Profile: Marianna Gatto: Preserving the Italian American Soul of Los Angeles

 

Marianna Gatto: Preserving the Italian American Soul of Los Angeles

By Christopher Forte

The Italian Californian

For anyone who cares about Italian American history in California, the name Marianna Gatto deserves to be remembered with gratitude and respect. As Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, Marianna helped turn a long-neglected dream into a living cultural institution. Through her leadership, historic Italian Hall in Downtown Los Angeles became more than an old building. It became a museum, a gathering place, a classroom, and a monument to the Italian American story in Southern California.

The Board of Directors of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles recently announced that Marianna Gatto will step down as Executive Director at the end of June 2026. Their announcement described her as “the heart and soul of IAMLA since its very beginning,” and that phrase seems exactly right. What is today a vibrant museum preserving and sharing the history of Italian Americans in Los Angeles began with vision, persistence, fundraising, advocacy, and a deep belief that this story mattered.

Marianna Gatto is a Los Angeles native, historian, author, educator, and museum leader. She has spent decades working in public history, nonprofit leadership, museums, education, preservation, and Italian American cultural advocacy. Her work with IAMLA began long before the museum opened its doors. She began working on the museum project in 2005, helped lead the campaign to restore historic Italian Hall, and became director of the museum in 2010. In 2016, the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles officially opened to the public inside the restored Italian Hall, a 1908 building that once served as a social and cultural center for the Italian community of Los Angeles.

Los Angeles is not always the first place people think of when they hear the words “Italian American history.” Many people think of New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, or New Orleans. But Italian Americans have been part of Los Angeles from its earliest history, and the Italian presence in Southern California is far deeper than many people realize. That is part of what makes Marianna’s work so important. She helped remind Los Angeles, and the wider Italian American community, that California has its own Italian American story.

I had the privilege of meeting Marianna once, years ago, when the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles was still under construction. She gave me a private tour of the future museum space, and even then I could sense the importance of what was being built. It was not just about walls, display cases, or old photographs. It was about memory. It was about restoring a place where our ancestors once gathered and giving future generations a way to understand who they were, what they built, and how they shaped Los Angeles.

That tour stayed with me. At the time, the museum was still a work in progress, but Marianna spoke about it with the kind of seriousness, knowledge, and passion that made it clear this was not simply a job for her. It was a calling.

Under her leadership, IAMLA opened its award-winning permanent exhibition and developed into one of the most important Italian American cultural institutions in the western United States. According to the Board’s announcement, Marianna led the campaign to restore Italian Hall, opened the museum in 2016, created the museum’s award-winning permanent exhibition, mounted eleven original temporary exhibitions, built a collection of thousands of photographs, artifacts, and oral histories, and helped offer public programs reaching audiences across Los Angeles and beyond.

That is a remarkable legacy.

Marianna has also authored and curated exhibitions exploring the Italian American experience from many angles: immigration, identity, women’s work, food, invention, entertainment, regional traditions, and the wider Italian diaspora. Her work has helped move Italian American history beyond nostalgia and into serious public history. It has shown that Italian Americans were not only participants in Los Angeles history, but builders of it.

Her scholarship also extends beyond the museum walls. She is the author of The Italian Americans of Los Angeles: A History, a major contribution to the study of Italian American life in Southern California. She has appeared in documentaries, spoken widely, consulted on historical projects, and helped educate the public about the Italian American experience in Los Angeles and beyond. In recognition of her work, the Italian Republic awarded her the title Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia, Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy.

But perhaps her greatest achievement is that she helped give Los Angeles Italian Americans a mirror. For generations, Italian Americans in Southern California often lacked a central institution telling their story. Families remembered pieces of it. Churches, restaurants, wineries, clubs, and neighborhoods preserved fragments of it. But IAMLA brought those fragments together and gave them a home.

Historic Italian Hall itself is part of that story. Built in 1908, it stands in the area that was once Los Angeles’ Little Italy. Today, surrounded by the movement and noise of modern Downtown Los Angeles, it remains a witness to another time: a time of immigrant families, mutual aid societies, feast days, weddings, political meetings, dances, music, food, work, faith, and community. Through Marianna’s leadership, that building was not only restored. It was given a voice again.

