Italian Americans in the Santa Clara Valley Exhibit

Early this month, the Italian American Heritage Foundation of San Jose has presented a new exhibition dedicated to all the Italian Americans in the Santa Clara Valley.

The exposition, opened to the public last April 9, will be on display through May 30. The IAHF’s library exhibit is a historic glimpse into the contributions of Italian Americans to the greater Santa Clara Valley community.

Licursi’s Barber Shop, 1929. Sam Licursi at front chair

These historic shards chronicle the hard work, dedication to family, fraternity, faith and creativity common to all immigrant groups to this great land.

An exhibit reception was held on Monday, April 22, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at The Jennifer & Phillip Di Napoli Gallery, at Martin Luther King, Jr. Library in San Jose.

The focus of this exhibit is the IAHF photo collection, which was started in 1961 by San Jose State Professor John and Lonnie De Vincenzi in 1985. They donated 80 photos to the Italian American Heritage Foundation. In addition, many people in the community stepped up, and through their many generous donations helped to enrich this exhibit. The collection has expanded to 1,000 photos and newspaper articles.

Since November 15, 1985 the Italian American Heritage Foundation has celebrated the official exhibition opening of the photo collection which is on permanent display.

Exhibit Information: Italian Americans in the Santa Clara Valley (April 9—May 30, 2013)

Martin Luther King, Jr. Library

150 E. San Fernando Street

San Jose, CA

Through May 20

Mon-Thurs — 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

Fri — 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Sat — 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Sun — 1:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.

Mon-Thurs — 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

Fri — 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

If you are interested in becoming a docent for this exhibit please contact