Anglo-Italian Family History Society

Events

All of the events we have planned are to be held at London venues on the basis that we have a majority of members from London and the south east, and that many people have other reasons to visit the capital. We also try to host the events at locations where it is possible to combine attendance at the meeting with family history research, to make the trip worthwhile. However, if there is sufficient interest, we are keen hold regional meetings or attend regional family history fairs, particularly in Manchester, Scotland and South Wales. If you would be willing to help organise a meeting in your region, please contact the Chair.


Little Italy Exhibition at Holborn Library

3rd June - 27th September 2008

Holborn Library

The exhibition opened on 3 June 2008 with a reception, hosted by the Chief Librarian which was attended by many people including the Mayor of Camden.the exhibition will run until 27 September 2008.

The opening ceremony was performed by a member of the Italian Consulate. Father Carmelo di Giovanni gave a short speech. Olive Basani read some extracts from her recently completed book about Clerkenwell. Verusca Calabria, the oral historian of immigrant Italians, said how pleased she was at coming to visit the exhibition.

There was a splendid buffet provided by……, a plentiful selection of drinks with delicious ice cream to follow.

A tour of the photographs and mementos was enjoyed by all, groups formed around each topic as stories and memories were recounted by those who remembered some of the incidents. Photographs and programmes of the ‘Italian Procession’ were studied.  Several people said they would be returning to look closer as there was so much to take in !

There will be two talks in connection with the exhibition:-

  • 'Little Italy', the Italian Quarter in Holborn
    Tudor Allen, Senior Archivist, Camden Local Studies and Archives Centre
    Monday 21st July, 3pm
  • 'The True Teacher of Our Age' Giuseppe Mazzini and his London Circle
    Kevin Brown, Trust Archivist at St. Mary's Hospital
    Friday 1st August

‘”Little Italy”’, the story of London’s Italian quarter’ by Tudor Allen will be published in July 2008, price 5.99.

It is hoped that the exhibition will be at the Italian Procession.


Arandora Star

Wednesday 2nd July

Liverpool

There are several events taking place in Liverpool to commemorate the tragedy:

  • Rememberance Service
    An Ecumenical church service of remembrance is being held at Our Lady and St. Nicholas in honour of those who died on the Arandora Star.  The service will begin at 10:30am
  • Lunch at the Maritime Museum
    Lunch at the Maritime Museum, followed by a wreath laying ceremony on the River Mersey.
  • Dinner at the Maritime Museum
    Dinner at the Maritime Museum at 7:30

If you would like more information about this event, please contact Graham Boxer on 0151 225 6926 or graham.boxer@liverpool.gov.uk.

The Arandora Star was a cruise ship, torpedoed during the war while carrying many Italian immigrants to Canada.  More information can be found here.


Italian Procession

Sunday 20th July

Clerkenwell

The Procession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel has been held annually since the late 1800s.  It is organised by the local Catholic Church of St. Peter in Clerkenwell, where many migrating Italians settled.  The Procession, which features a wide range of floats from organisations in the community, is in the afternoon, however there is lots of activity in the morning with an Italian Market.  Our stall will be available from 9:30 onwards.


Liverpool Family History Fair

Saturday 1st November, 10am - 4pm

St. George's Hall, Liverpool

This event, held in the very heart of the city, is part of Liverpool's European Capital of Culture celebrations. All North West family history associations will be present. Admission is £2 with an additional £2 fee for admission to 3 lectures, one of which will be by Dr. Nick Barratt, consultant to the BBC's Who Do You Think You Are. 
 
If you live in this part of the world, or fancy a drive up from somewhere further, this is a one time opportunity to get in touch with fellow Anglo-Italians at our stand whose ancestors settled in this area in the late 19th and early 20th century. You might even meet some long lost cugini.