October is Italian Heritage Month, formerly known as National Italian-American Heritage Month. The proclamation of the President and Congress in the United States to honor the achievements and contributions of Italian immigrants and their descendants living in the United States was first celebrated in 1989.

The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum in Staten Island, New York, America’s oldest landmarked Italian Cultural Center is hosting a year-long exhibition celebrating the Sons and Daughters of Italy. This evolving exhibit profiles the portraits and biographies of people of Italian origin who have contributed to mankind, accompanied by traditional, hand-made clothing representing the 20 regions of Italy.

In an effort to share this unique exhibit with the Staten Island community, Richmond County Savings Foundation has provided a generous grant to have a traveling exhibit be brought to libraries and banks throughout the borough. Over 20 banks and the boroughs 10 libraries will be offered the exhibit: Sons and Daughters of Italy: Portraits and Biographies between the months of September and November. The exhibit will be curated by artist William Castello and award-winning author: Marianna Randazzo at no cost to the venues.

Over 5.4 million Italians immigrated to the United States between 1820 and 1992. Today there are over 26 million Americans of Italian descent in the United States, making them the fifth largest ethnic group. Italy’s the origin of much of the greatest art, literature, innovations, and science in Western society.

For more information about this exhibit please contact the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum: 718-442-1608. Please visit our Facebook Page: Garibaldi-Meucci Museum and our website: www.Garibldimeuccimuseum.org. The museum is located at 420 Tompkins Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305.