The Board has announced that Theresa Camille Adile Metzler, a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, will serve as Interim Executive Director. A search for a new Executive Director is expected to begin in the fall of 2026. This transition comes as IAMLA prepares to mark an important milestone: the 10-year anniversary of the museum’s grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at its historic 1908 site in Downtown Los Angeles.

That anniversary should be a moment not only to celebrate the museum, but also to honor Marianna Gatto’s extraordinary contribution. Institutions do not build themselves. They require people willing to fight for them, raise money for them, explain their importance, endure setbacks, and keep going when the dream seems far away. Marianna did that.

For Italian Americans in California, IAMLA is more than a museum. It is proof that our story belongs here. It is proof that Italian American history in Los Angeles is not a footnote. It is part of the city’s foundation. It is part of California’s story. It is part of America’s story.

As Marianna Gatto steps into her next chapter, she leaves behind something lasting. She helped preserve the memory of those who came before us, and she helped create a place where future generations can encounter that memory for themselves.

Grazie, Marianna, for your vision, your scholarship, your perseverance, and your service to the Italian American community.

The Italian American Museum of Los Angeles is located at 644 North Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Admission is free, with donations encouraged. Readers are encouraged to visit, support the museum, and continue the work of preserving and sharing the rich history of Italian Americans in Los Angeles.

 

Museum & Society Spotlight: The House of Italy San Diego

In the heart of Balboa Park’s International Cottages, the House of Italy San Diego offers a warm, personal introduction to Italian and Italian American culture. It is not a large museum in the traditional sense. It feels more like a cultural home, part exhibit space, part gathering place, and part community salon. Visitors come for heritage, conversation, hospitality, food traditions, music, language, and the simple pleasure of stepping into one of Balboa Park’s most charming cultural corners.

The House of Italy is located at 2191 Pan American Road W, San Diego, CA 92101, within the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages area. The organization welcomes visitors during weekend open-house hours and hosts cultural and social programs throughout the year. Its stated mission is to offer members and the public “an understanding and appreciation of the history and culture of Italy” through cultural and social programs.

A Brief History

The House of Italy traces its roots to May 1935, when it was founded in connection with the California Pacific International Exposition in Balboa Park. The exposition opened on May 29, 1935, and brought millions of visitors to San Diego, helping shape the park’s identity as a civic, cultural, and architectural landmark.

Today, the House of Italy is part of the larger House of Pacific Relations International Cottages, a group of cultural houses that promote goodwill and understanding through educational and cultural programming. Balboa Park describes the cottages as historic 1935 Exposition cottages where dozens of groups share their heritage with the public.

For the Italian American community, the House of Italy serves as a place to preserve memory and identity. The House of Pacific Relations’ profile of the House of Italy describes its “Italian-American neighborhood” as all of San Diego and notes that the cottage helps members remember their heritage, pass it to the next generation, and introduce Italian culture to non-Italians.

Mission and Purpose

The House of Italy’s objectives are rooted in hospitality and cultural preservation. Its goals include preserving and fostering the art and culture of Italy, promoting goodwill among nations, welcoming visitors, creating a family atmosphere for members and guests, sponsoring activities throughout the year, and helping visitors learn about Italian organizations in San Diego.

That mission is easy to feel during a visit. This is the kind of place where culture is shared through conversation as much as displays. You might learn about Italian regions, family traditions, food customs, holidays, music, or San Diego’s Italian American community simply by talking with volunteers.

What to See and Do

The House of Italy is best visited as part of a broader Balboa Park day. Stop by the cottage, then walk through the surrounding International Cottages, gardens, museums, and plazas.

The House of Italy’s public-facing activities include weekend open houses, monthly presentations, member dinners, December Nights participation, cultural gatherings, and community events. The organization invites visitors to come on Saturday and Sunday afternoons in the International Cottages area, generally between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The House of Pacific Relations page notes that the International Cottages are typically open Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Sunday lawn programs from March through October. Since hours can vary by cottage and event, check the House of Italy’s current calendar or contact the organization before planning around a specific program.

Programs, Events, and Community Life

The House of Italy is as much a society as a museum-style cultural stop. Members help host weekend open houses, share Italian hospitality with visitors, and participate in dinners, talks, festivals, and special events.

