Italian birthday cake, aka rum cake (though it can be made with many different types of liqueur), is iconic, loved, hated, found in every Italian bakery, and at every nonno’s birthday. I am researching the history of this cake and how it became so significant in the Italian diaspora communities of North America.

Part of this project will include memories and stories from the community.

If you’re interested in sharing yours, click the link below to participate by answering a few questions (it will only take a few minutes). There is also the possibility to agree to a follow-up oral history interview (optional) if this cake is particularly significant to you. Please feel free to share the participation link below with family and friends.

https://forms.gle/wRQj2PpHXnGgfgpCA

About the researcher: Cassandra Marsillo is a public historian and teacher based in Montreal, telling and listening to stories about immigration, identity, collective memory, food, and folklore, particularly in relation to the Italian-Canadian experience and traditions from her family's region, Molise.