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As this is such a new project, it would be wonderful if you could please fill in this quick survey about the website, when you have a chance. Feedback is always valued and will help the Settling In project to develop and grow in the best way possible.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The Settling In project was formed as a part of my Final Project for my MA Public History course at Royal Holloway. Growing up, family members would often talk about the 'old days', particularly life in Italy just after the Second World War, the experience of coming to England in search of a better life, and settling down here. Very soon, the project began to grow steadily beyond just personal interest and the South Coast Italian Association kindly agreed to support this venture. Whilst post-war Italian migration to Britain has already been researched for many years, there are very few records left behind from those who settled on the South Coast, aside from personal documents and possessions. Even then, these are a rarity...
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After consulting an assortment of secondary literature, the research process began simply by talking to members of the Italian community living on the South Coast, particularly those in Sussex, and by piecing together whatever tiny fragments could be found in archives and online records. These included looking at photos, both personal and archived, and scouring old newspaper cuttings in the hope of finding any hint of the lives and experiences of Italian migrants and their families in the area.
This website is the fruit of this research, supported by the kind contributions of a number of individuals, most of whom have chosen to remain anonymous for personal reasons. Without them the Settling In project would probably not exist at all and that reason alone is enough to thank them eternally. Whilst there is still much more to discover, the website aims to place this project within the wider context of post-war Italian migration to Britain. It is also hoped that by engaging with the content, visitors will either be able to improve their understandings of the experiences of Italian migrants who settled on the South Coast at this time, or feel encouraged and supported to come forward with their own memories and experiences.
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If you have anything you'd like to share on the website, feel free to head over to the forum to do so. If you have any questions about the project at all, or want to give any feedback, then please head over to the contact page.
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Thank you so much for visiting, and I hope you enjoy the experience!
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Emily Petretta
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