Membership benefits include monthly newsletters, open-house hosting opportunities, members-only events, discounts with some Italian and San Diego organizations, and the chance to attend Italian conversation classes at a reduced member cost. Members also gather for traditional Italian family-style Sunday dinners on the third Sunday of the month, often with a speaker or entertainment.

The organization also supports education through scholarships. The House of Italy offers scholarships to eligible full-time post-high-school vocational, community college, or university students who are members or directly related to members, with stated awards of $1,000 for two scholarships and possible additional awards at the board’s discretion.

Language is another part of its programming. The House of Italy lists Italian conversation classes with Professor Rossella Chiolini Bagley, offered online through Zoom, and also directs students to the Italian Cultural Center of San Diego for Italian classes at all levels.

Community Partners

The House of Italy connects visitors with a wider Italian cultural network in San Diego. Its listed partners include the Italian Cultural Center of San Diego, Cinema Little Italy, and the San Diego Italian Film Festival, each offering ways to keep exploring Italian language, film, and culture beyond Balboa Park.

For travelers, that means a visit to the House of Italy can become the start of a larger Italian-themed San Diego itinerary: a cottage visit in Balboa Park, a film screening in Little Italy, an Italian class, or a cultural festival.

A Personal Note: Why I Support the House of Italy

I am proud to be a member of the House of Italy, where I volunteer at dinners, cultural programs, and community events. For me, this work is about more than helping set up tables or welcome guests. It is a way to support Italian and Italian American heritage in San Diego while also serving as a bridge between Americans and the people, traditions, and living culture of modern Italy.

That distinction matters. San Diego is fortunate to have more than one organization preserving and celebrating Italian culture, and each has its own focus. The Convivio Society, through Amici House, AmiciBar, and Café Caritazza in Little Italy, is deeply connected to the story of Italians in San Diego and their American-born descendants. Its work helps preserve the memory of the fishing families, immigrant neighborhoods, local traditions, and Italian American identity that shaped Little Italy.

The House of Italy, by contrast, looks more directly toward Italy itself. Its focus is not only on Italian history, but also on the culture, language, regions, traditions, current events, and contemporary life of the modern Italian nation. In that sense, it gives visitors a window into Italy as it was, and as it is today.

I support both missions because they complement each other. One tells the story of Italians who came to San Diego and built a life here. The other keeps San Diego connected to Italy as a living, evolving country. Together, they create a fuller picture of what Italian heritage means: memory and modern life, roots and renewal, the immigrant story and the ongoing relationship with Italy itself. That is why I believe both places deserve to be visited, supported, and celebrated.

Best Time to Visit and Weather

San Diego is comfortable most of the year, so there is rarely a bad season for Balboa Park. Spring and fall are especially pleasant for walking, gardens, and outdoor events. Summer brings long days and more visitors, while December is popular because of Balboa Park December Nights, when the International Cottages and cultural houses are part of one of the city’s major holiday traditions.

For warm-weather travel, July is generally mild by Southern California standards. Average daily highs in San Diego rise from about 74°F to 76°F during July, according to WeatherSpark, with many evenings cooling comfortably.

Bring layers. Even sunny days can turn cool in the late afternoon, especially after the marine breeze settles in.

Transportation, Getting There, Getting Around, and Parking

The House of Italy sits inside Balboa Park, near the International Cottages and not far from the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Palm Canyon, the Japanese Friendship Garden, and several major museums.

Public transit is a strong option. San Diego MTS says Rapid 215 and Route 7 provide direct, frequent service between downtown and Balboa Park, often in 15 minutes or less, with buses running every 15 minutes or better daily. Balboa Park also lists Route 120, Route 7, and Rapid 215 as main bus routes through the park.

If driving, the most convenient parking areas for the International Cottages include the Organ Pavilion, Federal, Palisades, and Inspiration Point lots. Current Balboa Park parking rates vary by lot level and residency status. As of the park’s current parking page, Level 1 lots list nonresident rates up to $16 for a full day, Level 2 lots list $10 per day for nonresidents, and Lower Inspiration Point offers the first three hours free with a full-day nonresident rate of $10.

For a low-stress visit, park farther out at Inspiration Point when available and use the tram or walk. The park is large, but many of its central attractions are pleasant to explore on foot.

