Center for Italian Culture Collection consists of donated materials from individuals, families, and organizations, presents archival documents and artifacts related to the history of Italian- Americans in New England
For more information on this collection please contact Asher Jackson, Archivist at Fitchburg State University:
Archives & Special Collections
(978) 665-4869
ajacks19@fitchburgstate.edu
Sons of Italy, Fitchburg
This collection is donated by Patricia Vacca Martin after being preserved carefully by her mother. The collection contains historical documents relating to the activities carried out by the Order Sons of Italy chapter in Fitchburg from 1972-2001.
“Originally called Ordine Figli d’Italia, the Order Sons of Italy in America® (OSIA) was established in the Little Italy neighborhood of New York City on June 22, 1905, by Vincenzo Sellaro, M.D., and five other Italian immigrants who came to the United States during the great Italian migration (1880-1923). Their aim was to create a support system for all Italian immigrants that would assist them with becoming U.S. citizens, provide health/death benefits and educational opportunities and offer assistance with assimilation in America. In 2017, the Order Sons of Italy in America was renamed the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America® (OSDIA).” (https://www.osia.org/about/history/)
The collection of Sons of Italy includes The Purple Aster, Constitution and Supreme Laws, Grand Lodge By-Laws, and minutes of the organization. This collection also contains the awards that they received.
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This collection can be found online and in Archives. For more information on this collection please contact Asher Jackson, Archivist at Fitchburg State University: