Havre de Grace|Local Event
Free Community Screening of Art Spiegelman: Disaster Is My Muse Honors Harford County Resident and C
Event Details
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Free Community Screening of Art Spiegelman: Disaster Is My Muse Honors Harford County Resident and Community Arts Educator, Jack Hirschfeld
Acclaimed documentary explores the life and work of the Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of Maus
HAVRE DE GRACE, Md. — The City of Havre de Grace will present a free community screening of Art Spiegelman: Disaster Is My Muse on Sunday, August 23, at 2:00 p.m. at the Havre de Grace Opera House, 121 N. Union Avenue.
The feature-length documentary chronicles the life and work of Art Spiegelman, the Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist whose groundbreaking graphic memoir Maus transformed the way generations of readers understand the Holocaust. Through interviews, archival material, and Spiegelman's own reflections, the film explores the intersection of history, memory, artistic expression, and the enduring importance of preserving personal stories.
As the filmmakers were documenting Spiegelman's life and work for the film, the story itself evolved. During production, Maus became the focus of a national conversation about book bans and censorship, reinforcing the documentary's exploration of memory, artistic expression, and the importance of preserving difficult histories. The film offers an intimate portrait of one of America's most influential artists and a timely reminder of the power of storytelling to deepen understanding across generations.
The City is sponsoring the event in honor of Jack Hirschfeld, a community arts educator whose decades-long commitment to film programming helped make independent and documentary films accessible to audiences throughout Harford County. Born stateless in Berlin, Hirschfeld escaped Nazi Germany with his family in 1938. Throughout his career—and especially in retirement—he believed that film could inspire curiosity, conversation, and civic engagement. Together, he and his wife Jan Hirschfeld presented film series and discussions in partnership with organizations including local congregations, Harford Community College, the Havre de Grace and Aberdeen public libraries, and the Cultural Center at the Opera House.
"Havre de Grace is a designated Arts and Entertainment district where the arts serve as a central part of the City’s identity by bringing people together, encouraging dialogue, and strengthening our community," said Mayor Bill Martin. "We are proud to present this remarkable documentary and to honor Jack Hirschfeld, whose commitment to film, education, and public conversation enriched our community in countless ways."
The screening is free and open to the public. Community members of all backgrounds are encouraged to attend. Those wishing to honor Jack's legacy are invited to make a donation to the Havre de Grace Opera House in support of its ongoing arts and cultural programming.
Event Details
What: Art Spiegelman: Disaster Is My Muse (Free Community Screening)
Date: Sunday, August 23
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: The Havre de Grace Opera House, 121 N. Union Ave, Havre de Grace
Admission: Free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to register here.
For the film trailer, movie poster, or additional event information, please contact:
Media Contact
Laila Hirschfeld
202-669-4956
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