The Canadian Slovenian Historical Society (CSHS) was formed in 2002 and incorporated in 2003 to coordinate, research, record and preserve the history of Slovenians in Canada.
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This short video introduces the Canadian Slovenian Historical Society and outlines the various tasks performed to achieve our goal of recording and preserving the history of Canadian Slovenians.
EVENTS
Remembering May 1945 - Slovenian Exodus![]() April 25, 2022
The Slovenian Exodus luncheon was a huge success. It was held on Sunday April 24, 2022 at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church Hall in Toronto. Tickets were sold out and there is still a long waiting list. Therefore this event will be held again at St. Gregory the Great (Slovenian) Church hall in Hamilton on Sunday October 16, 2022. Mario Ulcar opened the luncheon with a few words outlining the work performed by the Canadian Slovenian Historical Society. Then followed a documentary about the Slovenian struggles during WWII and then the escape from communism in 1945 as told by the people who crossed into Austria during the exodus. After the documentary a tribute to all the guests who had experienced this exodus were identified followed by a group picture of these heroes who had made the trip to Vetrinje.
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CSHS has over 200 interesting audio interviews. The seniors outline their life in Slovenia, the reason for coming to Canada and how they established themselves in Canada.In 2019,we started video interviews. Currently we have taped people from the golden horseshoe area in Ontario, but we would like to hear from our seniors across Canada.
For more information email; marioulcar@gmail.com |
Unveiling of Monument dedicated to Captain John
On August 8, 2018 a monument was unveiled at the location where Captain John's Restaurant used to be docked. The monument includes the anchor from the ship Jadran. The event was coordinated by Joe Mihevc, city of Toronto councilor, and his office. In attendance were also the former mayor of Mississauga, Hazel McCallion, and former mayor of Toronto, David Crombie. All three spoke eloquently and supportively about John Letnik's vision of the waterfront and his contribution to the city of Toronto.
CSHS meets with Dr. Bojan Cvelfar
On Wednesday July 12, 2017 members of the Canadian Slovenian Historical Society (CSHS) and the Vse Slovenski Kulturni Odbor (VSKO) had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Bojan Cvelfar, Director at the Archives of the Republic of Slovenia in Ljubljana. Members gave Dr. Cvelfar a tour of the CSHS Archives in Dom Lipa and discussed archives, traditions, and communities in Canada and Slovenia. Dr. Cvelfar was in Toronto along with three other archivists from Ljubljana and Maribor for the 2017 Archival Education Research Institute (AERI) Conference held at the University of Toronto.
(From left to right): Marjan Kolaric, Marjan Ulcar, Dr. Bojan Cvelfar, Emily Chicorli, Mary Rozmanc, Vera Margutsch, Anne Zagar.
(From left to right): Marjan Kolaric, Marjan Ulcar, Dr. Bojan Cvelfar, Emily Chicorli, Mary Rozmanc, Vera Margutsch, Anne Zagar.
CSHS Website
The website continues to be updated as information and pictures become available. The GALLERY section is very informative as it provides a brief summary and pictures of what happened during each era.
We are looking for pictures of early days in Canada, such as depictions of one’s first job, completing the work contract, the start of various Slovenian organizations, etc. When submitting pictures of parents and grandparents from years ago, please provide some commentary to enable better understanding and perspective.
We are looking for pictures of early days in Canada, such as depictions of one’s first job, completing the work contract, the start of various Slovenian organizations, etc. When submitting pictures of parents and grandparents from years ago, please provide some commentary to enable better understanding and perspective.
Pier 21
There are some interesting videos and stories on the Pier 21 website about the Slovenian refugees who came to Canada: Visit Pier 21
Some pictures of Canadian Slovenians
Display in Ottawa for Canada's 150th Anniversary
To celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary, one of the government’s initiatives was to invite the various embassies to showcase their countries and culture. Friday, June 23 was Slovenia’s day, and the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia welcomed various Slovenian groups and organizations from across Canada, who proudly presented Slovenia in dance, song and food, and by displaying cultural artifacts. The CSHS was pleased to be a participant as well. The event took place in the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa.

Dr. Zvone Žigon (third from the left) from the Office of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for Slovenians Abroad with some of the CSHS members

Slovenian Ambassador Dr. Marjan Cencen (fourth from the left) with some of the CSHS members