Where to Stay

Stay near Balboa Park, Bankers Hill, Hillcrest, Little Italy, Downtown, or the Gaslamp Quarter if the House of Italy is part of a cultural weekend. These areas keep you close to the park while also giving you easy access to restaurants, museums, waterfront walks, and evening activities.

Balboa Park’s visitor site notes that the park is close to downtown San Diego and a variety of hotels, attractions, and restaurants, and it offers hotel and vacation packages for travelers building a broader itinerary.

For the most convenient experience, choose your hotel based on your evening plans. Little Italy is ideal for Italian dining and nightlife. Downtown and Gaslamp are good for first-time visitors who want easy access to transit and the waterfront. Hillcrest and Bankers Hill are closer to the park and better for a relaxed neighborhood stay.

Nearby Hotels for a House of Italy Visit

For the easiest visit to the House of Italy in Balboa Park, stay in Bankers Hill, Hillcrest, North Park, Little Italy, or Downtown San Diego. These neighborhoods put you within a short drive or rideshare of Balboa Park, with good access to restaurants, museums, the waterfront, and public transit.

Closest / Most Convenient to Balboa Park

Inn at the Park
Address: 525 Spruce Street, San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: (619) 291-0999
Website: Club Wyndham Inn at the Park
A strong choice for visitors who want to stay near the west side of Balboa Park. The property is a historic boutique-style resort with suites and kitchenettes, plus a rooftop sundeck.

The Lafayette Hotel & Club
Address: 2223 El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92104
Website: The Lafayette Hotel
A stylish North Park option with a strong vintage personality. It works well for travelers who want nightlife, restaurants, and a more local neighborhood feel while still staying close to Balboa Park.

Downtown Hotels with Easy Balboa Park Access

The Westgate Hotel
Address: 1055 Second Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 238-1818
Reservations: (619) 430-4994
Email: info@westgatehotel.com
Website: The Westgate Hotel
A polished downtown hotel with classic European styling, a rooftop pool, wellness facilities, and easy access to both Balboa Park and the Gaslamp Quarter.

THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego
Address: 326 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 232-3121
Website: THE US GRANT
A historic luxury hotel in downtown San Diego, best for visitors who want an elegant stay with easy access to Balboa Park, theaters, restaurants, and the waterfront.

Marriott Vacation Club, San Diego
Address: 701 A Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 696-9800
Toll Free: (800) 845-5279
Website: Marriott Vacation Club, San Diego
A practical downtown pick for longer stays or travelers who like suite-style accommodations. It is close to downtown attractions and a short ride from Balboa Park.

Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown
Address: 530 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 446-3000
Website: Courtyard San Diego Downtown
A reliable downtown hotel in a historic bank building, convenient for travelers who want straightforward accommodations near restaurants, transit, and Balboa Park.

Alma San Diego Downtown, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Address: 1047 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 515-3000
Website: Alma San Diego Downtown
A boutique-style downtown hotel with a modern feel, good for travelers who want access to dining, nightlife, and a quick ride to Balboa Park.

Little Italy Option

Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown Little Italy
Address: 1646 Front Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 345-0010
Website: Courtyard San Diego Downtown Little Italy
A good choice for visitors who want to pair the House of Italy with San Diego’s Italian American neighborhood. Little Italy has cafés, bakeries, restaurants, and easy rideshare access to Balboa Park. 

Where to Eat Nearby

Balboa Park has several good dining options within walking distance. The Prado in the House of Hospitality is a full-service restaurant open for lunch and dinner, with indoor and outdoor seating. Panama 66, located at the San Diego Museum of Art’s sculpture court, offers casual food, drinks, and an open-air setting. The Tea Pavilion at the Japanese Friendship Garden is another nearby option for tea, sushi, noodles, rice bowls, and snacks.

For an Italian-themed day, head to Little Italy before or after your visit. It is a short drive or rideshare from Balboa Park and offers one of San Diego’s best concentrations of cafés, bakeries, restaurants, wine bars, and patios.

Suggested Half-Day Itinerary

Start at the House of Italy during weekend open-house hours. Spend time talking with volunteers and exploring the International Cottages. From there, walk to the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, the Japanese Friendship Garden, and the central Prado area. Have lunch at Panama 66 or The Prado, then add one museum, such as the San Diego Museum of Art, Museum of Us, or San Diego History Center.

