The American Italian Heritage Museum

In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Phil DiNovo, the founder and executive director of the American Italian Heritage Museum. They discuss Phil’s Italian background, the journey of Italian immigrants, the values and traditions that have been passed down through generations, and the importance of preserving Italian heritage. Phil shares insights about the establishment of the museum, community engagement, and the significance of collecting and preserving artifacts that represent Italian culture. The conversation highlights the contributions of Italian Americans and the need to instill a sense of heritage in younger generations.

Takeaways

• Phil’s family has roots in Sicily, with grandparents immigrating in the early 1900s.
• The importance of hard work and frugality in Italian American families.
• Italian Americans have a rich cultural heritage that needs to be preserved.
• The role of family and community in maintaining traditions is crucial.
• Phil founded the American Italian Heritage Museum to educate and celebrate Italian culture.
• The museum offers various programs and events to engage the community.
• Italian Americans have made significant contributions to American history.
• Collecting artifacts is essential for preserving Italian heritage.
• It’s important to ask family members about their stories and heritage.
• The conversation emphasizes the need for younger generations to appreciate their cultural roots.

Sound Bites

• “We have family all the way over to California.”
• “Italian Americans, I think, are pretty good savers.”
• “It’s your job to teach the young.”
• “We need to learn more about our heritage.”
• “We owe them so much.”
• “You never know who’s going to walk through the door.”
• “People don’t realize that they’re Italian Jews.”