The Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA), the oldest and most established organization in support of Americans of Italian descent, has recently established its new italian lodge in Palermo, Sicily. The charter inaugural event, was held on June 7th at the Sala Mattarella of Palazzo dei Normanni. It was dedicated to the founder of the organization, Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro, a native of Polizzi Generosa, a beautiful small town in Palermo’s province.

After its establishment in Rome in 2020, this new Italian OSDIA lodge is the second territorial unit to be formed outside of North America in the 118-year history of the organization. This lodge is composed of scholars, writers, teachers, professionals, and entrepreneurs from various parts of Sicily who share a strong cultural and social interest in the United States.

The OSDIA was founded in 1905 in New York as "Figli d'Italia" by Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro, an Italian immigrant who was a physician by profession. The organization was created to support the first Italian immigrants in the United States, and it has since evolved into a non-profit, politically independent organization based in Washington, DC. Its aim is to help Americans of Italian descent and to keep Italian values and traditions alive by ensuring that the public, and the media in particular, are aware of the contributions of Italians to the history and progress of the United States.

The Palermo chapter of OSDIA, headed by founder president  Tiberio Mantia, is aimed to creating a bridge between Sicily and the North America and to activating a network of solidarity with Italians in America to strengthen relationships, rediscover roots, and keep traditions alive. The chapter plans to develop tourism by discovering roots, establish “Made in Italy" awards to honor Sicilian excellence that has distinguished itself by bringing prestige to the region, and promote cultural, traditional, and historical events. The chapter also plans to promote commercial relations between Sicilian and American businesses.

The event at Palazzo dei Normanni on June 7th was a celebration of the friendship between Sicily and the United States, two lands united by a long history of cultural and emotional exchanges. The program of the meeting, moderated by journalist Sandra Pizzurro, included the official presentation of the Palermo chapter "Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro" by the founder and president Vincenzo Tiberio Mantia. The meeting also featured guest speakers such as Carmelo Cutuli, founder, and past president of the OSDIA Rome chapter, 2023 President Massimo Cicatiello and immediate past president Claudio Frasca of the OSDIA Rome Chapter. The meeting also included a video conference with the national president of OSDIA, Robert A. Bianchi Esq., Vice President Mark De Nunzio, and other members of the National Council of OSDIA. Finally, Professor Salvatore Tomaselli, a university professor, gave a speech.