End the day with dinner in Little Italy, especially if you want to connect the House of Italy visit with San Diego’s broader Italian American story.

Good to Know Before You Go

The House of Italy is best approached as a community cultural experience rather than a large museum. Hours, hosts, and programming can change, so check the organization’s website or social media before visiting for a specific event. The address is 2191 Pan American Road W, and the organization can be reached by email at houseofitaly@houseofitalysandiego.org.

For travelers who enjoy local culture, heritage societies, and places where volunteers keep traditions alive, the House of Italy San Diego is a rewarding stop. It offers a small but meaningful window into Italy, Italian America, and the multicultural spirit of Balboa Park.

 

Museum Spotlight: Museo Italo Americano’s Future Home: A New Cultural Landmark for Italian America in San Francisco

For nearly half a century, the Museo Italo Americano has served as one of California’s most important institutions dedicated to Italian and Italian American art, history, language, and culture. Founded in 1978 in a small room above Caffè Malvina in San Francisco’s North Beach, the Museo began with a mission that remains central today: to collect, preserve, display, and celebrate the work of Italian and Italian American artists while offering educational programs that deepen appreciation for Italian culture.

Now, the Museo is preparing for one of the most ambitious chapters in its history: the creation of a new permanent home at 940 Battery Street in San Francisco’s historic northeast waterfront area.

A New Home Rooted in Italian American History

The future Museo site is not just a new building. It is a return to a neighborhood deeply connected to San Francisco’s Italian American story.

According to the Museo, 940 Battery Street sits in the Barbary Coast / North Waterfront neighborhood, an area with a strong Italian American history and character. The surrounding district was once part of San Francisco’s commercial waterfront and warehouse economy dating back to the Gold Rush era. The Museo notes that the original “Italy Harbor,” where Ligurian fishermen once moored their feluccas in the late 19th century, was located near where the building stands today.

This makes the future home more than a real estate project. It is a symbolic homecoming.

The neighborhood’s Italian American legacy also included businesses such as the Italian Swiss Colony, Ciocca-Lombardy wine warehouses, and the Petri Italian American Cigar Company. In other words, the Museo’s new location places Italian American memory back into the very streets where immigrants, fishermen, merchants, artists, and families helped shape San Francisco.

The Eterna Capital Campaign

The Museo’s capital campaign is entering a new phase under the theme “Eterna”, a name that suggests endurance, legacy, and continuity. The campaign’s stated goal is to help create what the Museo describes as a leading cultural experience in the United States dedicated to the artistic, cultural, and social contributions of Italians and Italian Americans.

The campaign grew out of a major gift from the estate of Dr. Jerome Cocuzza, a longtime benefactor of the Museo. Following that gift, the Museo began planning a renovation of the 940 Battery Street building so it could become the institution’s future home.

With community support, the Museo hopes the new space will allow it to:

Showcase Italian and Italian American art and history

Expand educational, cultural, and language programs

Create a lasting cultural legacy for future generations

The project has the endorsement of the Italian Consulate of San Francisco, with Mark Cavagnero Associates serving as architect and Macchiatto designing the new history exhibit and interior spaces.

What the New Museo Will Include

The Museo’s future home is being planned as a broader cultural hub, not simply a gallery space. The new facility is expected to expand exhibitions, enhance cultural programming, and include a commercial-grade kitchen for cooking classes, events, and private rentals.

That detail matters. Italian culture is not preserved only through paintings, archives, or lectures. It lives through food, language, family stories, music, community gatherings, and the passing down of traditions. A kitchen inside a museum may seem like a practical feature, but for an Italian American cultural institution, it is also deeply symbolic.

It says that heritage belongs at the table as much as on the wall.

The Lower Level: An Immersive Journey into Italian American Heritage

One of the most exciting planned features is the lower level, which the Museo describes as the immersive heart of the new institution. This area will include a small theater for film presentations, a historical timeline tracing the Italian American journey in San Francisco, and an interactive exhibition organized chronologically and thematically.

