemy, First Justice of Berkshire County Juvenile Court. Remarks are to be provided by Ms. Norton Moffatt and Brooke Mead, Director of Berkshire Immigrant Center.
Adding to the proceedings, pianist Karèn Tchougourian will offer music during the reception for the new citizens and their families, following the ceremony.
This year’s ceremony is made possible with generous support from Helen Bing and Berkshire Bank. Additional support provided by Berkshire Community College, Blue Q, The Great Barrington Bagel Company & Deli, Kapiloff’s Glass Inc., and The Marketplace.
Support for the event is encouraged, and can be arranged by contacting the Museum at 413.931.2221. Priority seating is given to new citizens and their families; Museum visitors are welcome to observe the ceremony based on space availability.
About Berkshire Immigrant Center
Each year the Berkshire Immigrant Center assists over one hundred local residents in their pursuit of U.S. citizenship. In general, to obtain U.S. citizenship, one must hold legal permanent resident (green card) status for a minimum of five years (three years if married this whole time to a U.S. citizen), take an exam on U.S. history and civics, demonstrate proficiency in the English language, and be of “good moral character” among other requirements. The Berkshire Immigrant Center offers assistance with every aspect of the naturalization process including screening for eligibility, application support, disability and fee waivers, legal assistance, transportation, advocacy with USCIS, and English language, history and civics classes. For more information about the Center, please call 413.445.4881 or email: info@berkshireic.com.