When Tom Westheimer joined the Peace Corps, his first assignment took him to Iran.
For Westheimer, it was his first time living overseas, doing so from 1970-72, working in a technical school. The Peterborough resident went back 10 years ago for a tour and it was just as he remembered. The country and its people that he knows is far different than the one that’s being portrayed in the news these days.
“They are extremely welcoming to any foreigner. Any foreigner is an honored guest and it’s such an important part of their belief system,” Westheimer said. “But today they seem to be an easy scapegoat and there’s some anger in the way the country is characterized.”
So it pains Westheimer when he hears different views about the country he grew to love and appreciate. On Thursday, Oct. 17, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Westheimer will be joined by Ron McIntire, a Peterborough resident and fellow Peace Corps volunteer in Iran, for a special discussion Eye on Iran – Reflections of Two Peace Corps Volunteers Who Lived There, at the Mariposa Museum in Peterborough.
“I’m always trying to talk to people about Iran,” Westheimer said. “Because it’s about how do we educate people about what’s there. We grew to know and respect the people because we lived there.”
Westheimer and McIntire will show clips of “Our Man in Tehran”, a PBS special seen through the lens of Dutch documentarian Thomas Erdbrink. The presentation will alternate between screening selected clips and discussion.
The idea came through a group the two belong to that connects Iran Peace Corps volunteers from across the country. The most recent get together charged members with educating people about the country and the people, so Westheimer and McIntire got to work. The Mariposa seemed like the most logical place to host it and Westheimer looks forward to having a wide array of views on the country in the audience.
“I’m hoping people will have questions about Iran and also those that are worried about Iran,” he said.
When attendees first enter, Westheimer said they plan to give out a sheet with a list of question about Iran to see exactly what people truly know.
“And in the course of it, we’ll hopefully answer them,” he said.
It is not necessary to view both parts of the documentary before the event, but it is recommended. “Our Man in Tehran”, is available to view for free on the PBS Frontline website.
The discussion and screening is free for Mariposa mem bers and regular museum admission for non-members –$8 for adults, $6 for seniors – is required.