Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America

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Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America OSDIA is the largest and oldest national organization for men & women of Italian heritage in the USA
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Umbria Spotlight: Sentiero dell'Olivo 🌿🇮🇹 Nestled among the rolling hills of Umbria, OSDIA's 2026 Region of Celebration,...
11/02/2026

Umbria Spotlight: Sentiero dell'Olivo 🌿🇮🇹

Nestled among the rolling hills of Umbria, OSDIA's 2026 Region of Celebration, the Sentiero dell'Olivo (Olive Tree Path) offers a breathtaking journey through one of Italy’s most treasured landscapes. Stretching between the historic towns of Spoleto and Assisi, this scenic trail winds through ancient olive groves, medieval villages, and the peaceful countryside that has defined Umbrian culture for centuries.

The path celebrates the region’s deep connection to olive cultivation, a tradition that dates back thousands of years. Along the way, visitors encounter centuries-old olive trees, historic monasteries, and panoramic views of the Umbrian Valley.

Beyond its natural beauty, the Sentiero dell'Olivo represents the enduring relationship between land, tradition, and community—a reminder of the craftsmanship and heritage behind Italy’s world-renowned olive oil.

From its quiet trails to its historic landscapes, Umbria invites travelers to experience the beauty, history, and traditions that make Italy unforgettable.

Buona Festa di Ognissanti! 🇮🇹 All Saints' Day (Ognissanti) is one of Italy's most cherished holidays, celebrated each ye...
11/01/2026

Buona Festa di Ognissanti! 🇮🇹

All Saints' Day (Ognissanti) is one of Italy's most cherished holidays, celebrated each year on November 1. Across the country, families attend Mass, gather with loved ones, and honor the saints whose lives of faith continue to inspire generations.

For many Italians, this sacred time is dedicated to deep remembrance, as families visit cemeteries to place fresh flowers—especially chrysanthemums—and light candles in memory of those who have passed. Churches throughout Italy hold special liturgies, while towns and villages observe traditions that have been passed down for centuries.

Whether celebrated through prayer, family gatherings, or acts of remembrance, Ognissanti reflects the enduring importance of faith, family, and honoring those who came before us.

The Italian American Story: Present Day 🇮🇹🇺🇸 As Italian American Heritage Month comes to a close, we reflect on a story ...
10/31/2026

The Italian American Story: Present Day 🇮🇹🇺🇸

As Italian American Heritage Month comes to a close, we reflect on a story built through generations of courage, perseverance, and achievement.

From early explorers and immigrants seeking new opportunities to the countless Italian Americans who have contributed to business, science, the arts, public service, education, and communities across the nation, the Italian American experience is an essential part of the American story.

Today, more than 17 million Americans of Italian descent continue to celebrate and preserve the traditions, values, and cultural connections passed down through generations. Italian Americans remain active contributors in every field, carrying forward a legacy rooted in family, community, hard work, and service.

OSDIA is proud to be home to more than 100,000 members, family affiliates and supporters through a vast network of nearly 400 lodges.

You can help carry this legacy forward by joining OSDIA as a lodge member or an At-Large Member today. It is the perfect way to connect with your roots, make lasting connections, and actively preserve and promote our shared heritage right in your community.

The Italian American story is not only a reflection of the past — it is a living legacy that continues to grow, inspire, and shape the future of America.

🔗 Explore our membership options and join the OSDIA family today: https://vist.ly/5quam

Buon Halloween! 🎃 Today, we celebrate a holiday filled with imagination, creativity, and community. From costumes and de...
10/31/2026

Buon Halloween! 🎃

Today, we celebrate a holiday filled with imagination, creativity, and community. From costumes and decorations to festive traditions shared with family and friends, Halloween continues to bring people together for a little fun and a lot of memories.

In Italy, modern Halloween has taken on a vibrant life of its own, with younger generations eagerly adopting the custom of dolcetto o scherzetto (trick-or-treating) through local neighborhoods, while many historic piazzas and medieval hilltop towns transform into eerie settings for spectacular costume parades, themed night markets, and thrilling castle parties.

Wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and spooktacular Halloween! Do you have any favorite Halloween traditions at your lodge? Share your photos below! 👇

The Italian American Story: Contributions to American Music 🇮🇹 🇺🇸 Music has long been a powerful expression of Italian A...
10/29/2026

The Italian American Story: Contributions to American Music 🇮🇹 🇺🇸

Music has long been a powerful expression of Italian American culture, creativity, and influence. From classical traditions brought from Italy to the evolution of modern American genres, Italian Americans have left an enduring mark on the nation’s musical landscape.

Italian immigrants introduced generations of Americans to rich traditions of opera, classical performance, and musical education. Over time, Italian American artists, composers, singers, and performers helped shape genres ranging from jazz and pop music to rock and contemporary entertainment.

From legendary voices like Louis Prima, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin to contemporary stars like Madonna, Jon Bon Jovi, and Lady Gaga, Italian Americans have contributed to some of the most memorable moments in American music history.

Through artistry, innovation, and a passion for storytelling, Italian Americans continue to inspire audiences and enrich the cultural fabric of the United States.

American-style pumpkin patches have become a major autumn trend across Italy. 🎃🇮🇹🇺🇸 In the comune of Villorba, in the Ve...
10/27/2026

American-style pumpkin patches have become a major autumn trend across Italy. 🎃🇮🇹🇺🇸

In the comune of Villorba, in the Veneto Region of Italy, Il Villaggio delle Zucche di Nonno Andrea (Nonno Andrea’s Pumpkin Village) has become one of Italy’s most impressive American-style pumpkin patch experiences, welcoming visitors into a fall landscape filled with more than 1 million pumpkins in 60 varieties, family activities, creative workshops, entertainment, seasonal food and plenty of picture-perfect autumn scenery.

The experience reflects a growing trend across Italy: the embrace of the classic American pumpkin patch. What began as a distinctly U.S. fall tradition of wandering pumpkin fields, choosing the perfect pumpkin and enjoying seasonal activities has increasingly taken root in Italian communities as well.

In fact, “pumpkin tourism” has grown into a nationwide phenomenon, with farms across Italy putting their own spin on the American tradition by combining pumpkin picking and carving with local food, agriculture and Italian hospitality.

At Nonno Andrea’s, that combination creates an autumn celebration that feels both familiar and distinctly Italian. 🎃

An Italian coffee icon is preparing to make a bigger splash in the United States. ☕🇮🇹 Bialetti, the historic Italian bra...
10/26/2026

An Italian coffee icon is preparing to make a bigger splash in the United States. ☕🇮🇹

Bialetti, the historic Italian brand best known for its iconic Moka Express, plans to open its first U.S. retail stores beginning in 2027 as part of a broader international growth strategy.

Founded in 1919, Bialetti has become synonymous with Italian coffee culture and design. The company currently operates 96 stores across Italy and is looking to expand its international presence while introducing new coffee preparation products, including moka pots, home brewing systems, capsules, and portable equipment.

The move follows strong recent growth for the brand and continued efforts to bring the traditional Italian moka pot to new audiences through collaborations with companies including Mattel, Starbucks, and The North Face.

Invented by Alfonso Bialetti in 1933, the Moka Express remains one of Italy’s most recognizable examples of everyday ingenuity.

With its planned U.S. expansion, even more Americans may soon have the chance to experience a tradition that has been part of Italian kitchens for generations.

The Italian American Story: Contributions to American Cuisine 🇮🇹 🇺🇸 Food has always been one of the most powerful ways I...
10/25/2026

The Italian American Story: Contributions to American Cuisine 🇮🇹 🇺🇸

Food has always been one of the most powerful ways Italian Americans have shared their heritage and shaped American culture.

Beginning with the arrival of Italian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, traditional recipes, ingredients, and culinary traditions from regions across Italy became part of the American dining experience. In neighborhoods throughout the country, Italian bakeries, markets, cafés, and restaurants became gathering places where communities connected through food.

