Little Italy has a rich history. It’s where Anna Venditte Diederich’s family settled. It’s home to the Santa Lucia Festival, which is celebrating its 100th year.“To be here knowing that our ancestors and my grandma was here at the beginning is such … can’t describe it,” said Diederich.

This identity is a part of what makes Little Italy a candidate to be a “Creative District.” The designation comes from the Nebraska Arts Council, a state organization. There are 29 so far in Nebraska. In Omaha, there are two: one in Benson and another near Joslyn Castle.