Lambton Heritage Museum exhibit highlights Italian immigrant experience

Lambton Heritage Museum Curator/Supervisor Dana Thorne and exhibit contributor Antonia Ambrose stand next to Italian dresses.

Grand Bend, ON – Lambton Heritage Museum is pleased to announce their second feature exhibit of 2024, Il Cammino: From Italy to Sarnia-Lambton is now open.

Il Cammino: From Italy to Sarnia-Lambton features the stories of Italian families that immigrated to Sarnia-Lambton over the past century. Themes include the Italian traditions these families brought to Canada, challenges and accomplishments of early immigrants, and ways that Italian heritage is alive in Canada today. The exhibit is based on a travelling exhibition prepared by Sarnia’s Italo-Canadian Cultural Club in 1990. The timing of the exhibit coincides with Italian Heritage Month, celebrated in June each year.

“Il Cammino continues Lambton Heritage Museum’s tradition of highlighting stories of immigration to Lambton County. Previously, we have celebrated local residents that emigrated from Holland, Scotland, and Slovakia,” said Dana Thorne, Curator/Supervisor with Lambton Heritage Museum. “By sharing the stories of Italian immigrants, we help develop an appreciation for their culture and how their diverse experiences and skills strengthened our communities. We are so grateful for our community partners and the families that have loaned us artifacts, shared their photographs with us, and told us their stories.”

Il Cammino: From Italy to Sarnia-Lambton will be on display at the Museum until June 30, 2024. A themed movie screening of the Disney Pixar movie Luca will take place on the June 7 PA Day at 1:00 p.m. This charming family-friendly movie is set in the Italian Riveria in 1959. Free popcorn will be offered, and a craft activity will be available before and after the movie. On June 15, at 2:00 p.m., Caroline di Cocco will present on Italy’s Ciociaria region, including must-see tourist spots and helpful Italian phrases. Space is limited for this presentation and participants must register online.

Admission is free for residents of Lambton County in 2024 in celebration of Lambton County’s 175^th anniversary. To learn more about Il Cammino: From Italy to Sarnia-Lambton, please visit the exhibit webpage at heritagemuseum.ca.

-30-

Please contact:

Dana Thorne
Curator/Supervisor, Lambton Heritage Museum
County of Lambton
519-243-2600 ext. 3151
Email Dana Thorne

Dana Thorne
Curator/Supervisor, Lambton Heritage Museum
Phone: 519-243-2600 ext. 3151
Email Dana Thorne