Italian American Heritage Month

Italian American Heritage Month is a celebration of the contributions and achievements of Italian Americans to the United States. It is observed in the month of October each year. The history of Italian American Heritage Month can be traced back to a resolution passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President George H.W. Bush in 1990. Here’s a brief overview of its history and five ways to celebrate it:

History

Resolution: The idea of designating a month to celebrate Italian American heritage gained momentum in the late 1980s. In 1989, a resolution was introduced by Representative Mario Biaggi in the U.S. House of Representatives to establish October as Italian American Heritage Month.

Congressional Approval: The resolution gained bipartisan support and was passed by both houses of Congress. On October 5, 1989, President George H.W. Bush signed it into law as Public Law 101–226.

Purpose: Italian American Heritage Month aims to recognize and celebrate the achievements, culture, and contributions of Italian Americans to the United States in various fields, including art, music, science, politics, sports, and more.