Picture walking through Washington, D.C., and discovering a mural, sculpture, or café that tells a piece of Italy’s story in America. That’s the spirit of Tracing Italian Roots – a new digital platform designed to map and celebrate the Italian legacy across the United States.
The project, launched by the Italian Community Committee of Washington D.C., begins with the capital as a pilot city. It highlights artworks, landmarks, and cultural contributions made by Italians and Italian-Americans – each connected to the story of its creator and, ultimately, to their ancestral towns in Italy.
More than a database, it’s a living archive that links past and present through storytelling. Visitors can explore where Italians have left their mark – from museums and restaurants to community spaces – revealing how much Italian talent has shaped American life.
This initiative also ties into the growing movement of “roots tourism,” encouraging descendants of Italian emigrants to rediscover the small towns their families once left behind. By mapping Italian traces abroad and connecting them to local origins, the project bridges continents and generations.
After Washington, the plan is to expand nationwide, offering an interactive journey through art, history, and identity. Tracing Italian Roots isn’t just about the past – it’s a celebration of how Italian creativity continues to inspire and endure, wherever it takes root.