A centerpiece of the lower level will be an interactive touch-surface table called “Sunday Dinner.” Visitors will be able to engage with stories through virtual “dishes,” each representing themes from the exhibit. The experience is designed to encourage visitors not only to learn, but to interact, remember, and share.

The lower level will also include a dedicated space where visitors can record their own family histories, which may become part of the Museo’s archival collection. This is especially powerful because Italian American history has often been preserved through oral memory: stories told by grandparents, photographs kept in drawers, recipes never written down, and memories of neighborhoods that have changed or disappeared.

Why This Matters for Italian California

For readers of The Italian Californian, this campaign deserves attention because it represents exactly the kind of cultural preservation our community needs.

California’s Italian American history is vast, but often under-told. From San Francisco’s North Beach and waterfront, to San Diego’s Little Italy, San Pedro, San Jose, Sacramento, Monterey, Fresno, the wine country, and the fishing communities of the coast, Italians helped build industries, neighborhoods, churches, restaurants, farms, vineyards, civic organizations, and artistic traditions across the state.

Museums like the Museo Italo Americano help make that history visible.

They preserve more than nostalgia. They preserve evidence. They give future generations a place to see themselves, ask questions, and understand that Italian American identity in California is not just about food or festivals, but also about labor, migration, art, language, entrepreneurship, family, and belonging.

How to Support the Campaign

Those interested in learning more about the capital campaign or requesting a print copy of the campaign brochure can contact the Museo’s Director of Development, Danielle Glynn, or call the Museo at (415) 673-2200.

The Museo’s current location remains at:

Museo Italo Americano
Fort Mason Center
2 Marina Blvd., Building C
San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: (415) 673-2200

Current public hours are listed as Tuesday through Saturday, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and Sunday, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Admission is listed as $10 general admission, with free admission for members plus one guest, visitors under 18, Thursdays, and the first Sunday of the month.

The future home is listed as:

Museo Future Home
940 Battery Street
San Francisco, CA 94111

The future home is currently listed as open by appointment, with Wednesday and Friday hours from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Final Thoughts

The Museo Italo Americano’s future home at 940 Battery Street is more than a building project. It is a cultural statement.

It says that Italian American history deserves a permanent place in San Francisco. It says that the stories of immigrants, artists, fishermen, families, workers, and dreamers belong in the heart of the city. And it says that heritage is not only something we inherit — it is something we are responsible for protecting.

For anyone who cares about Italian culture in California, the Museo’s capital campaign is worth following, supporting, and sharing. Its future home has the potential to become one of the most important Italian American cultural landmarks on the West Coast.

Convivio Society of San Diego Announces Endowment Campaign for larger Cultural Center

 

The Convivio Society of San Diego, a nonprofit that celebrates all things Italian and brings art and culture to San Diego's Little Italy, announces its endowment campaign for a new cultural center! 

 For the last two decades, with patronage and guidance from its supporters, the Convivio Society has brought unique, innovative arts and cultural programming:

• It has developed a space in Little Italy that serves as the neighborhood's heritage, event, and visitor center;

• It has established the Italian Archives of San Diego to preserve our cherished artifacts and recount our collective historical narrative, so vital to the development of San Diego;

•  It has published books on the history of Little Italy and San Diego's fishing industry;

• It has brought you concerts, artisan exhibits, presentations and lectures, films, and we have partnered with like-minded groups to further our impact through collaborative programs and projects;

• It has brought Italian consular services to Little Italy to help co-nationals;

• this spring, it will embark on our ambitious documentary series on the Italian heritage and culture of San Diego;

• and it is working to re-establish the much-cherished Sicilian Festival in San Diego 
  

And now the Convivio Society is seeking support to make its vision of a larger cultural center, a home for all of San Diego's Italians, Italians everywhere, and for those that wish they were, a reality! To donate to this worthy cause, and support other worthwhile causes and programming by the Convivio Society, click here: givebutter.com/contribute

Italian Heritage to be Celebrated in San Francisco

 

San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood will be host to an array of Italian American heritage celebrations in the next few months partly thanks to the Italian Heritage Parade of San Francisco. 

On its website, the Italian Heritage Parade of San Franciso says, "We are proud members of the Italian American community in the San Francisco Bay Area, and together we celebrate and honor the values, culture, and traditions we have been fortunate to have inherited from the Italian American community. We recognize those contributions of the Italian American people and the impact on the community and the people around us. We are committed to keeping those traditions alive for future generations and are committed to raising funds to support our philanthropic work.

