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, the exhibition also presents instances of reluctance, prejudice, antisemitism, and racism.
Queen’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 Queen’s University undergraduate students, an archivist, a librarian, and a historian. It will be presented at the W.D. Jordan Rare Books and Special Collections at Queen’s University from September 25 to November 26, 2021.
Exhibition team: Aerin Leavitt, Brendan Edwards, Heather Home, Megan Zelle, Nicholas KingHill, and Swen Steinberg
