A travelling exhibition created by the Columbus Centre in Toronto that documents Italian Canadian experiences during the Second World War is coming to the Guelph Civic Museum. Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Times: Italian Canadian Experiences During WWII will open on Friday, April 24, with a reception starting at 6.30 pm.
In 1940, when Italy joined the Second World War on the German side, the Canadian government gave the RCMP authority to detain and imprison Italian Canadians, who were considered dangerous, without charges. As a result, 31,000 Italian Canadians were designated “enemy aliens” and around 600 were removed from their homes and held in prisons and camps. Many Italian Canadians also lost jobs or experienced racism and violence in their communities, during this period.
The show combines historical research with personal testimonies to shed light on this difficult period in Canadian history and raise important questions about ethnicity, democracy and human rights.
The reception will also feature a Fourth Friday concert by Guelph singer-songwriter Danielle Todd. Light refreshments will be served.
Guelph Civic Museum is located at 52 Norfolk St.
