Where We've Been

Project Snapshots

The Gallery of Human Migration has never stood still. Since 1997, we’ve been gathering ideas, exploring questions, and creating space for dialogue around migration in its many forms. Long before we had a website—or even a name—we were laying the groundwork for what would become the Gallery.

Click on a photo to read more!

The initiatives pictured reflect the evolution of our purpose, our partnerships, and our reach. They may not all be visible in our current archive, but they live on in the relationships we’ve built and the stories we continue to tell.

Welcome Italia at the CNE (1997)

A landmark cultural event celebrating the richness of Italian heritage and the longstanding ties between Canada and Italy. This early initiative, hosted at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), planted the seed for what would eventually become the Gallery: an inclusive space for stories of migration, culture, and identity.

Read the interview with Rocco Maragna.

Migration Survey Commission (2003)

Before the Gallery had a name, our co-founders commissioned a national survey conducted by Toronto-based research firm Pollara. The results revealed that nearly 60% of Canadians supported the idea of a gallery dedicated to the evolution of human migration to, from, and within Canada. In Toronto, support was even stronger, rising to 69%.

>> Read the entire report <<

North American First Nations & Vatican Museums Partnership

Our co-founders helped develop a cross-cultural exchange involving North American First Nations communities and the Vatican Museums in Italy. The collaboration focused on artifacts, language, and cultural memory. In 2016, the Huron-Wendat First Nation bestowed the Eagle Feather upon the Gallery as a recognition of its active role in bringing to light the significance of Canadian First Nations.

>> Read the full story.<<

"Where is Here?" – CBC Radio Series

The Gallery contributed research and curatorial support to this nationally broadcast radio program, which explored personal and collective notions of home through interviews and storytelling.

>> Read the full story. <<

College Street – Little Italy (Book Sponsorship)

We supported the creation and publication of a community history book focused on Toronto’s Little Italy, highlighting immigrant stories, neighbourhood evolution, and the shaping of cultural identity.

>> Read the full story. <<

Family Sponsorship & Mentorship

Over the years, members of the Gallery have directly supported newly arrived families through formal sponsorships and one-on-one mentorship, helping newcomers build community and navigate life in Canada.