Abruzzo and Molise Heritage Society
Established in June 2000, the Abruzzo and Molise
Heritage Society is comprised of natives and descendants of immigrants
from the Abruzzo and Molise regions of Italy. Members hold monthly
meetings, an annual gala and take part in several cultural events with
other Italian and Italian-American organizations.
The Society dedicates time to interest groups in
genealogy, travel, gastronomy of Abruzzo and Molise and conversational
Italian. A monthly newsletter, AMS Notizario goes out to all members and is available on the Society’s
website: www.abruzzomoliseheritagesociety.org. The
Society strives to preserve Italian cultural and linguistic traditions
through support for Italian language programs, the AMHS Scholarship
Fund, and an established linkage with authorities in the two regions
for mutual cooperation. Top
FIERI, meaning “proud, is a group of students and young professionals of Italian heritage who meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 6:30P.M. at Casa Italiana (595 ½ Third St. NW) to discuss ways to celebrate and promote the Italian culture and heritage. FIERI also serves as a social and networking outlet for those who are interested in Italian culture. FIERI sponsors several events annually, including happy hours on the third Friday of each month, an opera night, wine tastings and Festa Italiana. Check them out at www.fieridc.org for upcoming events and membership information. Top
Il Circolo Filippo Mazzei
(The Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area Italian Genealogical Society)
Il Circolo Filippo Mazzei, the Washington D.C. Metro Area Chapter of POINTers-In-Person, meets quarterly on Saturdays at the Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Avenue, McLean, VA. POINTers-In-Person is the social aspect of POINT (Pursuing our Italian Names Together), the largest Italian Genealogy Organization in the United States. POINT publishes a quarterly journal of at least 60 pages and maintains a data base of family names being researched by members.
All interested in Italian Genealogy are welcome at the Circolo’s meetings. The meetings follow a "show-and-tell" format, where members share information. All meetings start at 10:00 a.m. and run until 1:00 p.m. Please see their website at http://circolomazzei.50webs.com for meeting dates and other information. Top
Italian Cultural Institute of Washington, D.C.
The Italian Cultural Institute (ICI) is the cultural
arm of the Italian embassy in Washington. The Institute is dedicated to promoting the Italian language and culture through the organization of cultural events and activities. Their
website, http://www.iicwashington.esteri.it/IIC_Washington/ offers
a listing of events both at the institute and sponsored by the institute
in the Washington metropolitan area. Their site also includes
a running list of art exhibitions and other cultural events taking place
in Italy. Top
Italian Cultural Society (ICS) of Washington D.C.
The Italian Cultural Society (ICS) holds meetings
on the third Sunday of every month at 3P.M. at the Friendship Heights
Village Center (4433 South Park Ave., Chevy Chase, MD). During
meetings, lectures or presentations are given by experts on topics such
as Italian art, archeology, music, history, science, education, literature
and politics.
Members receive the ICS’s monthly newsletter, “Poche Parole,” including the topic of the next meeting’s presentation, Society matters and other informative articles. Members also are eligible for discounts on language classes through ICS’s language program and free admission to all meetings, ICS-sponsored events and Italian films and conversation classes that take place before the monthly meetings. Please see http://www.italianculturalsociety.org/membership.html for more information. Top
Lido Civic Club
The Lido Civic Club of Washington, DC was established
in 1929. For over 75 years it has brought together Washington Area businessmen to enjoy not only their shared business interest but also their Italian American culture. The Club meets every third Thursday at Alfio’s Restaurant in Chevy Chase for General Membership meetings. Membership has been and continues to be socially and economically diverse while spanning multiple generations. Check
out their website http://www.lidocivicclub.com/index.htm for an events calendar and additional information.
The Club contributes to the Washington DC community through the awarding of scholarships to Italian American students attending local universities, in addition to helping the homeless, elderly, orphans, and disaster victims. Through the active participation of the Lido Club Membership and help from Friends of Lido, the club continues to promote the following objectives:
- Enhancing community awareness of the integration of Italian Heritage in society and increasing civic participation of Lido Members in the community.
- Enhancing Lido Member awareness of their Italian Heritage and introducing Members to the social, civic, and business community of the Washington Metropolitan Area.
- Recognizing and honoring outstanding persons who have rendered distinguished service to humanity, art, literature, industry, government, athletics, medicine, and the military.
- Perpetuating harmony, friendship, and understanding between the U.S. and Italy
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Lucchesi Nel Mondo
Founded in 1977 the Associzione Lucchesi Nel Mondo
(Tuscany Club) of Washington, D.C. brings together immigrants and descendants
of immigrants from Lucca and other places in Tuscany. The organization promotes social and cultural activities in the hopes of preserving Tuscan heritage for future generations born in the United States. Membership
is also open to anyone interested in the historical culture, customs and
culinary traditions of the region.
Lucchesi Nel Mondo (LNM) holds several annual activities including a costumed
dinner-dance in celebration of Carnevale, a dinner meeting with election
of officers and a picnic for members and their families. LNM also informs its members about other special events throughout the year such as Italian language opportunities, day trips and cooking and Italian craft classes. Please
see their website http://www.lucchesitoscani.org/ for more information. Top
National Italian American Foundation (NIAF)
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF)
is a non-profit organization serving as a major advocate in Washington,
DC for nearly 25 million Italian Americans, raising the prominence of
all things Italian in American culture and society, and making "Italian American" part
of the national conversation.
The NIAF holds an annual gala in October in Washington and through its website keeps all interested abreast of Italian-related events in the DC metropolitan area. The NIAF also gives numerous scholarships and works to promote a positive image of Italians and Italian Americans. Go to www.niaf.org for more information. Top
National Organization of Italian American Women (NOIAW)
The National Organization of Italian American Women is a sisterhood of diverse women from varied professional backgrounds. Members include doctors, lawyers, artists, scientists, nurses, businesswomen, educators, writers, judges, and women working in the home. It is the only national membership organization for women of Italian ancestry.
NOIAW sponsored events are educational, cultural and social in nature and focus on issues of interest to Italian American women. The programs recognize and promote the accomplishments and contributions of women of Italian ancestry as well as acknowledge women as keepers of the culture. NOIAW is committed to preserving Italian heritage, language, and culture while simultaneously promoting and supporting the advancement of women of Italian ancestry.
NOIAW has recently started a DC chapter. Please see their website http://noiaw.org/ for information on membership and local events. NOIAW DC also has a Facebook page.
Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA)
The Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) is the
oldest and largest national organization for men and women of Italian
descent. From its inception as an aid agency for Italian immigrants,
OSIA has expanded its mission to preserving Italian traditions, fighting
against the defamation and negative stereotyping of Italians and Italian
Americans in the media, and encouraging the teaching of Italian in schools.
OSIA is also a non-profit organization that devotes an immense effort to researching and advocating for issues that are important to people of Italian descent. OSIA holds an annual gala in May, highlighting scholarship winners and Italian American leaders in business and humanitarian efforts. Please see their website at www.osia.org for more information. Top
UNICO National
Founded in 1922, UNICO national is the nation’s largest Italian American service organization with over 130 chapters across the country. Its volunteer members are dedicated to their motto of “Service Above Self” as they actively support scholarships, cancer research, mental health and Cooley's Anemia. Each year UNICO holds its annual convention in different locales across the US where dignitaries, officers and delegates convene to present awards, scholarships and conduct UNICO National business.
UNICO National will host Taste of Italy Tradeshow and Auction on August 4, 2011 at the Crystal City Marriott in Arlington, VA. For more information, please e-mail unicotradeshow@ciaodc.com. Top