Calabria has bid farewell to the distinguished historian Marta Petrusewicz, who passed away at the age of 77. Known for her contributions to the understanding of Italy’s southern regions, Petrusewicz had a significant impact on both academia and cultural politics.
Early Life and Education
Petrusewicz was born in Warsaw, Poland. In 1969, she emigrated due to escalating political repression, which she described as a dire combination of nationalism and anti-Semitism. After starting her history studies in Poland, she relocated to Italy, where she continued her education in Bologna.
Academic Contributions
Following her graduation, Marta joined the newly established University of Calabria, invited by rector Beniamino Andreatta. “I embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and it became one of the most interesting adventures of my life,” she remarked. Her work centered on the socio-economic history of European peripheries, with a special focus on Southern Italy.
International Career
Petrusewicz also held teaching positions in prestigious American universities, including Harvard and Princeton. For over twenty years, she was a professor at the City University of New York. Despite her strong ties to New York, she returned to Calabria in the late 2000s.
Key Works and Achievements
Her scholarly work helped reshape perceptions of Southern Italy’s history. Some of her notable publications include:
- Latifondo: economia morale e vita materiale in una periferia dell’Ottocento – This book gained international acclaim and was translated into several languages.
- Come il Meridione divenne Questione – This work explored the cultural and political construction of the Southern Italian identity.
Petrusewicz was also dedicated to highlighting the connections between Southern Italy and the Jewish diaspora, enriching the cultural narrative of the region.
Commitment to Cultural Politics
In addition to her academic pursuits, she served as the culture assessor for Rende, a municipality in Cosenza. There, she played a crucial role in developing the Museum of the Present, promoting historical memory, social transformation, and intercultural dialogue.
Reflecting on her political engagement, she stated, “I realized how challenging it is to implement the idea of culture as a driver of development. Achieving this requires a cultural revolution.”
Marta Petrusewicz’s legacy will undoubtedly influence future generations of scholars and advocates for cultural development in Southern Italy and beyond.
