Recent Articles

Estate of the Late U.S. Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Endows Heritage Travel Program with $2 million Gift
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) has announced today that the estate of the late U.S. Ambassador Peter F. Secchia, who formerly served in Italy, has committed an additional $2 million to endow the Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Voyage of Discovery Program, an all-expenses paid first-time travel to Italy program for young Americans of Italian […]

Sergio Mattarella rieletto Presidente della Repubblica Italiana
ROMA\ aise\ – È dunque arrivata, finalmente, all’ottavo scrutinio, la proclamazione del nuovo Presidente della Repubblica. È, per la seconda volta nella storia dopo Giorgio Napolitano, una rielezione: il Capo dello Stato uscente, Sergio Mattarella, resterà dunque al Colle per altri 7 anni.La convergenza sul nome di Mattarella è arrivata questa mattina, quando i leader di partito e […]

NIAF Firmly Opposes the NYC Department of Education’s Decision to Eliminate Columbus Day
(Washington, D.C. – May 5, 2021) The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) stands firmly in opposition to the New York City Department of Education’s decision to eliminate Columbus Day and replace it with Italian Heritage Day/Indigenous People’s Day. This decision, which was arrived at without any community input, effectively pits two communities, both worthy of […]

Italy Nominates Mariangela Zappia as the next Italian Ambassador to Washington
The Italian Government has nominated Mariangela Zappia as the next Italian Ambassador to Washington. She would be the first woman to ever hold the position. The current Ambassador, Armando Varricchio, will be heading to Berlin, a key post for Italian diplomacy, as Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel will not seek a fifth term. Zappia joined the […]

How the Russo Family Switched From Superheroes to America’s Opioid Crisis With ‘Cherry’
For their adaptation of Nico Walker’s semi autobiographical novel — their gritty follow-up to the ground and record-breaking ‘Avengers: Endgame’ — directors Joe and Anthony Russo honed in on addiction and PTSD, tapping their younger sister, Angela Russo-Otstot, to co-write the script in this family affair. Source: How the Russo Family Switched From Superheroes to America’s Opioid […]

Loredana Polezzi Named Alfonse M. D’Amato Endowed Chair in Italian American and Italian Studies | | SBU News
Loredana Polezzi has been named the Alfonse M. D’Amato Endowed Chair in Italian American and Italian Studies, positioned in the College of Arts and Sciences Department of European Languages, Literatures and Cultures. The D’Amato Chair, established in 2008, was made possible by a fundraising effort led by then Stony Brook University Council Chair and current Stony Brook […]

Italian American Museum for Washington, DC Inaugurated (IAMDC)
Calling it an “an historic day for our Italian and Italian American community,” on December 15, 2020, CISC President Francesco Isgro, together with CISC Chair Fr. Ezio Marchetto, Italian Embassy First Counselor Domenico Bellantone, & donor Commendatore Robert Facchina cut the ribbon at the inauguration of the Italian American Museum of Washington DC (IAMDC). Due […]

Waterville mayor Nick Isgro draws criticism for proclamation of Oct. 14 as Columbus Day –
“On Columbus Day,” the proclamation says, “we honor the skilled navigator and man of faith who President Benjamin Harrison described as a ‘pioneer of progress and enlightenment’ whose spirited voyage transformed the western hemisphere and inspired countless others to pursue their dreams and convictions in the face of seemingly insurmountable doubts and adversity. ” Source: […]

IAOVC Decries Disregard of Voters & Insult to Immigrants, Catholics & Italian Americans in NYC’s Cabrini Statue Debacle
“In this one move, the First Lady of New York has subverted the will of the people and insulted immigrants, Catholics and Italian Americans,” stated Dr. Manny Alfano, Founder and President of IAOVC Source: IAOVC Decries Disregard of Voters & Insult to Immigrants, Catholics & Italian Americans in NYC’s Cabrini Statue Debacle

NIAF Supports the Life and Works of Mother Cabrini
Honorary Statue of Mother Cabrini Denied in New York City – (Washington, D.C. – September 17, 2019) – The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) supports the life and works of Saint and Sister Francesca Xavier Cabrini, also known as Mother Cabrini. America’s first ordained saint, Mother Cabrini was summoned by the Pope to help the […]

An immigrant’s journey to US citizenship rebukes extremists in
For all of its contradictions and injustices, the 20th century American melting pot transformed millions of immigrants into productive citizens. “Like the vast majority of the roughly 2 million Italians who arrived in the United States at the turn of the 20th century, my grandfather was looking for a better future. He found it in […]