A GUIDE TO WASHINGTON’ S ITALIAN-AMERICAN HISTORY & CULTURE
BY ROSALIND CUMMINGS-YEATES
As the nation’ s capital, Washington, D. C., draws numerous visitors eager to experience American history, culture, and iconic landmarks like the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. In addition to its stunning architecture and rich legacies, the region also showcases a significant amount of Italian-American history and events.
D. C. ITALIAN HISTORY
Italian designers and artisans crafted many of the design elements that define D. C. architecture. Arriving in the early to mid-19th century, Italian immigrants found employment in constructing the new federal city. Italian stone carvers, masons, painters, and sculptors provided the decoration and details of the U. S. Capitol building and other significant structures, including the Library of Congress, Constitution Hall, the Supreme Court, and the Washington National Cathedral.
with an Italian Heritage Day jersey and include a $ 5 donation to the Italian American Baseball Foundation.
For the ultimate Italian cultural event, be sure to check out the annual Maryland Italian Festival. This year’ s festivities will be held in the parking lot of Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen from September 26 to 28, 2025. Large, covered pavilions will feature carnival rides, midway games, a bocce tournament, live music, a cooking stage, and food and wine vendors.
Constantino Brumidi
Credit: Architect of the Capitol
Constantino Brumidi, a painter who arrived in the U. S. from Rome in 1852, dedicated 25 years to creating monumental works such as the Apotheosis of Washington in the canopy above the Rotunda and the Brumidi Corridors Murals on the first floor of the U. S. Capitol Building. Another Roman artist, Peter Cardelli, sculpted the busts of Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe, while Giuseppe Franzoni from Tuscany carved a life-sized representation of Liberty and the Eagle for the south wing of the Capitol. Notably, this was the nation’ s first Statue of Liberty, but it was destroyed when the British burned the city in 1814 during the War of 1812.
ITALIAN ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
Visit the Robert A. Facchina Italian American Museum of Washington, D. C.( IAMDC) to learn more about Italian history and culture and the city’ s modern-day Italian presence. The museum documents Italian immigration to the area, the background of the century-old Holy Rosary Church, the only“ national Italian parish” in D. C, and audio and video interviews with members of the D. C. Italian community. It also features art galleries and holds art classes and Italian legacy lectures open to the public.
The Italian Cultural Society of Washington D. C. hosts a variety of social and cultural activities that celebrate Italian heritage. The society’ s Italian Language Program provides courses for children, teens, and adults, both online and at the organization’ s headquarters. One popular option is the three-hour cooking classes that emphasize preparing gourmet Italian dishes, such as risotto, gnocchi, and saltimbocca. These in-person classes offer an opportunity to learn and practice Italian while exploring the origins and history of the recipes. For travelers, the society presents virtual“ discovery courses” showcasing stunning Italian regions like Liguria and Lombardia, along with Italian immersion courses and actual trips to Italy organized with cultural experts. Furthermore, the organization hosts an annual summer gala as well as Italian conversation and aperitivo events.
The Apotheosis of Washington by Constantino Brumidi
Credit: Architect of the Capitol
For baseball fans, the Abruzzo and Molise Heritage Society hosts a Washington Nationals Italian Heritage Day. This year’ s event is on August 6th as the Nationals face the Oakland Athletics. Tickets come
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