Researchers are welcome to use our ever-developing archive!

The Culos Archive

 This archive was donated by Vancouver born Ray Culos in memory of his parents Marino and Felicetta (Phyllis) Culos both of whom were leading members of Vancouver’s pioneer Italian organizations.  A former columnist, Culos wrote for L’Eco d’Italia before writing a number of books documenting the social history of the local Italian community, its leaders and institutions.  Researchers will find that the collection includes photographs, policy manuals, constitutions and detailed information about various individuals, events and activities associated with the Italian community circa 1890 to 2009.  Included in this one-of–a-kind collection is a complete set of records for the Societa’ Figli d’Italia (Sons of Italy).  The society existed from 1905 to 1966 after which it merged with the Societa’ Veneta and Vancouver Italian-Canadian mutual aid societies, their ladies’ auxiliaries plus the Meridionale organization to form the Confratellanza Italo-Canadese in May 1966

The Bonora Archive:

This archive was donated by prominent Italian-Canadian businessman and mining technologist Rudy Bonora.  The archive contains information spanning the early 1900s to 2008.  Researchers will find photographs and primary documents, minutes from the Confratellanza Italo-Canadese and photos of past presidents.  Photographs include bocce tournaments and training events, indoor banquets and mining equipment and sites.  The collection also contains documents of mining history and biographical information.  Reseachers of labour history and mutual aid societies will find this archive significant.

For more information please contact the curator(at)italianculturalcentre.ca .
Or call (604) 430-3337 ext 230.