Can a building hold the weight of memory? Here, at the Istituto Regionale per la Storia del Movimento di Liberazione nel Friuli-Venezia Giulia, the answer is a resounding yes. This unassuming building, nestled on Salita di Gretta 38 in Trieste, is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a living testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a repository of stories from a tumultuous past. The Istituto, also known as the IRSREC-FVG, is dedicated to preserving the history of the Liberation Movement in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. It’s a vital link to understanding the region’s complex and often painful journey through the 20th century.
The Istituto’s story begins in 1953, founded by a group of former partisans including Ercole Miani, Antonio Fonda Savio, Galliano Fogar, and Alberto Berti. Initially called the Deputazione Regionale per la storia del movimento di liberazione italiano nella Venezia Giulia, it later evolved to encompass a broader scope. The name changed in 1982 to the Istituto Regionale per la Storia del Movimento di Liberazione nel Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Then in 2018, it was renamed Istituto regionale per la storia della Resistenza e dell’età contemporanea nel Friuli Venezia Giulia. This evolution reflects the Istituto’s commitment to exploring all aspects of the resistance movements in the former Venezia Giulia, Italian, Slovene, and Croatian alike.
The Istituto houses a treasure trove of historical documents and a library with over 23,000 volumes. These resources offer a glimpse into the political, social, and military struggles of the region. Researchers and the public can explore topics like the Risiera di San Sabba, a Nazi concentration camp in Trieste. They can also delve into the deportations from the Operational Zone of the Adriatic Littoral, thanks to the work of scholars like Alberto Berti and Marco Coslovich. The Istituto’s commitment to education extends beyond its walls, with programs and resources for schools and teachers.
The Istituto’s impact has been particularly significant in bringing to light the tragic events surrounding the foibe massacres and the exodus of the Istrians and Dalmatians. It has played a key role in fostering a deeper understanding of this complex historical period. The Istituto’s publications, including the journal “Qualestoria,” disseminate scholarly research and contribute to ongoing historical debates. This building, in its quiet dignity, reminds us that history isn’t just something we read in books. It’s a living force that shapes our present and guides our future. The Istituto Regionale per la Storia del Movimento di Liberazione nel Friuli-Venezia Giulia stands as a beacon of remembrance and a testament to the enduring power of historical truth.