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Join us at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation for one of the first public conversations about "Frank Capra: A Life," the new book from award-winning author and cultural historian Sam Wasson. 📖🎙️To be published October 27, "Frank Capra: A Life" offers a fresh look at the Academy Award-winning and legendary director behind "It Happened One Night," "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" and "It’s a Wonderful Life."
Drawing on Frank Capra’s own archives, including deeply personal writings from his later years, Wasson offers a richly researched portrait of the filmmaker and the America that shaped him. From his family’s arrival at Ellis Island and the rise of Hollywood to the Great Depression, World War II and the postwar era, Capra’s life reflects a nation undergoing profound change and the people and events that shaped its story.
Wasson brings deep research and compelling storytelling to the history of American film and popular culture. Through Capra’s remarkable life and complicated legacy, the program explores both a lost America and an enduring one, and the ideals and contradictions reflected in the director’s work.
The program will be followed by a brief Q&A and book signing, with an opportunity to purchase a copy of "Frank Capra: A Life."
Advance registration is required for this free event. Seats are limited. Learn more and register at THF.org/capra.
📘 About the Author:
Sam Wasson is an award-winning author and cultural historian whose books explore the people, films and cultural forces that shaped American life. His eight books include the New York Times bestsellers "Fifth Avenue," "5 A.M.," "The Big Goodbye" and "The Path to Paradise: A Francis Ford Coppola Story." Wasson previously joined The Henry Ford as moderator of the Francis Ford at The Henry Ford programming series. He lives in Los Angeles.
🎤 About the Moderator:
Kristen Gallerneaux, Ph.D., MFA, is Curator of Communications & Information Technology at The Henry Ford, where she oversees collections that relate to the histories of computing, sound, film, broadcast and graphic communication. She is the proud steward of experimental filmmaker Lillian Schwartz’s archive and presented Schwartz's work at the Stan Brakhage Symposium (2025). Gallerneaux's recent publications have spanned sound culture, folklore, the immersive installations of the Eames Office for IBM, filmmaker Deborah Stratman and media artist Benedict Drew.
📽️ Special Screening of "It’s a Wonderful Life" in Giant Screen Experience:
Continue your exploration of Frank Capra’s remarkable life and legacy with a special, ticketed screening of "It’s a Wonderful Life" (1946), celebrating the beloved film’s 80th anniversary. Before the film, author Sam Wasson will share brief remarks offering insight into Capra, the making of It’s a Wonderful Life and the film’s enduring place in American culture. This screening is a separate, ticketed program.
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Event venue
20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI, United States, Michigan 48124
Tickets
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