Presentation: Forgotten Voices: Italian Americans Uprooted in Wartime California

Tuesday, 10/21/2025
6:00 - 7:30
North Beach Library Community Room
North Beach

850 Columbus Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94133
United States

415-355-5626

Dive into a lesser-known chapter of American history: the experiences of Bay Area Italian Americans during World War II. Based on the real events that inspired her historical novel Beneath the Sicilian Stars, Lindsay Marie Morris brings to life the stories of people labeled "enemy aliens," forced to evacuate their homes, and in some cases, imprisoned in internment camps.

Through historical context and personal storytelling, Morris examines the impact of Executive Order 9066 on Italian American communities—especially in Pittsburg, California, where 22% of the population was displaced. Audiences will learn about surveillance, civil rights violations and the long-buried trauma passed through generations.

Highlights include:

  • The little-known internment of Italian Americans alongside Japanese American and German American communities
  • The devastation of family-run industries like fishing in California
  • Stories of resilience, cultural erasure and rediscovery
  • Legislation and resolutions acknowledging past injustices

Ideal for anyone interested in California history, World War II history, Italian heritage, civil rights, or immigrant stories.

About the presenter: Lindsay Marie Morris is a Los Angeles–based novelist and journalist inspired by her Sicilian-American roots. Her debut, The Last Letter from Sicily (Storm Publishing, January 2025), and her follow-up, Beneath the Sicilian Stars (July 2025), bring to life overlooked stories of resilience, identity and family during World War II.

Space limited. Reservations required: (415) 355-5626, email nbemgr@sfpl.org or sign-up at the reference desk (starting September 30th). 

Connect: Lindsay Marie Morris - Website 

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This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

Attending Programs

All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

This program will be conducted in English unless otherwise noted.

Notice: This event may be filmed or photographed. By participating in this event, you consent to have your likeness used for the Library’s archival purposes and promotional materials. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform a staff person or the photographer. A sticker will be provided to help identify you so that we can avoid capturing your image.

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The views and opinions expressed in programs presented by groups unaffiliated with SFPL do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SFPL or the City.