On Saturday, May 18, members and friends of the Southern California Genealogical Society's Italian Interest Group gathered for a guided tour of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles downtown in the historic Italian Hall (est. 1908). An informative and personable guide named Vince led attendees through the exhibits as he pointed out fascinating (and in some cases awe-inspiring) facts about the history of the building itself (the Italian Hall), the Italian American community in Southern California, and the immigrant experience in general.
Viewing historical documents and relics related to the Italian American immigrant experience and the lives forged by Italians in Southern California lends tangible historical context to our research as genealogists.
The group also enjoyed a temporary exhibit celebrating the life and career of the venerable Italian American jazz musician, singer, bandleader, and entertainer Louis Prima (1910-1978),
featuring music and video clips, some remarkable items from Prima's wardrobe, and correspondence with such iconic personalities as President John F. Kennedy, Frank Sinatra, Walt Disney, and others.
Afterward, attendees enjoyed lunch at the nearby San Antonio Winery's Maddalena Restaurant, which serves Italian cuisine, salads, and sandwiches.
Taste of Italy in September
The Italian American Museum of Los Angeles is at 644 North Main Street, Los Angeles, California. IAMLA hosts a 21-and-over Taste of Italy, L.A.'s premier Italian food and wine event each year. Taste of Italy for 2024 is Saturday, September 28, and will feature award-winning restaurants, wineries, and entertainment. The 400 block of North Main Street in downtown Los Angeles will be transformed into a piazza setting and attended by more than 2,500 Italophiles.