Suffolk County to Open New Italian-American Museum
The museum will celebrate the history, heritage, and contributions of Italian-Americans on Long Island.
Suffolk County is establishing a new museum dedicated to Italian-American history and heritage, county officials announced Thursday. The initiative aims to celebrate the generations of Italian-Americans who have shaped Long Island.
"So many Italian Americans have contributed to building Long Island and its continued success — we’re finally going to celebrate that properly," said Bob Fonti, leader of the Italian American Political Action Committee. The museum will feature the history of the region and the impact of its Italian-American community.
Suffolk County is home to approximately 320,000 Italian-Americans, representing nearly a quarter of the county's population. Census data indicates that neighboring Nassau County has an additional 238,000 Italian-American residents, bringing the total for Long Island to over 557,000, which is about 20% of the island's population.
Dr. Joseph Scelsa, founder and director of the Italian American Museum in Manhattan's Little Italy, stated that Long Island is a fitting location for the new institution. "It’s about time," Scelsa remarked during the announcement. "How did we get here — from steerage to the suburbs — that’s what this museum is going to talk about, that’s what this museum is going to tell you about."
Italian immigrants began arriving on Long Island in significant numbers at the turn of the 20th century. They often commuted via the Long Island Rail Road from New York City to find work in industries such as the sand mines of Port Washington and the lace mills of Patchogue. Many later settled in Glen Cove, contributing to the construction and upkeep of the Gold Coast estates. Long Island's first Sons of Italy lodge was established in Glen Cove in 1920.
The Italian enclave in Copiague was known as "Marconiville," named in honor of radio inventor Guglielmo Marconi, who visited the community multiple times between 1913 and 1917.
Officials have not yet set a timetable, budget, or specific location for the museum, which is expected to be privately funded. "I hope, next year, we’ll be making announcements on choosing a place — we have exhibits that we’re looking to do," said County Executive Ed Romaine. He added, "I cannot say enough about Italian-American traditions, family, their culture, and their food, all of which we enjoy here on Long Island."