The program “The weavers and their memories” has been completed
The Cycladic Identity Initiative program of the Museum of Cycladic Art, titled “The weavers and their memories” was completed on Syros and implemented by Hermoupolis Heritage. The program aimed to highlight the history of the women who worked in Syros’ textile industry, connecting it to the local collective memory and the island’s identity.
For 140 years, the industrial textile sector was a key pillar of Syros’ economic development, alongside other industries including glassworks, loukoumi confectionery production, shipbuilding, and trade. During the peak of industrial activity in Hermoupolis, 68 factories were operating, 24 of which produced textiles. From the late 19th century until the closure of the last textile factory in 1986, the industry employed around 3,000 workers, many of which were women. The Zisimatos Textile Factory (now the Hermoupolis Textile Museum) employed 60 people and closed in 1986.
The program “The weavers and their memories”, funded by the Cycladic Identity Initiative, focused on researching and highlighting women’s participation in Syros’ textile production during its industrial peak. The program aimed to preserve oral testimonies and experiences of these women by collecting information about their daily and professional lives. It also sought to document significant cultural materials, making them publicly accessible through the video that was produced.
Special attention was given to recording the testimonies of elderly workers in the local industry. Documenting their experiences contributes to the preservation of the island’s oral history, giving voice to the people who lived and shaped its story. The collected material will serve as a foundation for future hands-on activities, inspiring further individuals to share their own memories and experiences.
The program “The weavers and their memories” was presented to the residents of Syros on Sunday, August 31, 2025, during an event held at the Hermoupolis Textile Museum.
It was a special event attended by over 200 people of all ages, who had the opportunity to explore archival materials and listen to oral testimonies from women who worked on the island.
The event opened with a welcome speech by Sandra Marinopoulou, President and CEO of the Museum of Cycladic Art, who highlighted the importance of preserving the intangible cultural heritage of the Cyclades, as well as the goals and achievements of the Cycladic Identity Initiative. She stated:
“The Museum of Cycladic Art would not exist without the Cycladic islands and their culture, which it has been showcasing with love and dedication since 1986. The Cycladic Identity Initiative is our heartfelt way of saying “thank you” to the islands that are the very reason for our existence. Today, our islands are changing at a rapid pace. Overtourism, overconstruction, and climate change threaten their identity. At the same time, traditions such as the art of dry-stone walling are disappearing. Old tavernas are being transformed into gourmet restaurants. Grandmothers’ recipes and fairy tales are fading away.
Through the Cycladic Identity Initiative, our aim is to preserve, restore, and promote the Cycladic identity. We want every islander to feel proud of their heritage and to protect it. Our key pillars are culture, biodiversity and intangible cultural heritage. The program “The Weavers and Their Memories”—one of the 16 projects funded by Cycladic Identity across 11 Cycladic islands—brings us today to Syros, at the Hermoupolis Textile Museum. This program records the testimonies of the women weavers of the Zisimatos factory, which closed in 1986, shedding light on their art and craftsmanship as well as on the social importance weaving once held for Syros. It bridges past and present, brings to life local memory and women’s stories, and reminds us that intangible cultural heritage is not only preserved in museums or books, but above all lives on in people’s voices and experiences.”
Next, the Deputy Mayor of Tourism of Syros, Ioannis Voutsinos, took the floor and spoke about the importance of the program for the local community and the younger generation.
Then, Dimitris Stavrakopoulos, Founder of Hermoupolis Heritage, presented the video created from testimonies collected from 10 former female workers of the Zisimatos factory.
Particularly moving were two personal testimonies: that of Mrs. Maria Roussou, a former factory worker, who shed light on the unknown aspects of the lives and hard work of the women behind the looms, and that of Mr. Antonis Vamvakaris, the factory’s engineer and a central figure in its operation, who worked there from 1951 until its closure in 1986. As one of the last people to leave the factory, he remains a vivid figure in the memories of all the weavers, who cherish rich recollections of their collaboration with him.
The video presented at the event is available below and can also be found on the webpage of the program “The weavers and their memories” on the Cycladic Identity website.
