PORTSMOUTH — A group of Seacoast residents of Italian heritage has announced the formation of a new Italian-American Heritage Association of Greater Portsmouth.
"This is really exciting. We've been working on this since last summer," said Valerie Capodelupo Koloshey of Rye, who has been named the group's president.
Koloshey and Delmira Pirini Morse, the group's vice president, have taken a keen interest in the history of Italian-Americans on the Seacoast. They have been involved in a number of projects, including Koloshey's efforts to collect family photographs of Portsmouth's old Italian-dominated North End and record interviews with the dwindling population of people who still remember that old neighborhood.
"I am so happy that our association will provide a venue for all who have a passion to preserve, promote and share our Italian heritage," Morse said. "I have been talking about our Italian heritage for years, and now, to be able to share it with not just people of Italian descent, but with anyone who would enjoy being a social member, is very special to me."
Other founding members include Paul Russo, Kristine Cuzzi and Joseph T. Freda.
Koloshey said they formed the association because they recognized a need in the community when doing research on Italian-American history.
"The history wasn't being captured," she said.
Koloshey, who grew up in Haverhill, Mass., said the concept of a tight-knit, ethnic community was not exclusive to Portsmouth's North End. She said the group hopes to revive that communal atmosphere and sense of belonging by hosting trips, bocce lessons, themed dinners and other events on a regular basis.
The association will not compete with the local Sons of Italy lodge, which has been active for many years, she said, adding that the group has already reached out to the lodge in hopes of working collaboratively.
The inaugural gathering of the Italian-American Heritage Association will take place from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, April 7, in the Levenson Room of the Portsmouth Public Library.
"Come and see what we're about," Koloshey said.
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