This exhibition examines stories of forced migration in the history of Â鶹¹ÙÍø and within the Â鶹¹ÙÍø’s community. It reflects the diverse trajectories of those who sought refuge: some found sanctuary at Â鶹¹ÙÍø’s, and Kingston became their new home. Others found safety at the University for only a short time, migrating elsewhere when the opportunity was available. In addition to examples of shelter, relief, and solidarity, the exhibition also presents instances of reluctance, prejudice, antisemitism, and racism.
Â鶹¹ÙÍø’s Refuge: Refugees and the University tells its story through the lens of individual biographies: one person, associated with one refugee-related phenomenon, is further represented by one object. These are stories that go beyond campus and have always been closely linked to the broader Kingston community. It is a story that is still highly relevant today.
This exhibition was prepared by Â鶹¹ÙÍø undergraduate students, an archivist, a librarian, and a historian. It will be presented at the W.D. Jordan Rare Books and Special Collections at Â鶹¹ÙÍø from September 25 to November 26, 2021.
Exhibition team: Aerin Leavitt, Brendan Edwards, Heather Home, Megan Zelle, Nicholas KingHill, and Swen Steinberg
