To celebrate the centenary of the re-establishment of the al-Rabitah al-Qalamiyya [an early Arab American literary society], the Moise A. Khayrallah Center for Lebanese Diaspora Studies has curated a virtual exhibition to honor the cultural lives and accomplishments of early Arab Americans (1880-1950). We have titled this exhibition Turath (Heritage) to emphasize the deep and rich history of Arabs in America.

The inspiration for this project was born out of a collaborative effort between the Khayrallah Center, the Arab American National Museum, the Washington Street Historical Society, Lebanese American University (NY Office), and the American University of Beirut (NY Office) to produce a series of events celebrating this centennial.

In addition to highlighting cultural figures well known to the Arab American community and its heritage, this exhibition introduces an expansive and unprecedented perspective incorporating women writers, geographies outside of New York, and highlighting non-literary productions such as art, performance, music, and the press. Thus, for example, Afifa Karam’s writings, performances at World’s Fairs across the United States, and cultural mahrajan festivals are featured alongside the literary works of Jibran, Naimy, and Rihani.