Little Italy Historic District is celebrating the 150th anniversary this year of Italian-American history and heritage in the city of Rochester. Italian-Americans have contributed to Rochester since the 1800s.

Domenico Sturla was the first Italian immigrant to register in the city’s directory in 1868, according to an official recount of Italian history in the city of Rochester published by city historian Blake McKelvey in 1960. Two individuals from the Verspelle family also registered that year.