Our board is a group of over 30 volunteers who commit their time and resources to carry on the traditions of the parade every year."

Friday, August 25th, it will be holding a Fundraiser Dinner & Raffle, information here. Activities culminate with the Italian Heritage Parade held on Sunday, October 8th, 2023. More info here. There will be events in between you can view here.

Little Italy San Jose Street Festival Returns October 1st

 

 Returning Sunday October 1st, 2023!

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Established in 2016, Little Italy Festival draws 20,000 + people to our Italian district. 

Italian Festival in San Jose

• Authentic Italian cuisine from some of the Bay Areas favorite Italian Restaurants 
• Nonstop Live Entertainment
• Ferrari & Lamborghini Area 
• Authentic Italian & handmade Arts & Crafts 
• Wine Tasting from some of the best Cal-Italia wineries in CA 
• Highlighting Little Italy Italian Businesses

More here

NIAF 48th Anniversary Gala

NIAF 48th Anniversary Gala

Join the National Italian American Foundation as we celebrate the best of Italian heritage and culture, our 2023 Region of Honor Emilia-Romagna, and the importance of the Italian Diaspora!

Saturday, October 14, 2023

Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington D.C.

More here

90th Festa Italia to Return to the Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park in Downtown Monterey on September 8-10, 2023

 90th Festa Italia to Return to the Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park in Downtown Monterey on September 8-10, 2023

Monterey, CA. July 2023. Don’t miss the award-winning 90th Festa Italia, celebrating Monterey’s Italian heritage and cultural traditions. Join us for this special festival honoring the local fishermen of Monterey, both past and present. This event’s free entertainment line-up, described below, is unrivaled!

This popular family friendly free event shares the sights, sounds, food, and culture that make the Italian experience so special. It is a celebrated festival each year drawing locals and visitors from the Bay Area and beyond. It features three days of authentic Italian cuisine, great music, dancing, fun and friendship. The delicious flavors of Italy are enjoyed by attendees with tasty food offerings (for purchase) including Calamari, Steak and Sausage Sandwiches, Pasta, Arancini, Cannoli and more, as well as wine, beer, sodas, and water. There is also an array of Italian and Festa Italia-themed merchandise as well as vendors selling crafts and clothing. NEW this year will be an array of special 90th Anniversary Festa Italia merchandise.

The first Festa Italia in Monterey was celebrated in 1933 when a statue of Santa Rosalia, the patron saint of Sicilian fishermen, was donated to the San Carlos Cathedral. Sicilian fishermen would pray to their patron saint for a safe journey and bountiful harvest. It is important... more here...

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What: 90th Festa Italia held by the Festa Italia Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization

Festival Entry Cost: Free

Where: 20 Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park, Downtown Monterey

When: Friday – Sunday, September 8-10, 2023

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Back to The Italian Californian Main Site

Museo Italo Americano presents “The Eurydice Problem”

 

Thursday, September 14, 2023
6:00 PM PST - Via Zoom

“The Eurydice Problem”

Join us for an exclusive online lecture on “The Eurydice Problem” with Professor Alexandra Amati!

Professor Amati will examine the differences in men’s and women’s music since the birth of the opera genre, as well as the ways in which misogyny and antifeminism have influenced the development of operatic plots, casting, and staging over the centuries.

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COST:
Free Museo Members
$10 Museo Non-Members

INFO & RSVP: HERE
or by calling the Museo at 415.673.2200, 
or by email at info@sfmuseo.org

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Part of the BRAVO Cultural Program
In collaboration with Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco

Looking forward to seeing you!!

