Thousands of people, as political refugees, Jews, soldiers and civilians, crossed the borders of the Locarno region during the Second World War, seeking refuge in Switzerland. Many of them were welcomed here, others were rejected.

To this theme is dedicated the Study Day organised by the Gruppo per la Memoria 1943-1945 in collaboration with the Department of Education and Learning / University of Teacher Education (DFA/ASP) and with the support of the City of Locarno. During the event, the stories of welcome and solidarity that characterised this historical moment of great ethical and moral value, a source of inspiration for the present day as well, will be retraced and examined in depth.

Indeed, historical memory plays a crucial role in the formation of citizenship, as it allows us to understand the roots of the present and to develop a sense of belonging and responsibility towards local heritage.

Programme

10.30 – Official opening and introduction to the Study Day
Alberto Piatti, Director DFA/ASP
Caroline Marcacci Rossi, Gruppo per la Memoria 1943-1945

10.45 – Support and care for refugees and partisans in the Hospital of Charity
Alexander Grass, Gruppo per la Memoria 1943-1945

11.00 – From memory to didactics
Sonia Castro e Lisa Fornara, DFA/ASP 

11.15 - Asylum Law and the Reception of Political Refugees: the Role of the Ticino Left
Francesca Mariani, Fondazione Pellegrini Canevascini

11.45 – The task of the Swiss officers at Bagni di Craveggia
Raphael Rues, Insubrica Historica

12.15-12.30 – Questions from the audience

12.30-14:00 – Free lunch break 

14.00 – Child relief: Ossola's children
Sheila Mancuso, Storica
Testimony of Antonietta Scibetta, a child accepted in Ticino

15.35 - Projects for Remembrance
Pietre d’inciampo
Andreas Rieger, Beppe Savary, Gruppo per la Memoria 1943-1945
Rete Svizzera della Memoria
Gruppo per la Memoria 1943-1945

16.00 – Conclusions and closure of the day with a snack offered by the City of Locarno
Alexander Grass, Gruppo per la Memoria 1943-1945

Participation

Participation is free and open to the public.
For organisational reasons, registration via the registration form is welcome by 31 January 2025.