The mass immigration of Italians to the United States began in earnest in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Fleeing poverty and political turmoil, millions of Italians arrived in search of opportunity, many settling in urban centers such as New York, Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia. Despite facing discrimination and hardship, they built tight-knit communities, preserved cultural traditions, and embraced the American dream through hard work and determination. The legacy of that immigrant spirit still resonates today.
Of course, our legacy even predates the great migration. Christopher Columbus (whose birthday is celebrated on October 13) discovered the Americas and our nation itself is named after Americus Vespucci, a great explorer. And let's not forget that Giovanni da Verrazzano entered New York harbor in 1524, 80 years before Hudson. Likewise, the renowned English explorer John Cabot (actually Giovanni Caboto, a native of Genoa Italy) was of Italian descent. We were even instrumental in the very founding of our nation. Phillip Mazzei was an early American revolutionary whose ideas and writings greatly influenced Thomas Jefferson and had an impact on Jefferson's own draft constitution of 1783.
But now, let's move up to more recent times as we have made our mark in every sphere of life and every aspect of our American nation.
Italian Americans have had a profound influence on American arts and entertainment. Frank Sinatra, born to Italian immigrant parents in New Jersey, became one of the most iconic singers and entertainers of the 20th century. His music helped define the American soundscape and his legacy continues to inspire artists across genres.
In film, directors such as Martin Scorsese have transformed American cinema. Known for classics like Goodfellas, Taxi Driver, and The Departed, Scorsese’s work has not only won critical acclaim but also explored the complexities of identity, morality, and the immigrant experience in America.
In literature, authors like Don DeLillo and Gay Talese have enriched American letters with powerful narratives and masterful prose, often shaped by their Italian American heritage. And Lisa Scottoline is best-selling novelist.
Science, Technology, and Business
Italian Americans have also made significant strides in science and innovation. Physicist Enrico Fermi, who emigrated to the U.S. in the 1930s, played a pivotal role in the development of nuclear energy and was instrumental in the Manhattan Project. His work earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics and cemented his place in history as one of the fathers of modern physics.
In business, entrepreneurs such as Amadeo Giannini, the founder of Bank of America, revolutionized banking by making credit accessible to immigrants and working-class Americans, helping to democratize finance in the 20th century.
Politics and Public Service
Italian Americans have also risen to prominent roles in government and public service. Geraldine Ferraro, the first woman—and Italian American—to run for Vice President on a major party ticket in 1984, broke new ground in American politics and inspired generations of women to pursue leadership roles.
Currently, Pam Bindi serves as US Attorney General, Steve Scalise is the US House Majority Leader and they owe a great debt of gratitude to Italian-American trailblazer Fiorello La Guardia, A Republican-turned-Fusion-Party-member who was a three-term Mayor of New York City in the 1930s and '40s. He is remembered as an anti-corruption reformer.
Cultural Traditions and Community Values
Beyond individual achievements, Italian Americans have enriched the cultural and social fabric of the United States through their deep sense of family, tradition, and community. Festivals like the Feast of San Gennaro in New York’s Little Italy, or Columbus Day celebrations across the country (while evolving in their symbolism and significance), reflect the enduring pride of Italian American communities.
Cuisine is another area where Italian culture has deeply permeated American life. From pizza and pasta to more regional dishes brought by immigrants from Sicily, Naples, and Tuscany, Italian cuisine is now an integral part of American culinary identity.
A Continuing Story
Today, more than 17 million Americans identify as having Italian ancestry, and their contributions continue to grow and evolve. In sports, players like Joe DiMaggio, Vince Lombardi, and more recently, NFL coach Nick Sirianni, have become household names. In the arts, actors like Robert De Niro, Marisa Tomei, and Lady Gaga carry forward a tradition of creative excellence.
Italian Americans have profoundly shaped the United States through their contributions in every field imaginable. Their story is one of perseverance, passion, creativity, and commitment to the American ideal. Italian American Heritage Month offers an opportunity not only to celebrate these achievements, but also to reflect on the ways in which immigrant communities continue to enrich our shared national life. As we honor the past, we also look ahead to the ongoing contributions of Italian Americans to America’s vibrant future.
Politics & Public Service
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Fiorello La Guardia – Beloved mayor of New York City (1934–1945), known for reform and strong leadership.
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Geraldine Ferraro – First woman and Italian American nominated for Vice President (1984).
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Rudy Giuliani – Former mayor of New York City, known for leadership after 9/11.
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Andrew Cuomo – Former Governor of New York; son of Mario Cuomo, also a prominent governor.
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Antonin Scalia – First Italian American U.S. Supreme Court Justice.
Samuel Alito: U. S. Supreme Court Justice.
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Frank Sinatra – Iconic singer and actor; one of the most influential musical artists of the 20th century.
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Dean Martin – Legendary crooner and member of the "Rat Pack."
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Martin Scorsese – Academy Award-winning director of Goodfellas, The Irishman, and The Departed.
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Robert De Niro – Acclaimed actor known for iconic roles in Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, and The Godfather Part II.
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Al Pacino – Legendary actor known for The Godfather trilogy, Scarface, and Scent of a Woman.
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Lady Gaga (Stefani Germanotta) – Grammy and Oscar-winning pop icon, actress, and philanthropist.
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Marisa Tomei – Academy Award-winning actress (My Cousin Vinny).
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Jon Bon Jovi – Rock musician and frontman of Bon Jovi.
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Leonardo DiCaprio – Although of mixed heritage, his Italian roots are part of his identity; acclaimed actor and environmental activist.
Literature & Journalism
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Don DeLillo – Influential novelist known for White Noise and Underworld.
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Gay Talese – Groundbreaking journalist and non-fiction writer, contributor to the “New Journalism” movement.
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Mario Puzo – Author of The Godfather novel, which became the basis for the famous film series.
Science & Innovation
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Enrico Fermi – Physicist and Nobel laureate; key figure in the development of nuclear power and the atomic bomb.
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Ettore Majorana – Theoretical physicist with significant contributions to quantum mechanics (noted more in Italian history but influential globally).
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Anthony Fauci – Noted again here for his contributions to medical science and public health.
Business & Entrepreneurship
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Amadeo Giannini – Founder of Bank of America; revolutionized modern banking.
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Richard Grasso – Former chairman and CEO of the New York Stock Exchange.
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Mario Gabelli – Billionaire investor and founder of Gabelli Asset Management Company.
Sports
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Joe DiMaggio – Baseball legend, Hall of Famer, and cultural icon.
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Vince Lombardi – Legendary NFL coach; the Super Bowl trophy is named in his honor.
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Rocky Marciano – Undefeated heavyweight boxing champion.
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Dan Marino – Hall of Fame quarterback for the Miami Dolphins.
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Tommy Lasorda – Hall of Fame manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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Nick Sirianni – Head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.
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Gianpaolo Della Croce – Olympic gold medalist in fencing; represented the U.S.
Fashion & Design
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Domenico De Sole – Former CEO of Gucci and co-founder of Tom Ford International.
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John Varvatos – Prominent American fashion designer with Italian heritage.
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