ITALIAN AMERICAN MUSEUM OF LOS ANGELES TO PRESENT CONFERENCE ON HISTORY OF
ITALIANS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, LIVE PERFORMANCE BY MUSICANTICA AND YOUTH WORKSHOPS
(Los Angeles, CA) An Italian American judge is responsible for banning the Ku Klux Klan in California. Italian immigrants introduced bell peppers, eggplant, broccoli, artichokes and many other crops to the state. The first Italian settlers arrived in Los Angeles when the region was still part of Mexico. From the entertainment industry to finance Italian Americans have played an integral role in the development of Southern California, yet their history remains largely unknown.
The Italian American Museum of Los Angeles (IAMLA) aims to raise awareness of this important history through Hidden Voices: Italian Americans and the Making of Southern California, a public history event that takes place on June 1st at El Pueblo Historical Monument in downtown Los Angeles, in what was the heart of the city’s little Italy. Hidden Voices will include a history conference featuring presentations by four noteworthy scholars: Dr. Joanne Ruvoli (UCLA), Dr. Kenneth Scambray (University of LaVerne), Daniel Gardner (UCLA) and IAMLA executive director and historian Marianna Gatto. The event will also include a performance by MusicAntica, showcasing the music of Southern Italy’s oral tradition, and lastly, educational workshops for youth.
IAMLA president Paul Pagnone had this to say about the event: “We tend to view Los Angeles’ diversity as if it was a new occurrence. By exploring the role Italians played in the development of Los Angeles, we gain a deeper understanding of the multi-layered history of Southern California and the region’s multi-cultural roots.”
The event is free and open to the public, however attendees are encouraged to RSVP via i[email protected] or (213) 485-8432.
ABOUT THE ITALIAN AMERICAN MUSEUM OF LOS ANGELES (IAMLA)
The Italian American Museum of Los Angeles is located in the historic Italian Hall at 424 North Main Street in downtown Los Angeles. Built in 1908, the Italian Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the oldest remaining structure from the city’s little Italy. Slated to re-open in 2014, the IAMLA will be a 21st century, interactive museum that documents the history and contributions of Italian Americans in Southern California and the nation.
The IAMLA will feature exhibitions and a variety of cultural-educational programming. It will welcome an estimated two million visitors of all origins annually, including 300,000 students. www.italianhall.org
What: Hidden Voices: Italian Americans and the Making of Southern California, a public history event featuring a history conference, musical performance and youth workshops.
Where: El Pueblo Historical Monument, 424 North Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
When: Saturday, June 1st, , Noon-4:30 PM
Information: For a detailed schedule of events visit www.italianhall.org or call (213) 485.8432
FOR MEDIA CREDENTIALS: [email protected]
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