About the Alghini Institute
Preserving Italian American heritage through education, community, and cultural celebration
The Alghini Institute for Italian Americans (AIIA) was founded with a singular vision: to create a comprehensive digital hub that celebrates, preserves, and promotes the rich cultural heritage of Italian Americans across the United States.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are committed to providing accessible educational resources, fostering community connections, and ensuring that the stories, traditions, and contributions of Italian Americans are preserved for future generations.
Through our digital platform, we serve as a bridge between past and present, connecting Italian Americans with their heritage while building a vibrant community for the future.
Our Work Today
Story Submission
ActiveCommunity members can submit Italian American family stories and guest blog posts through public forms.
Educational Resources
ActivePublished articles and research guides on Italian American history, genealogy, and culture.
Digital Piazza Community
In developmentA planned digital community space for Italian Americans to connect. Currently in development.
Phoenix Clean Streets
Active PilotA volunteer-led Adopt-A-Street cleanup pilot currently operating in Phoenix, Arizona.
What Drives Us
Preserve
Safeguarding the stories, traditions, and cultural contributions of Italian Americans for future generations.
Connect
Building a vibrant digital community where Italian Americans can share experiences and strengthen bonds.
Educate
Providing accessible resources about Italian American history, language, cuisine, and cultural practices.
Celebrate
Honoring the enduring legacy and ongoing contributions of Italian Americans to society.
Our Vision
Just as the piazza has always been the heart of Italian community life, we envision a digital gathering place where Italian Americans come together to share, learn, and celebrate.
Our platform brings together cultural archives, educational resources, community stories, and heritage preservation tools in one accessible space — a modern piazza for the digital age.
Social Media Brand Guidelines
Colors, fonts, voice, platform specs, and sample posts for our social media coordinator.
Current Leadership
The stewards guiding our mission to preserve Italian American heritage
Christopher Alghini
Founder & Executive Director
Technical Systems Architect at Cisco with 20+ years in technology, collaboration engineering, and community building.
Frank Scalise
Genealogist & Acting Treasurer
Genealogist and fiscal steward overseeing financial governance, budgets, and donor stewardship for the Institute.
Debra Pompo
Secretary
Organizational leader managing records, compliance filings, and board meeting minutes for the Institute.
Open position
Treasurer
We are seeking a Treasurer to lead financial governance, budgets, and donor stewardship for the Institute.
Interested in joining our board? Get in touch
Build the Piazza With Us
Whether you want to support our work, share your story, or join the community, we invite you to be part of our journey.
Explore Our Heritage
Understand the full Italian American story — from 5.5 million immigrants to 16 million descendants today.
Read the Complete Guide