Past Virtual Events

Did you just find out you inherited a property in Italy? Not sure what are the next steps? Or what about if you own a property in Italy and you want to leave it for your children and grandchildren? Not sure what to do? No problem. Our legal expert, Antonello Pierro will take us through the steps of navigating the legal process of inheriting property and even give advice as to what to do if you want to leave property to your children or relatives. Don’t miss this informative webinar!

Italians have always been masters of reinvention. We will explore the fascinating story of how post-WWII Italy arose like a phoenix from the ashes and devastation, transforming itself from the face of Il Duce to La Dolce Vita. You’ll discover how “Brand Italy” came to conquer the world through its’ creatively, passion and excellence in the realms of film, fashion & design and gastronomy & viticulture.

Genealogy and Dual Citizenship Expert Bianca Ottone will guide us through conversation on researching immigration records and Italian records! She will provide valuable insight on the processes and provide tips on these topics in this informative webinar.

Dreaming of living la dolce vita and owning a home in a small Italian town overlooking the Mediterranean Sea or perhaps among the rolling hills of Tuscany? It can be quite challenging to navigate the complicated and bureaucratic process of purchasing property if you are not familiar with the Italian law or language. But it’s doable, especially when you have a lawyer by your side for every step of the way to make sure you don’t get into any sticky situations. Antonello will be joining us direct from Rome, Italy to break it all down for you. If you are curious about purchasing a property in Italy, you won’t want to miss this presentation

By now you probably have heard of the homes for sale in Italy for 1 euro! Indeed, in an effort to repopulate sleepy small towns, municipalities throughout Italy are attempting to incentivize mainly Americans to purchase abandoned homes to reverse years of population decline. But are the houses really selling for 1 euro? And what does it take to really purchase one. Lauren Hopkins of Your Italian Passport and Nikki Taylor of Italy Property Consulting will break it all down for you and answer your questions. Don’t miss your chance to find out what’s really going on.

Italy has reopened to American tourists! Learn all about the requirements to enter Italy and what you can expect once touring the land of la dolce vita.

From being born during a summer downpour in 1815 to becoming an Italian icon known and loved all over the world, Manifatture Sigaro Toscano (Toscano Cigars) have grown to become Italy’s favorite cigars. Discover the rich history behind Toscano cigars and join National Brand Ambassador, Michael Cappellini for a tasting of four varieties of Toscano cigars paired with some of his favorite liquors and cocktails.

Il Palio di Siena, a four-day cultural sporting extravaganza, culminates in the world’s most thrilling horse race. Lasting a mere 75-90 seconds, it is the climax of a fiercely competitive all-consuming year-round rivalry between the 17 contrade (districts) of Siena. Leading up to the race, crowds mob the Piazza del Campo as processions of the Contrade bedecked in armor and silk transform the city into a spectacle right out of the Cinquecento. Flag bearers perform extravagant displays of waving, throwing and twirling to the sound of military drums and trumpets.

Experience the Palio’s colorful pageantry virtually through stunning photographs taken at the July 2, 2019 race as author, lecturer and photographer Carla Gambescia explores the race’s fascinating history and traditions with us.

In this virtual wine experience Tony Margiotta will take you across sun-kissed Italy with artisanal wines that complement the summer season.

Answers to one of the most common questions for anyone embarking on the dual-citizenship process: Can’t I just apply in Italy? Lauren will discuss who may do so, how to establish residency in Italy, and the citizenship process for those taking their application across the pond.

Join Bianca Ottone of My Italian Family

Join NIAF and Award-Winning Author/Chef/TV Host Amy Riolo as we explore the history of Italian-American cuisine. Often misunderstood and misrepresented as “unauthentic,” the genuine culinary traditions of Italians in America are worth exploring and celebrating. In this fascinating and informative virtual tour, Chef Amy, a proud fourth generation Calabrian-American, defines six distinct categories of Italian American cuisine and how they came to be. She also compares and contrasts the Italian experience in Italy and the United States simultaneously as a means of illustrating how Italian-American cuisine evolved.

