Mission
The Association for the Memory of Italo-Canadian Immigrants (AMICI) is a charitable organization working to document Italian immigrant stories, communicate Italian-Canadian history, and promote contemporary Italian-Canadian culture. AMICI’s main project is building the national Italian Canadian Museum.
AMICI’s vision is to connect, engage and inspire our community—whether through a meaningful object from the past, listening to the life story of an Italian immigrant, or seeing the latest work of a contemporary Italian-Canadian artist.
Unique Mandate
The first and only national museum about and for Italian-Canadians
AMICI will:
- Collect objects (historical artifacts, archival photographs and documents, and works of art) for exhibition in the facility;
- Create resources on immigration, in particular recording the life stories of Italian immigrants; and,
- Organize events and exhibitions that celebrate and reflect the cultural community of the Italian-Canadian people, and emphasize their unique characteristics and diversity.
Who we serve:
- Seniors’ groups
- School groups
- Italian-Canadian youth
- Federations, regional or province-based groups
- Immigrants & their families
- Local community
Structure & Personnel
AMICI is a not-for-profit and charitable organization, incorporated in Ontario, and responsible to its membership.
AMICI is run by a Board of Directors, composed of up to twenty members in good standing, and presided over by a President. The Board is responsible for the conduct of AMICI and its affairs, including its strategic direction, the safeguarding and stewardship of its resources, and monitoring and reporting on AMICI’s performance.
AMICI is managed by its one full-time employee, the Curator/Manager. As well, AMICI relies on a small group of volunteers and occasionally consultants and fee-for-service help for exhibition, fundraising and other project work.
Board of Directors
Co-Founders
Above, Mario Ferri presents certificate to Michael Occhipinti, December 7, 2008“ Canada has flourished because its immigration policies have allowed the country to mature and grow. Italians have lived the immigration experience in all its phases and have contributed significantly to the economic, social and cultural growth of Canada. Their valuable contribution helped Canada become what it is today – one of the world’s most industrialized nations and an internationally recognized leader in quality of life for its citizens.” Co-Founder, Honorary Chair |
Above, Antonio Porretta presents documentary on Enrico Farina, October 24, 2008“ Il deterioramento o la scomparsa di oggetti che rappresentano la nostra storia o il nostro retaggio culturale, perchè non propriamente preservati, costituiscono un impoverimento della cultura non solo del nostro paese, il Canada, ma del mondo intero”. Co-Founder, President |
Executive OfficersSecretary - Melina De Guglielmo DirectorsSam Balsamo |
Committee ChairsPrograms & Temporary Exhibits - Melina De Guglielmo |
Where is AMICI?
The office and museum are located in the Maple Community Centre at 10190 Keele Street, just north of Major MacKenzie Drive. The main entrance can be accessed through the back parking lot.
Italian Canadian Museum operated by AMICI
10190 Keele St.
Vaughan, Ontario
L6A 1R7
Tel. 905-832-5200
Fax. 905-832-5242
E-mail: info@amicimuseum.com
Office Hours
Interested in donating an object to AMICI? Want to tell us your family’s story?
Drop by!
AMICI Office: Monday to Friday, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday: by appointment only
Please note: the Curator/Manager is often called away from the office, please call ahead to confirm your visit.