Migration Stories
Retracing Ithacan migration abroad
Since its formation the Ithacan Historical Society has collated and recorded the stories of migrants who left Ithaca and settled abroad.
Ithacans have a long history of emigration, with large Ithacan communities forming in Romania during the mid-late 19th century, and large numbers of emigrants to Australia in the early 20th century.
The IHS also runs an ongoing project recording the stories of businesses run by Ithacans abroad. Read more about the business stories here.
The ship ‘Angelika’ departing Vathy, Ithaca (ca. 1951)
Early migrant destinations
For centuries, the people of Ithaca have maintained social and economic connections with places beyond their shores, mainly in the Ionian islands, and the Greek mainland. The island's seafaring tradition and strategic location in the Mediterranean facilitated trade and cultural exchanges with various centres, and meant that a small island was integrated in an international economy.
In the mid-19th century, a significant chapter in Ithacan history began as large waves of emigration saw thousands leave the island, contributing to the decline in population of the island into the 20th century. A notable destination chosen by the early emigrants was Romania, where Ithacans established successful shipping businesses along the Danube River, where significant Ithacan families amassed considerable wealth.
As global economic conditions evolved, the late 19th century witnessed a shift in the direction of emigration. Ithacans moved to urban centres in Greece, mainly Athens, which were expanding at the expense of the rural populations in the young Greek state. At the same time, a global diaspora grew, with many hundreds of Ithacans venturing to Victoria in Australia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, to South Africa, and to a lesser extent, to the United States.
A ship departs the port of Vathy (ca. 1920)
Ithaca, perfectly faceted jewel in the Ionian sea, remains an enduring symbol for the yearnings of all those who journey and for those who, long ago, departed for distant lands.
from G. Paxinos, The Ithacans (2016), p. 14
Australia
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the main destination for Ithacan emigrants became Australia, particularly Melbourne. Attracted by the promise of a growing economy, many sought a fresh start, contributing to build a lasting Greek presence in Australia alongside other early migrant groups from Castellorizo and Cythera.
In those distant times young Ithacan men journeyed in the spirit of adventure without a thought for permanent expatriation. After the passing of time and when conditions were favourable, these men were joined by women, either wives or fiancées, co-villagers and relatives. Outwardly the immigrant met as best he could the challenges which confronted him, while inwardly, thoughts of the past would be permeated with the spectre of inconsolable loss.’
from G. Paxinos, The Ithacans (2016), p. 42
Assimilation
The earliest Greek migrants in Australia, particularly Ithacans and others from Cythera and Castellorizo, faced an imperative to fit in to their new surroundings. Unlike later immigrants from the same regions, many changed their names, some married outside the Greek community, and many sought to be naturalised.
Assimilation facilitated social integration and acceptance. The level of assimilation, however, varied from family to family and even within families. Some preferred more anglicised spellings to hide a Greek name, while others from the same family did not. Many did not seek to be naturalised, believing they would eventually return to their homeland, a dream which was usually delayed until the ties of the new life rendered it impossible.
Bill Florence arriving in Australia (1922)
Detail from 18th C. map, ‘Carte du Royaume d’Ulysse’
Pioneering Women
Prior to the 1920s there was only a handful of women in Melbourne's Ithacan community. It was during these years as chain migration was emerging that women also started to arrive; brothers brought out sisters, uncles, their nieces, husbands their wives, and as happened on occasion, wives journeyed to find long lost husbands.
‘The Penelope Predicament’
We have recorded several stories of women left behind during the years of early Ithacan migration.
We are digitising and preparing these, so check back soon!
Members of the Governing Council of Greek Women of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne & Victoria (1917), a society established to provide social interaction for Greek women who had settled in Melbourne during the early 20th century. A number of the ladies on the Council were from Ithaca.
Have a story to share?
We would love to hear. We can help you record your story for future generations, and find connections and even more information.
Get in contact with us here.
How did migrants make a living and prosper?
Another longterm project of the IHS focusses on economic and social life by recording the stories of Ithacan businesses in Australia.
Read more here.