Italian Americans helped introduce and popularize beloved dishes such as pizza, pasta, and regional specialties while also creating new culinary traditions that blended Italian roots with American influences. From family kitchens to nationally recognized restaurants, Italian American cuisine has become an essential part of America’s diverse food culture.

Today, the flavors, traditions, and stories passed down through generations continue to celebrate the connection between Italy and the United States.

Throughout the rest of October, we will continue to explore Italian American cultural contributions and historical milestones. Follow along for more updates as we celebrate Italian American Heritage Month.

Last chance to register! 🇮🇹 Join us on Tuesday, October 27 at 11am ET for our October members-only webinar, exploring th...
10/24/2026

Last chance to register! 🇮🇹

Join us on Tuesday, October 27 at 11am ET for our October members-only webinar, exploring the University for Foreigners of Perugia’s 2026 “Umbria Experience.”

Taking place from September 27 to October 4, 2026, this year’s program welcomed a select group of 10 individuals from around the world for a week-long culinary and language immersion experience in the historic town of Norcia.

Over the course of six days, participants took daily Italian language classes and attended excursions and informative lectures. Some of the activities offered include cooking classes, black truffle hunting in Norcia, and guided tastings of local specialties.

During the webinar, OSDIA Programs Director Nicole D’Arcangelo—who attended this year’s Umbria Experience in-person—will interview OSDIA National 2nd Vice President Dr. Mark DeNunzio and another attendee on their experiences. She will also speak with the program’s founder, Cecilia Emma Sottilotta, on how the program was created and what she hopes for its future.

Registration closes tomorrow, October 25 at 11:59pm ET, so don’t miss your chance to join us!

Can’t attend live? Register anyway at the link below and you’ll receive the recording after the event.

🔗: https://bit.ly/4z1pPUC

The Italian American Story: Facing Discrimination  The history of Italian Americans is a story of perseverance, resilien...
10/23/2026

The Italian American Story: Facing Discrimination

The history of Italian Americans is a story of perseverance, resilience, and overcoming adversity. While Italian immigrants contributed greatly to the growth of the United States, many also faced prejudice and discrimination upon arrival.

One of the darkest moments in Italian American history occurred in 1891, when 11 Italian Americans were violently lynched in New Orleans following the killing of police chief David Hennessy. The victims, many of whom were immigrants from Sicily, were accused without due process and later killed by a mob in what is widely recognized as the largest mass lynching in American history.

The tragedy sparked outrage in Italy and across the United States. In 1892, one year after the lynching occurred, U.S. President Benjamin Harrison issued a proclamation for a one day celebration of the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ arrival in the Americas. This celebration was a powerful factor in the subsequent establishment of Columbus Day as a national holiday in 1937, and became a pivotal moment in the Italian American community’s pursuit of recognition, equality, and acceptance.

Anti-Italian defamation and discrimination continued to run rampant, however. As new waves of Italian immigrants arrived in the United States in the early 20th century, they faced severe discrimination and social marginalization. During World War II, from 1941-1942, non-naturalized Italian nationals were classified as enemy aliens by the U.S. government, affecting roughly 600,000 Italians in the United States that had yet to obtain U.S. citizenship.

Though this classification was eventually removed, anti-Italian discrimination and offensive stereotypes continued to persist in the media and in public life. To combat this, OSDIA founded the Commission for Social Justice (CSJ) in 1979 to ensure Italian Americans would never again be defined by harmful stereotypes.

As OSDIA’s anti-defamation and positive image arm, the CSJ works to protect and maintain a positive image of Italian Americans and to combat stereotypes and defamation in the media and across public life.

To learn more about the mission of the CSJ, click the link below.

🔗: https://csj.osdia.org/about-us/

Address

219 E Street NE
Washington D.C., DC
20002

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm
Friday 9am - 5:30pm

Telephone

(202) 547-2900

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