Italian American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the people, businesses, and communities keeping Italian culture and traditions alive in America. From artists and chefs to entrepreneurs and cultural organizations, these eight voices showcase the many ways Italian heritage continues to shape life across the country.
Gianna D Contemporary Art
Miami based visual artist Gianna draws inspiration from her Italian heritage and grandparents from Potenza and Florence. Through handmade processes, color, and texture, she explores memory, connection, and everyday beauty. She also keeps family traditions alive by making her grandmother’s recipes.
Macchialina
Macchialina is a beloved Italian restaurant known for rustic Italian cooking, handmade pasta, and an impressive wine selection. Founded by Chef Michael Pirolo and his sister Jacqueline, the restaurant celebrates traditional Italian cuisine with seasonal ingredients.
Fabrizia Spirits
Fabrizia Spirits brings the flavors of Sicily to America through its family recipe for handcrafted limoncello. Made with hand picked Sicilian lemons and simple ingredients, the brand has expanded into creams, liqueurs, spritzes, and ready to drink cocktails. Its products celebrate Italian flavors while carrying on a family tradition.
Italiana Society
The Italiana Society is a members only community celebrating Italian culture, heritage, and the influence of Italian and Italian American women. Through gatherings, cultural conversations, food, and hands on experiences, members connect over shared traditions and values. The community also highlights the many ways Italian culture continues to shape modern life.
Umberto Marino
Born in Bolzano with Neapolitan roots, Umberto Marino moved to New York and built a career in the food and beverage industry. Today, he works with Freixenet and oversees the Caribbean market. At home, he speaks Italian with his two daughters and shares Italian food and traditions with them.
Anthony Cane
Italian American architect Anthony Cane combines modern design with traditional Sicilian materials and architecture. Based between New Orleans and Sicily, he recently completed Terrazza della Femmina near Palermo, blending contemporary forms with traditional craftsmanship. Through Antico Nuovo, he also focuses on sustainable design and reusing materials in innovative ways.
Agata & Valentina
Agata & Valentina is a family owned Italian specialty food business that has been a New York institution since 1993. Founded by Joe and Agata Musco, the business brings authentic Italian delicacies, handmade foods, and specialty products from Italy to New York. Today, their daughter Valentina represents the next generation of the family business.
National Italian American Foundation (NIAF)
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) works to preserve, protect, and promote Italian American heritage across the United States. Through scholarships, cultural programs, educational initiatives, and its Bridge to Italy program, NIAF helps connect Italian Americans with their heritage. The organization also celebrates the contributions of Italians and Italian Americans to American culture and history.
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