Welcome / Dobrodošli
The Canadian Slovenian Historical Society (CSHS) was formed in 2002 and incorporated in 2003.
Its aim is to coordinate, research, record, and preserve the history of Canadian Slovenians.
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.
Click here to view the latest edition of the CSHS newsletter, Our Story
Documentaries
Slovenian Exodus 1945
This video details the flight of the Slovenian people to Austria after the Second World War to escape the communist threat.
Slovenian Exodus : In the Camps
This video details the life of the Slovenian refugees in the Austrian and Italian camps after the Second World War
Slovenian Exodus : Coming to Canada
This video to be completed in 2024
Events
CSHS Luncheon
Sunday, April 16, 2023
The annual CSHS luncheon was held at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church hall in Toronto on Sunday April 16, 2023. The celebration of the 20th anniversary was an overwhelming success with almost 300 people in attendance. Professor Anne Urbančič reviewed the humble beginnings stressing the mission and vision with Mr. Stan Kranjc as president. In recognition of his many years of dedication to the historical society, Mario Ulcar and Anne Urbančič presented Stane Kranjc with a plaque.
After lunch, Mr. Blaž Slamič, Chargé d'Affaires at the Embassy of Slovenia in Ottawa, presented the CSHS with an award recognizing their 20th anniversary, signed by Matej Arčon, Government Minister for the Office of Slovenians Abroad and in the World. The program continued with the presentation of the second documentary in the Exodus series: Life in the Camps. This documentary portrays the determination and resiliency of the Slovenian refugees in the camps after WWII.
At the conclusion, all guests who were in the camps in Austria and Italy were invited to join in a group picture.
The CSHS is planning to host a picture/document sharing event for all who might have information about Slovenian refugees after the camps. This will be the focus of the next documentary - Coming to Canada, scheduled to be shown in 2024. Everyone is welcome.
For more information please contact Mario Ulcar, president CSHS. marioulcar@gmail.com
Prof. Anne Urbančič
Blaž Slamič and Marjan Ulčar
Fr. Leopold Valant opening the lunch with a blessing
Left to Right: Marjan Ulčar, Prof. Anne Urbančič, Stane and Mary Kranjc
Slovenian refugees from the camps in Austria
CSHS AGM
February 11, 2023
The Annual General Meeting for the Canadian Slovenian Historical Society was held at Moya Financial building on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 10:00 am. Another well attended and successful AGM. The reports were presented by the executive committee and the archivist Heather Gardiner. The term expired for Maria Faric, Peter Markes, Helen Schaeffer and Milena Sorsak. Since there were no other nominations presented two weeks prior to the AGM, all four were re-elected for another term by acclamation. The meeting ended at 10:40 followed by a social.
Slovenian Exodus Documentary, Cleveland, OH
November 7, 2022
The Canadian Slovenian Historical Society (CSHS) presented the Exodus documentary at St. Vitus Hall in Cleveland on November 6, 2022. Guests filled the new hall to capacity thanks to the efforts of John Sršen who coordianted this event.
Mario Ulcar, president of the Canadian Slovenian Historical Society, introduced the documentary 'Slovenian Exodus 1945". Survivors of the exodus described, in their own words, the fear and horror which they experienced as they had to flee their homes, leaving everything behind.
22 survivors of the exodus gathered for a group picture. Many additional memories emerged from amongst the guests evoking many emotions.
Slovenian Exodus Luncheon in Hamilton
October 17, 2022
The CSHS hosted the Slovenian Exodus Luncheon on Sunday October 16, 2022 at St. Gregory the Great Church Hall in Hamilton. Mario Ulcar welcomed everyone and introduced the Ambassador Andrej Gregor Rode. Rachel Murgelj was also introduced as she is the current Miss Ontario and will be competing in the Miss Canada Pageant in three weeks. She is a 3rd generation Slovenian.
After lunch the documentary "Slovenian Exodus 1945" was shown. The Exodus documentary includes many interviews with the people who experienced the exodus from Slovenia to Austria after WWII. All the participants in the documentary were refugees and they agreed to tell their stories in English so our target audience, the younger generations, will understand why our parents were forced to leave Slovenia.
Slovenian Exodus Luncheon in Toronto
April 24, 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. Tickets were sold out and there is still a 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 the escape from communism in 1945 as told by the survivors 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.
After lunch, the documentary "Slovenian Exodus 1945" was shown. The Exodus documentary includes many interviews with the people who fled from Slovenia to Austria after WWII. All the participants in the documentary were refugees and they agreed to tell their stories in English so our target audience, the younger generations, will understand why our parents were forced to leave Slovenia.
CSHS Website
The website continues to be updated as information becomes available. The GALLERY section is very informative as it provides a brief summary and pictures of what happened in 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.
