Family. Tradition.
Legacy.
Celebrating the rich culture, enduring values, and proud history of Italian Americans — for this generation and the next.
News, History & Action
Italian Americans: The Complete History, Heritage & Living Legacy
The most comprehensive guide to Italian American history, immigration, culture, discrimination, cuisine, and contributions. From 1635 to today — 17 million strong.
Read StoryMake an Impact
Your tax-deductible donation preserves heritage stories, digitizes archives, and creates educational resources.
Educational Resources
K-16 curriculum materials illuminating Italian American history from earliest immigration to the present day.
Explore resourcesLa Festa di San Giuseppe: The Heritage, Heart, and Altars of Italian America
La Festa di San Giuseppe explained — the Sicilian altar tradition, the zeppole, the New Orleans parade, and how Italian Americans keep March 19 today.
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 — Current Focus
- Launching the 100 Mile Italian American Clean Streets Challenge
- Inviting Italian American clubs, charities, families, and neighborhoods to participate
- Documenting cleanup stories, photos, and community impact
- Building a national model of heritage, service, and civic pride
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
Over 4 million Italians pass through Ellis Island between 1892 and 1954. Little Italys spring 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
Over 1.5 million Italian Americans serve in World War II, proving their loyalty and sacrifice while many families endure internment and discrimination.
A Living Heritage
Over 20 million Americans claim Italian ancestry. Our mission: ensure the next generation inherits not just the name, but the stories, values, and traditions.
Our Programs
Digital Heritage Archive
Preserving oral histories, photographs, and genealogical records.
Story Preservation
Community members submit family immigration stories for archiving.
Educational Publications
Research articles and heritage resources published on ItalianAmericans.com.
Community Heritage Projects
Volunteer-driven cultural and community initiatives.
Latest Stories
Italian-American Holidays, Feasts & Festivals: The Complete Month-by-Month Calendar
Every major Italian American feast and festival, January to December — San Gennaro, the Giglio, St. Joseph's Day, the Seven Fishes — with verified dates and links.
Sicilian Last Names: Meanings, Origins & the 3,000 Years of Conquest Behind Them
What your Sicilian surname reveals — 3,000 years of conquest in the 20 most common names, the La/Lo/Li article names, and the Albanian layer most guides miss.
Italian First Names: Meanings, the Traditions Behind Them & 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
Preserves 1 Heritage Story
Digitizes 1 Archive Entry
Creates 1 Educational Resource
