By: Brianna Wallen
Editor-in-Chief
The university hosted a symposium on Oct. 24 examining the history and contributions of New Haven’s Italian American community as part of the commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.
The event, “New Haven’s Italian American Story: A Symposium for America’s 250th,” brought together community leaders, scholars, residents and alumni with U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro delivering the keynote address and Marco Peronaci, Ambassador of Italy to the United States also joined virtually.
“Pizza, pastry, parishes and politics will provide a lens into that history, with conversations exploring Italian American contributions to civic life, culture, religious institutions, the arts, business, politics and social justice,” according to an email sent to the university on Oct. 15 from Jason Edwards, the assistant director, social media and media relations.
Hosted in the Adanti Student Center Ballroom, the program featured presentations by Hon. Guido Calabresi, Dr. Anthony Julian Tamburri and Dr. Dennis Cerrotti, followed by a community roundtable with local leaders. U.S. Rep Frank Carrano, a board member of the Wooster Square Italian Immigrant Historical Society, presented a tribute to oral historian Anthony Riccio.
After the symposium, attendees viewed historical photos, documents and interactive exhibits from the La Colonia Digital Archive, which preserves the history of Greater New Haven’s Italian community through a 1921 directory.
The event was organized by the La Colonia Digital Archive as part of the CT250 initiative and received support through a Faculty Development Grant from the university.