What’s in a name? Discover the meaning of your Italian last name with tips and tools from Bianca Ottone, founder of My Italian Family. Bianca will be taking questions from the audience and also research the last names of some audience members. Don’t miss the chance to find out exactly what your last name means!

Join NIAF and Lauren Hopkins for a discussion of the changes currently in place and to be expected in the recognition of Italian citizenship process in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, including up-to-date information on consular closures, anticipated re-openings, mail-in submissions, and application processing times. Lauren will even be taking your questions live. You won’t want to miss this informational webinar.

In honor of Jazz Appreciation Month in April, join NIAF and Vanessa Racci as she takes you on a musical journey through the history of Italian American influence on Jazz Music from 1917 New Orleans to modern day. Covering songs and discussing their history by artists such as Nick LaRocca, Joe Venuti, Louis Prima, Harry Warren, John Pizzarelli and many more! Vanessa will be singing select songs from her new album Jazzy Italian. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable evening and a chance to interact with Vanessa!

Join us to meet Writer/Director Julio “Giulio” Vincent Gambuto, who is behind the new Italian and Italian American family film TEAM MARCO from Samuel Goldwyn Films. He will be interviewed by Taylor Taglianetti, founder of the National Organization of Italian Americans in Film & Television (NOIAFT).

Join Award-Winning Author, Chef, TV Host, and Mediterranean Diet Ambassador Amy Riolo as she teaches the extra virgin olive oil tips, health benefits, and recipes necessary to enjoy a delicious and healthful lifestyle. Amy will outline successful strategies from her award-winning Mediterranean Diabetes Cookbook, The Ultimate Mediterranean Diet Cookbook, and The Italian Diabetes Cookbook as well as share the story behind her private label EVOO. You’ll learn how to taste, buy, store, cook with and pair EVOO for maximum flavor and nutritional benefits.

Join Award-Winning Author, Chef, TV Host, and Mediterranean Diet Ambassador Amy Riolo as we explore the Italian roots of the Mediterranean lifestyle. We’ll take a virtual culinary tour back to ancient times to learn how the tenents of “the world’s healthiest” diet were upheld in Italy’s Magna Grecia. Like the Greeks, the ancient Romans also viewed food as a source of medicine, pleasure, and currency. The evolution of the Mediterranean lifestyle in Italy is not only fascinating to witness, it also provides us with the perfect strategies to incorporate into our modern lives for optimal wellness.

Take a journey with The Sicilian Tenors as they explore the history behind some of the great Neapolitan songs like O Sole Mio, Core n’grato, and Funiculi Funicula, along with other songs made popular by great Italian American singers. The Sicilian Tenors bring together three marvelous Tenor voices, each singing their own interpretation of Italy’s best music in this NIAF Virtual Event. The evening will sure to be a wonderful introduction to the rich history and musical heritage we all love.

Discover the surprising stories behind some of our most cherished holiday traditions from Saint Nicholas (Babbo Natale) and the nativity to candy canes and Christmas lights. We’ll explore how both the pagan and Christian magically coalesced into the holiday we celebrate today as well as a few less familiar uniquely Italian customs such as the Feast of the Epiphany and wearing red underwear! Intrigued? Andiamo! Join us, and let’s celebrate Natale and Capodanno together. Award-winning author, lecturer and photographer, Carla Gambescia, will be our guide to the holiday festivities!

The name of the game is diversity: There are a myriad of great wines from Italy and, although we sometimes focus on a certain region, the holiday season is a good time to show off a range of wines. Wine Tasting Shopping List: La Marca Prosecco (Veneto, non-vintage), Donnachiara 2019 Fiano di Avellino (Campania) and Avignonesi 2013 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (Tuscany).

From being born during a summer downpour in 1815 to becoming an Italian icon known and loved all over the world, Manifatture Sigaro Toscano (Toscano Cigars) have grown to become Italy’s favorite cigars. Discover the rich history behind Toscano cigars and join National Brand Ambassador, Michael Cappellini for a tasting of three varieties of Toscano cigars as well as a pairing with three well-known Italian and American liquors.

