Truer to Ourselves: Cultural Diffusion in America and the 1965 Immigration Act

The history of the United States is, in large part, a story of migration.  This history contains a tapestry of people who began new lives in the United States, through force, coercion, or dreams of a better future.  Others found borders shifting around them.

When President Johnson signed the 1965 Immigration Act into law, he proclaimed that the legislation would make us ‘truer to ourselves both as a country and a people."  He acknowledged that immigration would "strengthen us in a hundred unforeseen ways.’   “Our Beautiful America," he said, "was built by a nation of strangers. “

In this summer institute, participants will explore the history of this beautiful nation of strangers, taking a closer look at each era and the many forces that shape immigration patterns, policy, and public response. We hope this institute shines a light on ‘Our Beautiful America’ and allows us to teach in ways ‘truer to ourselves’.  

The Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library will invite 40 educators to attend the annual educator summer institute from July 13 to July 17, 2026 in Austin, Texas. The program is open to all educators (PreK-16, pre-service educators, and informal educators) and all subject areas. 

Program Objectives

• Exploration of the history of immigration to the United States
• Examination of the major changes in U.S. immigration policy over time
• Analysis of the experiences of immigrants to the United States
• Development of new pedagogical approaches to teaching immigration history

Application Information

To participate in this institute, educators must be selected through an application review process. 

The application for “Truer to Ourselves” opens January 5, 2026 and closes March 6, 2026 at 11:00pm CST.

Participants will be notified of their selection status by April 1, 2026.

Waitlist participants will be notified of eligibility by April 24, 2026.

Applicants will be evaluated for their anticipated application of the content of ‘Truer to Ourselves' into their classroom instruction and supervisor support. Strong consideration will be given to educators who are 1) new to the teaching field, 2) who come from disenfranchised communities, and 3) rural areas. However, the goal is to have a participant group that is diverse, drawing from throughout the nation, subject areas, grade levels, and can support one another with curriculum connections.

Speakers for the program include:

• Erika Lee, Harvard University

• Maddalena Marinari, Gustavus Adolphus College 

• Tyler Anbinder, George Washington University

• Peter Wong, National Park Service, Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island Immigration Museum

“Truer to Ourselves” is brought to you by the LBJ Library, LBJ Foundation and its generous supporters. 

We are excited to provide the following for all accepted participants:

• 4-nights hotel accommodation
• Daily transportation to and from the hotel and LBJ Library each day of the workshop
• Breakfast and lunch each day of the workshop
• Resources relevant to workshop content and discussion
• $250 stipend per participant
• Continuing education hours certificate for 36 CPE hours upon completion of the workshop

Participants will be responsible for:

• Travel to & from their home to Austin, Texas
• Travel to & from Austin Bergstrom Airport to the hotel
• Dinner each day
• Local non-workshop based travel costs
• Any extra hotel nights and/or incurred fees
• A $50 non-refundable registration fee