ITALIAN FAMILY HISTORY GROUP

Our March 2010 meeting turned out to be a most eventful evening. The audience of over fifty people were overwhelmed and privileged to hear about and see so many historical archival documents shown on an overhead projector, by Fiona Burn, the Assistant Director, Access and Communications, National Archives of Australia

Fabian Lo Schiavo, the Vice Chairman of the Co.As.It Italian Family History Group, stood in as presenter for the evening.

Fabian initially introduced Bernadetta Caronti, a visiting Italian exchange student from Trentino University, who is seeking to make contact with Italian migrants, for the presentation of a thesis on the subject of the Italian language. She was delighted to find, by the end of the night, ten members who would be able to assist her in her work. She is due to return to Italy in July.

Most of the evening was taken up with the presentation by Fiona Burn, who is one of Australia's leading archivists.

She spoke about and displayed copies of historical documents, which included signatures of many Italian individuals on migrant documents. These individuals were listed as seeking assistance to gain entry to Australia, citizenship, naturalisation or, on passenger shipping lists, war time alien registration, military and police reports,.

The audience was amazed at the many documents presented. Fiona's presentation left no doubt of her knowledge of archival matters. Fiona answered all questions succinctly.

Eight years ago Fiona had spoken at one of our IFHG meetings. So many more of the records are now in the process of being digitised, and thus available on the internet.

One of the documents shown contained actual signatures of residents at the "New Italy" township south of Woodburn, near Lismore, in the 1880s, seeking the establishment of a Post Office.

Another surprise was one of a series of ten photos showing a group of as many as fifty young people attending Fascist Christmas functions in the period 1935-38.

Fiona had something of interest for all in the past events she presented, and she was thanked by everybody, with much applause.

The Meeting concluded with the usual opportunity for all to socialise over tea and coffee, with nibbles, including a supply of Anna Zagame's Sfinchis.

Dominic Arrivolo