Suozzi Leads Bipartisan Bill to Establish a National Museum of Italian American History
Washington, D.C.— Last week, Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY), a first-generation Italian American and a member of the Congressional Italian American Caucus, introduced the bipartisan National Museum of Italian American History Commission Act. This legislation would create a planning commission to examine the possibility of creating a Smithsonian Museum of Italian American History on the Washington Mall. He co-leads this bipartisan legislation alongside Congressman Michael Rulli (R-OH), a fellow Italian American and Co-Chair of the Italian American Congressional Delegation.
The legislation commission would be comprised of experts in museum planning and the immigrant experience in America. Modeled after legislation that paved the way for the creation of museums dedicated to the rich cultural history of other ethnic groups, like the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Museum of Asian Art and Culture, and the National Museum of the American Latino, this bill would examine the feasibility of establishing, maintaining, funding, and operating a facility dedicated to the Italian American legacy as part of the Smithsonian Institution.
“As a first-generation Italian American, I am proud to introduce this legislation to begin the process of establishing a museum dedicated to the rich history and countless contributions of Italian Americans in our nation,” said Rep. Suozzi.
“I am honored to introduce this bill with Congressman Suozzi, with the goal of establishing the Smithsonian National Museum of Italian American History. The journey of my family—beginning with Nicola and Frank Rulli, who immigrated from Calabria to build a new life—reflects the resilience, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit of so many Italian Americans. From working in steel mills and on local farms to opening the first Rulli Bros. Market in 1917, their story is one of hard work, sacrifice, and an enduring commitment to community. This museum will preserve and celebrate those contributions, ensuring that future generations understand the profound impact Italian Americans have had on shaping our nation’s history and culture,” said Rep. Rulli.
Italian Americans have made invaluable contributions to the United States. From Fortune 500 CEOs and public servants to Supreme Court Justices and Nobel Prize recipients, Italian Americans have excelled in all areas of American life. The Italian American story is the quintessential American story—immigrants arriving in our country and embracing commitments to family, community, public service, love of country, and hope for a better future.
This legislation is supported by every major Italian American organization in the country, including 70 organizations in the COPOMIAO group and eight founding organizations in the Italian American Leadership Forum. It is also cosponsored by every member of the Italian American Congressional Delegation’s leadership.
“My father was born in Ruvo del Monte, Italy, and immigrated to the United States as a child,” said Suozzi. “Here, he served as a B-24 navigator in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He came home from the war and attended Harvard Law School on the G.I. bill. At 28 years old, he was elected City Court Judge in our hometown of Glen Cove, the youngest judge in the history of New York State. He went on to live an American success story. His story, and the story of so many other Italian Americans of his generation, embodies the American dream and fulfills the very promise of this country. These stories deserve a platform to be told.”
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