History
“Heritage is an essential part of the Italian American experience. It is our heritage that inspires us to do more to improve our society. It is our heritage that helps us understand who we are and provides us with a deeper appreciation of our values.
Beyond that, our Italian American heritage reminds us that – no matter how high we have risen in terms of education, wealth, or prestige – we stand on the shoulders of immigrants, the vast majority of whom arrived on the shores of America with very little in the way of education, wealth or prestige.
And part of the immigration experience of many Italians during the first half of the twentieth century was the realization that not only were they outsiders in a strange land, but their loyalty to their newly adopted country was questioned.”
– Taken from the October 2004 Issue, October as Italian American Heritage Month Newsletter
Comm. Lino Rullo, President in 2004
the Hon. Peter W. Agnes, Jr., Chairman of the Board in 2004
the Hon. Joseph V. Ferrino, Chairman Emeritus in 2004
History
The October as Italian Heritage Month Committee was formed in 1999 and spearheaded the filing and enactment of legislation declaring October as Italian American Heritage Month in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Former Senate President Robert E. Travaglini and former House Speakers Salvatore F. Di Masi, and Robert A. De Leo carried the Bill to passage in the legislature. Governor Argeo Paul Cellucci signed the Bill into Law on October 15, 1999, requiring every future sitting governor to issue an annual Proclamation declaring October as Italian American Heritage Month. On September 27, 2024 the October Italian Heritage Month Committee hosted a grand celebration in honor of their 25th year anniversary.
Celebrating Italian Contributions to America
The Italian Heritage Month Committee took on two very important missions. The first was to promote the many contributions that Italians and Italian Americans had made to the United States. Throughout the nation’s history, Italians and Italian Americans can be found in virtually every profession and every field of endeavor, from the sciences to sports, the arts and government, and every other industry that makes America a leading nation. Proudly and selflessly, Italian Americans have courageously fought, bled, and died in every war since the American Revolution.
Defending Italians Against a Negative Image
The secondary mission was to fight the stereotyping of Italian Americans by the entertainment, advertising, and media industries and to collaborate with other groups to ensure that people of all races, religions and cultures are treated with dignity and respect.
Providing a Leadership Role Through Unity
The October Italian Heritage Month Committee was designed to include the leaders of Italian and Italian American associations throughout Massachusetts. Each year since its inception, on October 1st, the committee invites Italian and Italian American organizations, government officials and the general public to the official kickoff event held at the State House in Boston, MA. In addition, the committee hosts a unity Mass at St. Leonard’s Church in the North End on the first Sunday in October and a Columbus Day Breakfast at the Dante Alighieri Cultural Center in Cambridge, MA.
Throughout the month of October, Italian and Italian American organizations across Massachusetts sponsor events such as dinners, dances, concerts, lectures, culinary demonstrations, festivals, movies and much more. Food and music are everywhere in joyous celebration of our Italian heritage.
A Day of Celebration
Columbus Day parades and festivities continue to be held in several communities throughout the Commonwealth. This day of celebration reminds us of how far our ancestors have traveled, how hard it was to assimilate into a new land, and their accomplishments and contributions made to the world. It is also an invitation to people of all races and ethnic backgrounds to join us by becoming Italian for the month – and true friends for a lifetime.
Honoring our Founders
October Italian Heritage Month here in Massachusetts honors the contributions of Italians and Italian Americans. We would like to thank all of the individuals and organizations that have participated and continue to remain active throughout October as Italian American Heritage Month. Please continue to join us in attending our many cultural events across the Commonwealth in October and throughout the year.
We take this opportunity to remember and honor the founders of October as Italian American Heritage Month, Judge Joseph V. Ferrino (deceased), Gr. Uff. Lino Rullo, and Judge Peter W. Agnes, who turned a magnificent idea into a reality.
October Italian Heritage Month Committee Presidents and Chairmen:
1999 to 2001 – Judge Joseph V. Ferrino, Chairman*
2002 to 2005 – Gr. Uff. Lino Rullo, President – Judge Peter W. Agnes, Chairman
2006 to 2008 – Dr. Stephen F. Maio, President – Cav. Kevin A. Caira, Chairman
2009 to 2012 – Cav. Kevin A. Caira, President – Dr. Stephen F. Maio, Chairman
2013 to 2014 – Cav. James Di Stefano, President – Dr. John Christoforo, Chairmen
2015 to 2016 – Cav. James DiStefano, President – Dr. Frank Mazzaglia, Chairman*
2017 to 2019 – Richard J. Vita, Esq., President – Dr. Frank Mazzaglia, Chairman*
2020 to Present – Richard J. Vita, Esq., President – Cav. Kevin A. Caira, Chairman