Italy's Mark on America

Renaissance Roots, American Story

America’s Italian roots run deeper than most realize. From Amerigo Vespucci giving our nation its very name to the Renaissance ideals embedded in our founding documents, Italian genius has been woven into America’s DNA from the beginning. Our heritage of innovation, artistry, and democratic vision has shaped the nation’s story – and the creativity, enterprise, and civic commitment of our ancestors continues to enrich America five centuries later. Our culture has flourished across generations – illuminating American stages and screens, building industries and cities, advancing science and medicine, and leading in every field of human endeavor.

At ItalianAmerica250, we are proud to support Italian American communities nationwide as they commemorate 250 years of American independence and 50 years of NIAF’s mission to preserve our heritage.  We believe this celebration will strengthen the enduring bonds between the United States and Italy – while inspiring new generations to carry forward the Italian American legacy of excellence, innovation, and service.

 

ItalianAmerica250 is a non-partisan, nationwide initiative of the National Italian American Foundation, dedicated to commemorating the profound and enduring legacy of Italians and Italian Americans in building and shaping America, as we celebrate the United States Semiquincentennial in 2026. This project reflects NIAF’s 50-year commitment to preserving Italian American heritage and is made possible through the generous support of our members, partners, and the Italian American community nationwide.

NIAF is proud to be the first partner of the Embassy of Italy in the America250 celebrations

On December 10, 2025, at Villa Firenze, in Washington, D.C., Ambassador Marco Peronaci and America250 Chair Rosie Rios signed a historic MOU to celebrate 250 years of Italian contributions to America’s identity.

From Filippo Mazzei’s influence on the Founding Fathers to the enduring legacy of Italian Americans, 2026 will showcase the deep friendship between our nations.

NIAF Chairman John Calvelli, NIAF President and CEO Robert Allegrini, and NIAF Vice Chair National Anita Bevacqua McBride were on hand to mark this momentous occasion. Thank you to Ambassador Peronaci for this incredible partnership as we honor our shared history!

About Us
Mission

ItalianAmerica250 is a non-partisan, nationwide initiative celebrating the enduring legacy of Italians and Italian Americans in shaping America’s story from the founding through today, as we commemorate the United States Semiquincentennial in 2026.

Vision Statement

From Amerigo Vespucci giving our nation its name to modern leaders shaping our future, Italian contributions have been woven into America’s fabric for 500 years. Our heritage of innovation, artistry, civic leadership, and democratic ideals continues to strengthen the American experiment.

History
"Five Centuries of Italian Genius in America"

The Naming of America (1500s): Amerigo Vespucci’s exploration and mapmaking

Architectural DNA (1700s-1800s): How Palladian principles shaped American civic buildings

Founding Era Influence (1770s): Mazzei’s friendship with Jefferson, Filangieri’s constitutional philosophy

The Great Migration (1880s-1920s): Building America’s infrastructure, neighborhoods, and industries

Scientific Revolution (1930s-1960s): Nobel laureates who transformed American research

Cultural Renaissance (1940s-present): Entertainment, arts, and literature

Modern Leadership (1970s-present): Politics, business, and social impact

Unsung Heroes
"The Italians Who Built America"

Early Italian Explorers/Discoverers

  • Andrea Palladio – Italian Renaissance architect whose classical designs became the visual DNA of American democracy – from Jefferson’s Monticello to the U.S. Capitol to countless state buildings nationwide
  • Amerigo Vespucci – Florentine explorer and navigator for whom America is named, the first to recognize that the New World was a separate continent distinct from Asia

Founding Era & Early Republic

  • Filippo Mazzei – Virginia wine maker, friend of Jefferson, influenced “all men are created equal” language
  • Gaetano Filangieri – Legal philosopher whose works influenced American constitutional thinking
  • Constantino Brumidi – Artist who painted the iconic Capitol dome and Rotunda frescoes
  • Lorenzo Da Ponte – Mozart’s librettist, first Professor of Italian at Columbia University

Scientists & Inventors

  • Enrico Fermi – Nobel Prize physicist, led Manhattan Project’s first nuclear reactor
  • Antonio Meucci – Early telephone developer and inventor

Business & Industry Leaders

  • Amadeo Giannini – Founded Bank of America, pioneered branch banking
  • Lee Iacocca – Chrysler CEO, automotive industry icon
  • Jeno Paulucci – Food industry pioneer (Chun King, Jeno’s Pizza)
  • Angelo Dundee – Legendary boxing trainer (Ali, Leonard)
  • Robert Mondavi – Premium wine industry pioneer

Entertainment & Arts

  • Frank Capra – Film director, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” multiple Oscars
  • Francis Ford Coppola – Director, “The Godfather” series, “Apocalypse Now”
  • Martin Scorsese – Acclaimed director, film preservation advocate
  • Frank Sinatra – Singer, actor, cultural icon
  • Dean Martin – Entertainer, Rat Pack member
  • Tony Bennett – Jazz legend, cultural ambassador
  • Robert De Niro – Academy Award-winning actor
  • Al Pacino – Iconic actor, “The Godfather,” “Scarface”
  • Lady Gaga – Grammy winner, cultural phenomenon
  • Sylvester Stallone – Actor, writer, “Rocky” creator
  • John Travolta – Actor, dancer, cultural icon
  • Madonna – Pop culture revolutionary
  • Danny DeVito – Actor, director, producer

Politics & Government

  • Fiorello La Guardia – Transformative NYC Mayor during Depression/WWII
  • Ella Grasso – First woman elected governor in her own right (Connecticut)
  • Mario Cuomo – New York Governor, “Keynote Kid,” liberal icon
  • Nancy Pelosi – First woman Speaker of the House
  • Antonin Scalia – Supreme Court Justice, constitutional originalist
  • Samuel Alito – Current Supreme Court Justice
  • John Pastore – First Italian American U.S. Senator
  • Geraldine Ferraro – First woman on major party presidential ticket
  • Rudy Giuliani – NYC Mayor during 9/11
  • Andrew Cuomo – New York Governor

Sports Heroes

  • Joe DiMaggio – Yankees legend, 56-game hitting streak
  • Yogi Berra – Baseball Hall of Famer, beloved philosopher
  • Rocky Marciano – Undefeated heavyweight boxing champion
  • Dan Marino – NFL Hall of Fame quarterback
  • Mike Piazza – Baseball Hall of Fame catcher
  • Vince Lombardi – Legendary NFL coach, Super Bowl trophy namesake
  • Joe Montana – NFL quarterback, four-time Super Bowl champion
Events
Upcoming Events

July 2, 2026 | Philadelphia
Full sitting of Congress planned in Independence Hall

July 4, 2026 | Washington, DC / Philadelphia / Boston / New York / Charleston
Anchor city events marking America’s 250th anniversary with nationwide celebrations

October 17, 2026 | Washington, D.C.
NIAF 51st Anniversary Gala will salute America’s 250 years and the Italian contribution to America