SEPTEMBER 25 – DECEMBER 15, 2021
W.D. JORDAN RARE BOOKS & SPECIAL COLLECTIONS AT QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY
This exhibition examines stories of forced migration in the history of Queen’s University and within the Queen’s community. It reflects the diverse trajectories of those who sought refuge: some found sanctuary at Queen’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 – this exhibition also presents a story of reluctance, prejudice, antisemitism and racism.
“Queen’s Refuge: Refugees and the University” tells this story through the lens of individual biographies: one person, associated with one refugee-related phenomenon, is further represented by one object. A story that goes beyond campus and was always closely linked to the broader Kingston community. It is a story that is still relevant today.
Exhibition team
Aerin Leavitt (student), Brendan Edwards (librarian), Heather Home (archivist), Megan Zelle (student), Nicholas Kinghill (student), Swen Steinberg (historian, project head)