Armenian Memories!
September 28
1:30 - Opening of exhibit, "Forget Me Not" 57 Charlotte Street
1:45 Historical Walking Tour 57 Charlotte Street
2:00 You, Me and the Armenian Theatre Production 150 Dalhousie Street
3:15 Historical Walking Tour 57 Charlotte Street
5:00 Authentic Armenian Dinner 150 Dalhousie Street *$30*
6:00 Growing up Armenian in Brantford
7:00 Hamazkayin Canada Erepuni Dance Ensemble, Kousan Choir and Hey Asdgher Youth Choir
September 29
1:00 to 4:00 Exhibit, "Forget Me Not" 57 Charlotte Street
2:00 You, Me and the Armenian Theatre Production 150 Dalhousie Street
Check out our Armenian Community Videos below.
Armenian Food in the New World (6:00)
Growing up Armenian in Brantford (12:14)
Armenian Names and their Evolution in Canada (4:11)
Surprising Discoveries in Research (9:39)
Full video of Rob and Sharon Gashgarian's Memories (16:40)
Full Video of Sol and Vicky Seraganian's Memories (29:58)
Full Video of Carl Georgian's Memories (18:37)
Greg Roman remembers growing up Armenian in Brantford
We have traveled through the rich legacies of immigrant communities...Jewish, Italian, Chinese, Ukrainian. Now the story of Brantford's Armenian community is being told. The "Memories" project takes a deep dive into a community which results in a 2-day event with a historical exhibit at the Brant Museum, music, food, lectures and an original play, "Me, You and The Armenian". On September 28 and 29, we will be holding our Downtown Memories event that we have been working on over the past year.
The story of the Armenian community in Brantford is a vibrant and passionate story. The first recorded mention of Armenians is in 1889. Colonel Henry Cockshutt's visit to Constantinople, 10 individuals were recruited and brought to Brantford.
Starting with Massacres in 1892 through to the Armenian Genocide of World War 1, Brantford became known as a safe place for a thriving community of Armenians attracted to its factories.
By 1908 there were 520 Armenians in Brantford. From a Titanic Survivor to a tragic Romeo and Juliet story, it is a tale of adventure and pride.
Although Brantford was a significant stop in the Armenian diaspora, like many other immigrant stories, members of the community moved on to other stops.
View our videos about Brantford's Ukrainian Community
Carolyn and Sharon come up with a mystery during their research in this 5 minute video
Dave Levac talks about introducing legislation regarding the Holodomor Genocide in this 5 minute video
Our Chinese Project
You can view our video collection of memories from Chinese Elders (and families) about immigrating to Brantford below:
Hunter Liao, the president of the Chinese Association of Brantford talks about a recent immigration.
Audrey Chin talks about her family coming to Brantford and growing up at the Shanghai Restaurant.
Dr. Christina Han introduces the key features of Brantford's Chinese Immigrant Community.
Helen and Henry Mark talk about going to school and growing up in Brantford.
The amazing story of Dr. Thomas Chiang
Artist, Michael Chow talks about his time in Brantford
A Student's Journey with Wenjie Shen
Natalie Lu on becoming a teacher
Our Italian Project
Visit this link to see the podcast on September 30 with host, Dr. Christina Han,
a 40 minute program featuring the exhibit, people and selected scenes from the play.
The following half hour videos are the
Memories of Brantford's Italian Community.
Rose and Angie Risi's story of growing up at Maria's Pizza
Caesar Misiti's story of arriving as a teenager in Brantford
Fernando Forcucci remembers his work with the Order of the Sons of Italy
Tom Mercante describes his restaurant Mercasa and its ties to Italian culture
Fred Ligori describes his work with the San Rocco Committee
Franco Petrella talks about the Italian Villages
Dave Levac describes his ties and interest in the Italian community
Dino Liberati, Deo and Danny Dominicis tell the Castelli Bakery story
Peter Giordano describes his family's immigrant experience
Giovanni Petitti talks about his father's influence on his life
Linda Kuyper and Gene Pinchero - Growing up at the College Fruit Market
Josey Reid - Raised in the shoe business
Rita Bonaccorso talks about her family's immigration to Canada
The Pignotta family and the amazing Louis Torti
Anna Romano and Angie De Salvo describe "Nonna's Way"
Vito Agriesti talks about his journey to becoming a Master Tailor
Mary Thompson describes her contribution to World War 2
Canadian Industrial Heritage Centre
The Canadian Industrial Heritage Centre (CIHC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and honouring Canadian Industrial Heritage through public education and the preservation of historical data, resources, and artifacts.
Laurier Brantford
Laurier Brantford is Wilfrid Laurier University's second campus located in Brantford, Ontario. The first and original campus of Wilfrid Laurier University is located in Waterloo, Ontario. It serves 3,000 students in Brantford.
Brant Historical Society
Established on May 8, 1908, the Brant Historical Society is an independent registered charity operating two museums uniquely positioned to make a difference in the lives of Brant citizens. Its purpose is to collect, preserve and share the history and heritage of Brantford/Brant County and Six Nations/New Credit.
Brant Theatre Workshops
Brant Theatre Workshops has produced heritage theatre productions at the Bell Homestead, Ruthven Park, Brantford Armouries and Brantford General Hospital. BTW has created special heritage/educational projects with Hagersville Secondary School, BCI, St. John’s College and Laurier Brantford.