# Event Details

- **Event Name**: "Frank Capra: A Life" | FREE Author Talk with Sam Wasson
- **Event Start and End Date**: Sun, 08 Nov, 2026 at 02:00 pm (-05:00)
- **Event Description**: 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.
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/dearborn/frank-capra-a-life-free-author-talk-with-sam-wasson/200030848720603
- **Event Categories**: art, literary-art, entertainment, it, fine-arts, storytelling
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 29

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Dearborn
- **state**: MI
- **country**: United States
- **location**: 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI, United States, Michigan 48124
- **lat**: 42.30344
- **long**: -83.23401
- **full address**: 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI, United States, Michigan 48124

## Event gallery

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## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is "Frank Capra: A Life" | FREE Author Talk with Sam Wasson being held?
  - **A:** "Frank Capra: A Life" | FREE Author Talk with Sam Wasson takes place on Sun, 08 Nov, 2026 at 02:00 pm to Sun, 08 Nov, 2026 at 02:00 pm at 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI, United States, Michigan 48124.
- **Q**: Who is organizing "Frank Capra: A Life" | FREE Author Talk with Sam Wasson?
  - **A:** "Frank Capra: A Life" | FREE Author Talk with Sam Wasson is organized by The Henry Ford.
- **Q**: What has been the experience of attendees at The Henry Ford's events?
  - **A:** Attendees have given The Henry Ford a rating of 5/5 based on reviews from early attendees on AllEvents. The Henry Ford has 351+ followers on AllEvents, reflecting a trusted and active community of event-goers who follow their events. The Henry Ford has a verified profile on AllEvents where you can read reviews and explore their upcoming events.
- **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me?
  - **A:** "Frank Capra: A Life" | FREE Author Talk with Sam Wasson is ideal for art lovers, collectors, creatives, and anyone inspired by visual arts, installations, and exhibitions. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Dearborn, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. If "Frank Capra: A Life" | FREE Author Talk with Sam Wasson sounds like your kind of event, don't wait - spots fill up fast.

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