Invisible Threads // Stories Connected by Operation Babylift

OPERATION BABYLIFT · 51ST ANNIVERSARY

Invisible Threads

A Four-Day Gathering — Boulder, Colorado

April 9–12, 2026 · Boulder, Colorado · Free & Open to the Public · Presented by StoryScope Studio

In April 1975, Boulder was home to Friends For All Children. Fifty-one years later, the adoptees are returning to where their records and adoptions began.

All events are free and open to the public.

Thursday APRIL 9, 2026

10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

My Name Is Mimosa — Exhibit & Archive Review

◆ EAST WINDOW GALLERY

The first public presentation of the Operation Babylift Collection. Photographs, flight manifests, and personal histories from 1975. Archive review with Devaki Murch and Sister Mary Nelle Gage. Open all four days.

7:00 – 9:00 PM

Operation Babylift Welcome Evening

◆ VISUAL ARTS COMPLEX, VAC 1B20 · CU BOULDER

Sister Mary Nelle Gage · Devaki Murch · Steven George

An evening of remembrance and the history that belongs to many of us.

Film Screening: The Adoptees

Trailer by Mike Frailey. Followed by a conversation with the filmmaker.

Friday APRIL 10, 2026

10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

My Name Is Mimosa — Exhibit & Archive Review

◆ EAST WINDOW GALLERY

Exhibition continues. Archive review available throughout the day.

4:30 – 6:00 PM

The Fine Print of Belonging

◆ VISUAL ARTS COMPLEX, VAC 1B20 · CU BOULDER

Facilitated group discussion on the legal, identity, and citizenship dimensions of transnational adoption. Things we need to talk about.

7:30 – 9:30 PM

Invisible Threads StoryShare

◆ VISUAL ARTS COMPLEX, VAC 1B20 · CU BOULDER

Host: Deanna Byck

Storytellers: Huyền Friedlander · Ingrid Templeton · Mike Frailey · Derek Powell · Lani Lang

Saturday APRIL 11, 2026

10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

My Name Is Mimosa — Exhibit & Archive Review

◆ EAST WINDOW GALLERY

Exhibition continues. Walk-ins welcome. Archive review available throughout the day.

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Writing Workshop with Andrew Lam

◆ BOULDER MAIN LIBRARY · BOULDER CREEK ROOM

A 3-hour workshop writing a traditional letter to someone you know, admire, or love.

Limited to 20 participants. Sign up: workshop.operationbabylift.org

2:00 – 4:00 PM

BookTalk: Operation Babylift Authors in Conversation

◆ BOULDER MAIN LIBRARY · BOULDER CREEK ROOM

Andrew Lam · Ross Meador · Noel Nguyen · LeAnn Thiemann · Aryn Lockhart

Books available for purchase and signing.

7:00 – 9:00 PM

Invisible Threads: Filmmakers in Conversation

◆ VISUAL ARTS COMPLEX, VAC 1B20 · CU BOULDER

We Were Soldiers, Too — Thanh Tan (filmmaker) with Jeremy Hubbard

Intersections — Tran Van Kirk (filmmaker)

Archives in Love and War — Devaki Murch

Sunday APRIL 12, 2026

10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

My Name Is Mimosa — Exhibit & Archive Review

◆ EAST WINDOW GALLERY

Final day of the exhibition. Walk-ins welcome. Archive review with Devaki Murch and Sister Mary Nelle Gage.

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

First Family Search: A Community Discussion

◆ BOULDER MAIN LIBRARY · BOULDER CREEK ROOM

Con Tìm Mẹ — A guided workshop for Vietnamese adoptees exploring the emotional, practical, and ethical pathways of family reconnection.

Facilitators: Huyền Friedlander · Jane MyHanh Joy

StoryScope Studio

[email protected]

operationbabylift.org

Fiscal Sponsor: Torrey House Press (501(c)(3))

All events free & open to the public

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

East Window, 4550 Broadway, Boulder, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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