June 2011

Italian Family History Group Report

June 22 2011

Despite the wintry conditions a gathering of 42 members came along to our June film night meeting. Four apologies were received.

Committee man, Fabian Lo Schiavo, who is employed at the NSW State Records office, acted as presenter for the night.

Fabian informed us that the new microfilm ordering system is now operating through the Multicultural library at Casa d'Italia, 67 Norton Street. It was proving to be much more efficient. Members were reminded to place their orders now for reels, to avoid delays when one wishes to commence researching these archival records. Reels are now available from most Italian Regions and contain data going back 350 years.

He also reminded members that there would be no regular evening meeting of our group next month, at the Cultural Centre at the Forum. However, Chairman Dominic had arranged for a two hour day tour of the National Archives on that same date at Chester Hill. There were currently 25 people interested in attending. Places for only 5 more people were still available, for those still interested in attending.

The group was extremely grateful at being invited to be allowed to use the facility of the main auditorium at the Forum for our June meeting. It proved to be ideal. The facilities at the Forum are on hand, we anticipate being allocated a specially designed conference room in due course.

As much of the available time was to be spent in screening the three episodes of the documentary 'THE ITALIANS', announcements were kept to a minimum.

The six episode documentary, which the Australian Broadcasting had produced and shown in 1988, took 80 minutes to screen. It was a compelling reminder of the facts and difficulties of so many early Italian migrants who have come here since 1900.

The meeting concluded at 8.50pm for light refreshments, following the draw for the three bottles of wine which were donated by an anonymous member.

Dominic Arrivolo

President.