Musée La Nostra Famiglia Italiana

In the 140 years since Giovanni Casorzo and Carlo Guaschetti arrived, Italians have contributed to shaping agriculture, industry, business and culture in the Okanagan. Their legacy remains an integral part of the region's past, while new generations continue to enrich Kelowna today. 

Co-created by the Kelowna Museums Society and the Kelowna Canadian Italian Club, the exhibition highlights the history of Italians in Kelowna. Displays lead visitors through four key eras of Italian immigration to the region. Within each era, artifacts, archival photographs, personal stories and multimedia elements provide examples of how the Italian community has contributed to the Okanagan. A kitchen table situated in the centre of the gallery, connects the eras through Italian food traditions and serves as a symbol of bringing people together.

Why did Italians settle here? How did they adapt? What is the community doing today? Explore the history and contributions of Italians in Kelowna – some may surprise you! 

Discover la nostra famiglia Italiana – our Italian family!