Stamford Historical Society
1508 High Ridge Road
Stamford, CT 06903
Contact: Laurel Cooley 203-329-1183
history@stamfordhistory.org

September 22, 2006

*For Immediate Release*

“Stamford’s Little Italy” Exhibit To Open At Government Center

The Stamford Historical Society is developing a series of traveling exhibits that detail the history of various ethnic groups in Stamford. The second in the series, “Stamford’’s Little Italy,” will be on view October 2–13 in the Front Lobby of the Stamford Government Center on Washington Boulevard.

The exhibit was made possible through a 2006 grant from the Connecticut Humanities Council. The money was used to convert the society-based “Immigrants’ Stamford” exhibit into the first two portable exhibits in the series. The first traveling exhibit focused on the Irish community in Stamford and was on view at the Government Center in March. Both exhibits are available to schools and community institutions and organizations.

“A primary goal of the society is to reach out and be of service to the community. Our traveling exhibit initiative is one that has been well-received,” said Dr. Thomas Zoubek, society executive director.

“Stamford’s Little Italy” tells the human story of the city’s Italian immigrants. It spotlights community institutions and organizations as well as founding families and contributions of other Italian families. The exhibit was produced with the cooperation of Stamford’s Minturnese Social Club.

“We are proud of this collaboration and we expect to continue this initiative and have more community collaborations in the future. Research and outreach to other Italian residents and organizations continue. Work has also begun on the Polish, Swedish and Hispanic communities,” Zoubek stated.

For information about the exhibits and their availability, contact the society at 329-1183 or history@stamfordhistory.org.

The Connecticut Humanities Council (CHC) is a statewide non-profit institution located in Middletown, Connecticut that focuses its work on two time-honored traditions in the humanities-reflective reading of literature and exploration of history. CHC reading programs like Motheread/Fatheread and Book Voyages help parents and children strengthen family bonds by reading together while encouraging children to become lifelong, avid readers on their own. CHC heritage programs, often conducted in partnership with state and regional cultural organizations, fund exhibits, walking tours, cultural festivals, and community humanities projects that explore Connecticut's diverse local heritage, as well as American and world history. Each year, the CHC produces and funds nearly over $2 million in cultural programming that enriches the lives of state residents and visitors statewide. For more information on the Connecticut Humanities Council and its programs please visit www.ctheritage.org or call (860) 685-2260.