It was their belief in hard work and an unbreakable family bond that enabled the Italian immigrants to build a new life in America. “Grazie America” (Thank you, America) is not only an exhibit that conveys their gratitude for such opportunity but also a testament that showcases the success of the America dream.

In the exhibit, looking at the faces in the portraits, you can almost feel the fear, uncertainty, excitement, and hope of these Italian immigrants about their new lives in America. Following the track marks of a beat-up old truck, you can almost hear the broken English spoken by an Italian truck farmer haggling over the price for his produce. Smelling the aroma through the crack in a kitchen door, you cannot help looking through the window of an Italian kitchen where a group of women in their favorite aprons are preparing a feast for a family gathering.