The Italian Historical Society of South Australia Inc. (IHSSA) was founded in 2015, born from a vision to document and celebrate the rich history and enduring legacy of Italian immigration to South Australia. Its origins can be traced back to 2010, when Giuseppe (Joe) Geracitano, a dedicated historian with a deep connection to the Italian community, approached the State Library of South Australia for support in preserving the stories of Italian immigrants.

 

Foundations and Early Years

 

Joe Geracitano’s passion for recording the Italian migrant experience led him to immerse himself in the methodologies of oral history, attending workshops and developing a protocol for ethically collecting and preserving interviews. By 2014, he had gathered a team of like-minded individuals within the Italian community, establishing the IHSSA to formalise this effort. The society’s mission was clear: to collect, preserve, and foster an appreciation of Italian culture and its significant contributions to South Australia’s growth.

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The society’s flagship project, “A Trunk Full of Dreams, A Suitcase Full of Memories,” sought to record the life stories of Italian immigrants. This initiative aimed to capture the essence of their migration experience, from their lives in Italy to their journey and settlement in South Australia. These oral histories have been invaluable, not only for descendants but also for researchers and the wider community.

 

Milestones and Projects

 

In its early years, the IHSSA faced challenges, including securing funding and resources. With support from local organisations, including the City of Charles Sturt and various Italian community groups, the society acquired the necessary recording equipment and began conducting interviews. The first major oral history was recorded with Sebastian Galipo in 2019, whose inspiring journey from a migrant child to a successful entrepreneur encapsulated the resilience and determination of Italian immigrants.

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To implement the project, the Italian Historical Society of South Australia adopted a thematical approach, such as the influence of Italian immigration on South Australian food culture. This sub-project, “A Tavola: The Influence of Italian Immigration on Australian Food Culture,” highlights the transformative impact of Italian culinary traditions on the local dining and wine industries.

 

Challenges and Resilience

 

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted the society’s plans, bringing in-person interviews and events to a halt. During this challenging time, the IHSSA redirected its efforts toward research and community engagement, remaining steadfast in its mission to preserve Italian heritage.

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In the absence of face-to-face interviews, the Society invited community members to contribute written accounts under the theme “Bound for South Australia: The Italian Experience.” This initiative resulted in a remarkable collection of eight stories, capturing the emotional and historical dimensions of Italian migration.

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In 2025, these stories were published in the journal La Partenza: Voyage to a New Beginning, offering readers a profound glimpse into the lived realities of migration while expanding the Society’s archival resources. The publication is intended to become an annual release, ensuring that the experiences and milestones of the Italian community in South Australia continue to be preserved for future generations.

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By 2022, the Society had resumed its regular activities with renewed energy, focusing once again on documenting oral histories that might otherwise be lost with the passing of the elder generation.

 

Legacy and Future Goals

 

Today, the IHSSA continues to build its archives, ensuring that the voices and contributions of Italian immigrants are not forgotten. The society collaborates with the State Library of South Australia to make these stories accessible to the public and researchers, contributing to a broader understanding of migration and multiculturalism in Australia.

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Looking forward, the IHSSA remains committed to expanding its collections, fostering connections within the Italian community, and celebrating the unique heritage that has enriched South Australia. With each story preserved, the society fulfils its mission to honour the past while inspiring future generations to cherish their roots.

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Looking Ahead

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Our goals include digitising our archive for worldwide access and expanding to capture stories from diverse fields, including fashion, politics and the arts.​

But above all, we remain guided by our founding vision: to ensure that the voices of Italian migrants are never lost. 

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