In anticipation of imminent demolition, the Italian American Museum on Grand Street in Little Italy is relocating some of its treasures. For safe keeping. Namely, the multi-ton safe that dates back over a century. This past Monday, workers from the Acme Safe Co. removed the unique artifact from the vault of 185-189 Grand Street, which was once-upon-a-time headquarters for Banca Stabile. The bank formed in 1882 to accommodate the Italian immigrants who settled the neighborhood that would eventually be called Little Italy. This safe is part of that history.

Banca Stabile would eventually close in 1932. In recent years, this low-rise corner of Grand and Mulberry Streets has been home to the Italian American Museum. The institution owned the building and tried forever to cash out. That deal finally came along last year, and with it, a footprint and free rent in perpetuity.