Torrington History Collection: Ethnic History
Luigi Pestilli Accordion Circa 1888 (click to enlarge)
The first wave of 19th century immigration to Torrington occurred in the early part of the century when English workers were recruited to work in the brass mill. Since that time, people from all over the world have immigrated to Torrington in search of work, a better life, and new opportunities.
A growing part of the Society’s collection is its Ethnic History Collection. This includes objects brought to Torrington by immigrants as well as items which reflect the culture of a particular ethnic group.
Examples of some of the artifacts in this collection are: the suitcase used by 13 year old Teofel Yarocki on his circa 1909 voyage from the Ukraine, an accordion brought to the U.S. by Italian immigrant Generoso DiPippo, Romanian clothing and textiles made by Maria Armeancu Pintea Neag, an oud (string instrument) brought to the U.S. by Lebanese immigrant Chicri Nicolas El Halabi, and Slovak and Polish textiles.
Of course, the Ethnic History Collection of artifacts is enhanced by immigrant-related photographs and documents which are found in the Society’s archives.
The Society is very interested in adding additional items to this collection especially objects, photographs and documents that tell the stories of Torrington’s many immigrant families and groups.
If you are interested in donating materials to the Society, please contact the Society.
A growing part of the Society’s collection is its Ethnic History Collection. This includes objects brought to Torrington by immigrants as well as items which reflect the culture of a particular ethnic group.
Examples of some of the artifacts in this collection are: the suitcase used by 13 year old Teofel Yarocki on his circa 1909 voyage from the Ukraine, an accordion brought to the U.S. by Italian immigrant Generoso DiPippo, Romanian clothing and textiles made by Maria Armeancu Pintea Neag, an oud (string instrument) brought to the U.S. by Lebanese immigrant Chicri Nicolas El Halabi, and Slovak and Polish textiles.
Of course, the Ethnic History Collection of artifacts is enhanced by immigrant-related photographs and documents which are found in the Society’s archives.
The Society is very interested in adding additional items to this collection especially objects, photographs and documents that tell the stories of Torrington’s many immigrant families and groups.
If you are interested in donating materials to the Society, please contact the Society.