Preserving Our Italian American Heritage
Family. Tradition. Legacy.
Honoring the stories, traditions, and contributions that connect generations.
News, History & Action
Famous Italian Americans: Six Stories Behind the Names
Meet six famous Italian Americans through schools, science, sport, film, music and a historic campaign—and explore the records behind their stories.
Read StoryMake an Impact
Your donation supports our nonprofit educational and heritage-preservation mission.
Educational Resources
Published articles and research guides illuminating Italian American history. K-16 curriculum materials are planned.
Explore resourcesStart Italian American Heritage Month with One Family Story
October is a chance to save a story. Start with one photograph and a short conversation, then explore our guide to Italian American Heritage Month.
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. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
EIN: 99-0439703A 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
ActiveRead freely available articles and research guides about Italian American history, genealogy, and culture.
Story Submission
ActiveSubmit a family story for editorial consideration. Submission does not guarantee publication.
Heritage Story Archive (Digital Piazza)
Public betaExplore our developing oral-history tools and public story archive. Beta features may change; review AI-assisted text for accuracy and keep your own recordings and photographs.
Phoenix Clean Streets
Active PilotAn active volunteer Adopt-A-Street pilot in Phoenix, Arizona. Institute volunteers maintain 20th Street between Camelback Road and Indian School Road through the City of Phoenix Adopt-A-Street program.
Featured Stories
Famous Italian Americans: Six Stories Behind the Names
Meet six famous Italian Americans through schools, science, sport, film, music and a historic campaign—and explore the records behind their stories.
Start Italian American Heritage Month with One Family Story
October is a chance to save a story. Start with one photograph and a short conversation, then explore our guide to Italian American Heritage Month.
Italian Americans: History, Population, Culture & Identity
Who are Italian Americans? Explore population data, immigration history, culture and family-history resources, with Census figures and linked sources.
Every Dollar Builds Our Future
Your donation directly funds the preservation and celebration of Italian American heritage
Supports Heritage Preservation
Supports Our Nonprofit Mission
Supports Educational Resources