Photo: Muzio as Tosca in Puccini’s Tosca, 1932. By Lawrence B. Morton. Courtesy of San Francisco Opera Archive

NIAF and City of Genoa Join Forces to Strengthen Cultural Ties and Foster Growth

 

NIAF and City of Genoa Join Forces to Strengthen Cultural Ties and Foster Growth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Genoa, Italy – August 7, 2023) – The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) and the Municipal Government of Genoa have embarked on a dynamic partnership aimed at promoting education, research, cultural exchange, and economic growth in their respective nations. The two organizations recently inked a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that solidifies their collaboration on these key initiatives. This strategic partnership further enriches the longstanding relationship between the United States and Italy through joint initiatives and collaborative programs. The MOU signifies the Parties' shared commitment to advancing their respective missions and achieving common goals. Key areas of collaboration include: The Legacy of Christopher Columbus and Centro Studi Colombiano Recognizing the profound impact of Genoese native Christopher Columbus' historic voyage to the Americas in 1492, NIAF and the Genoa Municipal Government will spearhead efforts to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of Columbus and his enduring legacy. Esteemed academics and professors specializing in Columbus studies will engage in knowledge exchange programs, while a biennial conference in Genoa will explore the ongoing impact of Columbus' exploration. The Prestigious Premio Paganini Violin Competition Both organizations will unite to publicize the renowned Premio Paganini Violin Competition in their respective countries. Named for the Geneose master violinist Niccolo Paganini the award celebrates the exceptional talents of musicians worldwide. Showcasing the National Museum of Italian Emigration Acknowledging the profound influence of Italian emigration on Italy itself and the significant contributions made by the Italian diaspora to their adopted countries, NIAF and the Genoa Municipal Government will collaborate to promote the National Museum of Italian Emigration which is located in Genoa in honor of the role the port city played in transporting Italian emigrants to destinations around the world. (From left to right) Consigliere Comunale of Genoa Barbara Grosso, NIAF Exec Vice Chair John Calvelli, Mayor of Genoa Marco Bucci and NIAF President Robert Allegrini after agreeing to the signing of the MOU between the city of Genoa and NIAF. "This agreement with Genoa will expand NIAF's reach and provide new ways to share the Italian culture on both sides of the Atlantic," said NIAF President Robert Allegrini "As the birthplace of Columbus, Genoa holds deep meaning for Italian Americans and we are honored to solidify our commitment to preserving our rich Italian heritage." Mayor Marco Bucci of Genoa echoed this sentiment, saying, "Genoa values its historic ties with the United States and vibrant Italian American community," said Mayor of Genoa Marco Bucci. "We look forward to increasing collaboration through this partnership with NIAF." NIAF will serve as the exclusive agent for Genoa in the United States, ensuring the successful realization of the MOU's objectives. ### PRESS CONTACT: Gabriella Mileti Director of Special Programs and PR | NIAF 202-939-3116 (o) gmileti@niaf.org About NIAF The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization based in the United States that promotes the Italian culture and heritage. Founded in 1975, NIAF has been a leading advocate for Italian Americans, preserving their legacy and promoting their contributions to the United States. About ECOSOC The Economic and Social Council is at the heart of the United Nations system to advance the three dimensions of sustainable development – economic, social and environmental. It is the central platform for fostering debate and innovative thinking, forging consensus on ways forward, and coordinating efforts to achieve internationally agreed goals. It is also responsible for the follow-up to major UN conferences and summits. The UN Charter established ECOSOC in 1945 as one of the six main organs of the United Nations.

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House of Italy Lawn Program

 

Dear HOI members and friends,

 

You can view and comment on "HOI Lawn Program 2023 Piadina Romagnola.pdf" at: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:08ec288f-4a3d-4fd1-a336-8ad9a8ed6878

 

We are inviting you, your family and friends to celebrate our traditional Italian festival of Ferragosto on August 6th, 2023.

 

Our chef Mark Pelliccia will prepare a very special and traditional Italian Piadina Romagnola from the Roman Etruscan times.

 

Our friend Rosario Monetti and his wonderful group of musicians, will perform popular traditional songs at the HPR stage.

We’ll provide the words for most of our dearest Italian songs, for you to sing with us.

 

See you in August!

San Francisco's Museo Italo Americano Presents "Antipasti di Ferragosto"

 

Antipasti (singular Antipasto - from the Latin root "ante" meaning "before" and "pastus," meaning "meal") is the traditional course before a formal Italian meal. Usually made of bite-size small portions, the purpose of antipasti is to stimulate the appetite.

The Museo is preparing a selection of Antipasti for the special feast:
Antipasti di Ferragosto
Wednesday, August 16, 2023, 6:00 PM

More here