Preserving Our Italian American Heritage
Family. Tradition. Legacy.
Honoring the stories, traditions, and contributions that connect generations.
News, History & Action
Italian Dual Citizenship 2026: Who Still Qualifies
The two-generation limit explained — who can still claim citizenship by descent after the 2025 law and the 2026 Constitutional Court ruling, in plain English.
Read StoryMake an Impact
Your tax-deductible donation preserves heritage stories, digitizes archives, and creates educational resources.
Educational Resources
Published articles and research guides illuminating Italian American history. K-16 curriculum materials are planned.
Explore resourcesItalian Last Names: Meanings, Origins & Regional Guide
What your Italian last name means — the five origin types, the region it points to, the Ellis Island myth debunked, and the foundling names. Look yours up.
Read all stories
Italian Americans by the Numbers
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey
501(c)(3) Nonprofit
The Alghini Institute for Italian Americans (AIIA) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible.
EIN: 99-0439703Clean Streets Initiative — Active Pilot
- Operating a local Adopt-A-Street cleanup pilot in Phoenix, Arizona
- Inviting volunteers to participate in community stewardship
- Documenting cleanup activity and lessons from the pilot
- Exploring a future national expansion after the pilot is evaluated
A Historical Journey
From the ports of Southern Italy to communities across America, trace the arc of a people who built a new life without forgetting the old one.
The Great Wave Begins
Millions leave Southern Italy seeking opportunity. Packed into steamships, they carry little more than hope and the recipes of their nonnas.
Ellis Island & New Roots
By 1920, more than 4 million Italians had come to the United States; many took their first steps on U.S. soil at Ellis Island. Little Italys sprang up in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Chicago.
Building Community
Italian mutual aid societies, parishes, and family businesses form the backbone of vibrant immigrant neighborhoods. Language, food, and faith bind them together.
Service & Sacrifice
Nearly one million Italian Americans served in the armed forces during World War II, and millions more worked in war industries while many families endured internment and discrimination.
A Living Heritage
More than 16 million Americans reported Italian ancestry in the 2022 American Community Survey. Our mission: ensure the next generation inherits not just the name, but the stories, values, and traditions.
Our Programs
Educational Publications
ActiveResearch articles and heritage resources published on italianamericans.com.
Story Submission
ActiveCommunity members submit family immigration stories through public forms.
Digital Heritage Archive
In developmentA planned digital archive for oral histories, photographs, and genealogical records. Currently in development.
Community Heritage Projects
In developmentA volunteer-led street-cleanup pilot in Phoenix, Arizona, with plans for national expansion.
Featured Stories
Italian Dual Citizenship 2026: Who Still Qualifies
The two-generation limit explained — who can still claim citizenship by descent after the 2025 law and the 2026 Constitutional Court ruling, in plain English.
Italian Last Names: Meanings, Origins & Regional Guide
What your Italian last name means — the five origin types, the region it points to, the Ellis Island myth debunked, and the foundling names. Look yours up.
Italian First Names: Meanings & How They Crossed to America
The most popular Italian names and what they mean — plus the grandparent naming rule, the onomastico, and how Giuseppe became Joe in America.
Every Dollar Builds Our Future
Your donation directly funds the preservation and celebration of Italian American heritage
Supports Heritage Preservation
Supports Archive Digitization
Supports Educational Resources
