Italian American Museum Opens in NYC
In October 2024, one of New York’s newest institutions,; the Italian American Museum, opened in Little Italy. This museum, resting upon decades of work towards its existence, brings to fruition the presence of Italian American history in the New York City museum sphere.
The founder, Joseph V. Scelsa, began his push for a museum displaying Italian history in the early 2000s when he started fundraising to gain the ability to purchase buildings in Little Italy. Having been passionate about the presentation of Italian history within the city, Scelsa had helped curate for a museum exhibit encompassing Italian history for the New York Historical Society years prior that would become one of the most successful exhibitions for the society. Realizing the interest in having a presence of Italian history in New York, Scelsa began his project of establishing an Italian American history museum. As a result of a $1 million donation from governor Cathy Hocul, Scelsa was able to purchase three buildings in Little Italy that were previously home to a bank.
The museum, located at 151 Mulberry St. in Little Italy, is comprised of numerous sections exhibiting different aspects of Italian and Italian American history. These exhibits include the display of Sicilian puppets, a statue of an Italian American seamstress, and the history of Italian explorer, Giovanni di Verrazzano. To Rob LeDonne for New York Post, Scelsa stated, “It’s all about highlighting the contributions of Italians to American culture” (New York Post).
The opening of the Italian American Museum coincides with Columbus Day, an important day of celebration within the Italian American community in New York who utilize the day to celebrate Italian heritage in the United States. The museum is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 12-5 pm. The site is visitable by appointment on Sundays and Wednesdays.
Sources:
A Dream Realized: Italian American Museum Opens Its Doors in Little Italy
https://nypost.com/2024/10/14/lifestyle/nyc-italian-american-museum-opens-after-20-year-odyssey/
-Samantha Wolfe
