Italian American Museum: A little bit of Italy in Little Italy
Italian American Museum inhabits a former bank called the Banca Stabile on a street corner in the center of the Little Italy neighborhood. You can easily locate it by looking for the (pictured) lamp post painted up like an Italian flag. Perfectly preserved indications of the original Stabile business remain and are preserved as part of the neighborhood’s heritage; remainders include details such as the lettering on the museum’s main window and the text above the museum’s entrance.
The Banca Stabile location was chosen for the museum in part due to its centrality to the Italian American culture of Little Italy—a community cornerstone, the bank assisted the community with regular banking transactions, real estate affairs, currency exchange, wiring money and passports, many of which are on display in the museum today.
Though small, the Italian American Museum fulfills a need previously met only by traveling and temporary exhibits. In the heart of Little Italy, the Italian American Museum brings an affluent sense of preservation to the important cultural district.
In addition to rotating exhibits, visitors can explore the well-preserved bank and peruse memorabilia indicating the area’s history. Historic photographs and other materials are well-preserved in glass cases. The permanent installment includes a video (presented on a flat screen television) discussing the history of Little Italy. The museum also highlights the contributions of Italians and Italian Americans from the past and present, even hosting a gala and awards ceremony to honor notable Italian Americans each year.
The museum houses modern memorabilia as well—including a framed Danilo Gallinari jersey. A member of the New York Knicks, the Italian Gallinari is said to be one of New York’s most eligible bachelors, complete with a passion for basketball and a keen business sense.
Museum President Dr. Joseph Scelsa utilizes the museum’s Web site and social media to update interested parties on events and achievements. When a severe earthquake struck Italy in 2009, the Italian American Museum raised over $100,000 in aid—while bolstering their own membership and endowment. Scelsa’s 2009 in review video also indicated the city, state and federal governments contributing $2.5 million dollars to the Italian American Museum’s expansion efforts.
If you’d like to visit the Italian American Museum, give yourself at least an hour to examine everything thoroughly and watch the introductory video. Children are welcome, but parents should remain responsible throughout their visit as the museum houses countless culturally valuable items.
In addition to the museum's Web site, you can find more on the Facebook fan page.
Posted by Tara M. Clapper
