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A unique insight into the lives of Italians and Italian Americans during the tumultuous World War II Period and based on actual letters written by the author’s mother to her aunt in Sicily. This is a book that will touch everyone regardless of country of origin. This is a voyage that is not only literal but symbolic for Anna, the young woman away from family and friends – embarking on a journey filled with surprising twists.

Registration is required.
Admission: free

Rosemarie Serrano, Prof. and Chair of the Music will examine Verdi's messages of "freedom" and "homeland" in his operas. Beginning with his first success, Nabucco the composer  purposely included political messages in his opera. Politics helped determine Verdi's success as well as the difficulties he encountered.

Admission:  free; open to the public

Watch, taste, and learn how to prepare some delectable Italian dishes with Staten Island's very own chef-owner Vittorio Asoli of Trattoria Romana. As an added bonus to this memorable "Cooking from the Heart" class, and tasting all guests will be entered into a sweepstakes for a chance to win a vacation package for two in Tuscany, Italy. Reservations required.

Admission: $95 per peson

In collaboration with Arba Sicula, a not-for-profit international society whose main objective is the preservation and promotion of the Sicilian language and culture. Must register in advance and prepay.
Admission: Members $15; Non-Members $25

The Zerilli-Marimò/City of Rome Prize for Italian Fiction is awarded every two years to a new Italian work of fiction deemed especially worthy of the attention of readers in North America and the English-speaking world. Funded by Baronessa Mariuccia Zerilli-Marimò, the prize consists of a grant of $3,000 to the author of the winning work and a contribution of up to $10,000 toward its publication in the United States.

Preschool and Elementary grades. An opportunity to explore our bilingual curricula and educational activities. No prior knowledge of either the Italian or English language is required for entering grades Pre-K through 9th. Supplemental Italian as a second language as well as English as a second language classes are provided in each Division and at all levels.

Lecture by prominent art historian David Rosand. Please note that this lecture is part of a Columbia University course and will begin promptly at the noted time.

David Rosand is a graduate of Columbia College and received his PhD from Columbia. He joined the faculty in 1964, has served twice as chairman of the Department of Art History and Archeology, as director of Art Humanities, and as chairman of the Society of Fellows in the Humanities; he currently chairs the Department's Wallach Art Gallery Committee.

The annual Gala Dinner for the Italian sector of Radio Maria New York. This year's honorees include: Famous New York Chef Rocco Sacramone, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Reali, Jr. and the entire Reali family and John and Loretta Ingravallo.

Screening of six recently produced Italian films. Guest filmmakers will offer remarks and conduct Q & A sessions.

Saturday, 2:00 pm:
MINE VAGANTI (LOOSE CANNONS) 2009, 108 min. Directed by Ferzan Orzpetek.
Cast:  Nicola Grimaudo, Riccardo Scarmarcio

Anna was born in 1891 in Brooklyn, New York to Serefina and Raffaello, immigrants from the town of Ottati, Salerno in the region of Campania. Anna married Dominick Piecoro in January 1908 at the age of 16. Together they had six children. This wedding gown was restored by Sarah Byrd, a student in the Fashion and Textiles Studies Masters Program, at The Fashion Institute of Technology. Please join us as Ms. Byrd discusses the conservation techniques used in restoring this historical garment. 
Seating is limited. Registration required.
Admission: $5