This webinar will feature a tasting of the Toscano Antico cigar, the Toscano Garibaldi cigar and the Toscano Classico cigar. If you would like to purchase these cigars to accompany the tasting, please visit https://www.toscanocigars.com/shop/cigars/. This webinar will also feature a pairing of the cigars with Lo Chardonnay di Nonino Grappa, Disaronno Originale and Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Ever dream of owning a house in Italy? Well it’s never been a better time to make your dream a reality. Whether you’re interested in purchasing a summer home, retiring in la bella italia, or even purchasing a bed and breakfast, Antonello Pierro is here to walk you through all the necessary steps to make your dream come true and most importantly not get scammed!

Venezia is Queen of the Adriatic, La Serenissima, maritime Republic of over 1,000 years, a vast museum, a triumph of human will over Nature, once a beehive of espionage, the luxury & pleasure capital of Europe, a mecca of extraordinary artists and personalities and zenith of all Grand Tours … yet even today, Venice remains in many ways, an enigma. Come explore Venice’s complexities and seeming contradictions as we discover some of its many secrets and celebrate the city of myth, mystery, and majesty that has captured the imagination of dreamers and travelers alike for hundreds of years. Part 2 explores Venice as the pinnacle of the cultural & luxury capital of Europe through its slow yet opulent & sybaritic decline and ultimately to its reinvention as a real-life fantasy destination and the world’s most enchanting open-air museum.

Venezia is Queen of the Adriatic, La Serenissima, maritime Republic of over 1,000 years, a vast museum, a triumph of human will over Nature, once a beehive of espionage, the luxury & pleasure capital of Europe, a mecca of extraordinary artists and personalities and zenith of all Grand Tours … yet even today, Venice remains in many ways, an enigma. Come explore Venice’s complexities and seeming contradictions as we discover some of its many secrets and celebrate the city of myth, mystery, and majesty that has captured the imagination of dreamers and travelers alike for hundreds of years. Part 1 explores Venice’s inauspicious beginnings at the end of the Roman empire as a lagoon-based refugee encampment to its apex as a commercial, naval & financial juggernaut and Xanadu of architecture & cultural cross-currents.

Join Lauren Hopkins, founder of Your Italian Passport, as she helps you navigate the Italian consulates from making an appointment to communicating effectively with consulate personnel.

Genealogy and Dual Citizenship Expert Bianca Ottone will guide us through where to find and how to request Naturalization, Census, US Vital, and Italian Vital Records! She will provide valuable insight on the processes and provide tips on these topics in this informative webinar.

Join Lauren Hopkins, founder of Your Italian Passport, as she helps you navigate obtaining citizenship for your spouse, including the new language requirement and exploring alternatives for your spouse.

Get to know Tuscany through its fascinating history of Chianti Classico. Today, Chianti Classico is considered by many to be the highest-quality offering from the Chianti wine region. Wine List: Antinori Peppoli Chianti Classico (Tuscany), Banfi Chianti Classico (Tuscany) and an alternate white, Mauro Sebaste Roero Arneis (Piedmont)

Join Lauren Hopkins, founder of Your Italian Passport, as she helps you navigate the complicated 1948 law. She will break it all down for your in this one hour session.

An interactive and entertaining “salon” led by author, cultural expert and former restaurateur, Carla Gambescia exploring Italy’s culinary heritage from antiquity to the present day.

In this third session of NIAF’s Virtual Genealogy Series, we will show you where you can find Italian Vital Records, Military Records, Passport Records, Notary Records, among others. Whether you are applying for Italian Citizenship or researching your Family History, finding the Italian vital records of your Italy-born Ancestor who migrated here, is essential. We will explain how to use available online databases, provide useful tips, including live demonstrations.

Explore the alchemy of Italy and the “cultural DNA” that has made Italy not only so influential, but also so beloved. Enjoy this inspiring lecuture with a brilliant slideshow.

In this second session of NIAF’s Genealogy Series, we are going to show you how to research U.S. Records (Immigration Records, Census Records, Naturalization Records, among others).