Author Talk with Sam Wasson, "Frank Capra: A Life"

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 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.

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.

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.

The event is free to the public, but advance registration is required. Seats are limited.

There is a maximum of six registrants per entry. Registrants will receive confirmation and event reminders via email. Please show these confirmations upon entry to the event.

Registration will close on Sunday, November 8, at 12 p.m. ET or earlier if capacity is reached.

Doors to Anderson Theater will open at 1:30 p.m. The program will begin at 2 p.m. and will be followed by a brief Q&A and book signing.

This is a free public event; museum admission is not required.

Free parking is available in the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation lot off Oakwood Boulevard near the museum Welcome Center. The Clocktower entrance on the brick circle drive may be used for pickup/drop-off for guests who need special assistance.

Please note that parts of Oakwood Boulevard may be impacted by construction. Be prepared for traffic delays or detours. We apologize for any inconvenience.

The Henry Ford is committed to making our events accessible to everyone.

• Anderson Theater's main floor is fully accessible. The second-floor balcony is accessible via stairs only.
• This event will be ASL interpreted.

If you require an additional accommodation or service to fully participate, please contact our accessibility team via email at accessibility@thehenryford.org.