SUNSHINE AND STRUGGLE
THE ITALIAN EXPERIENCE IN LOS ANGELES, 1827-1927

Landmark Exhibition Explores the Largely Unknown History of Italians in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES - The Historic Italian Hall Foundation in collaboration with El Pueblo Historical Monument will present SUNSHINE AND STRUGGLE: THE ITALIAN EXPERIENCE IN LOS ANGELES, 1827-1927 from October 1 through November 15, 2008 at the Pico House Gallery. The history of Italians in Los Angeles is a seldom-examined topic that when explored, provides a more meaningful understanding of the city's rich history and unparalleled diversity. While few reminders of Los Angeles' long-disappeared little Italy remain, the Italian enclave was located in the heart of the city, in the areas surrounding El Pueblo Historical Monument, present-day Chinatown and Union Station, spreading eastward in the later years to Lincoln Heights. From the time of the first Italian settler's arrival in 1827, Italian immigrants held important civic and entrepreneurial positions and played an instrumental role in the city's economic development. SUNSHINE AND STRUGGLE features dozens of never-before-published photographs and numerous historical artifacts pertaining to the Italian American presence in Los Angeles, an experience that both mirrors and contrasts from that of their counterparts elsewhere in the United States. It is written and curated by historian Mariann Gatto. The opening reception will be held on Saturday October 4, 2008 from 7:00-10:00 p.m. at the Pico House Gallery at El Pueblo Historical Monument, 424 North Main Street, Los Angeles, 90012.

About the Historic Italian Hall Foundation

The Mission of the Historic Italian Hall Foundation is to foster a greater understanding of Southern California's diverse heritage through research, historic preservation, exhibits and educational programs that examine the history and continuing contributions of Italian Americans in multi-ethnic Los Angeles. The HIHF is a charitable, non-profit corporation that acts as a support group and community link for the museum, raising money through grants, corporate contributions individuals and organizations. The Italian American Museum is cooperatively developed and will be cooperatively managed by the Historic Italian Hall Foundation (HIHF) and El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument.

What: SUNSHINE AND STRUGGLE: THE ITALIAN EXPERIENCE IN LOS ANGELES, 1827-1927 is an exhibition that explores the Italian presence in Los Angeles from 1827-1927. It is presented by the Historic Italian Hall Foundation and El Pueblo Historical Monument.

Where: The Pico House Gallery at El Pueblo Historical Monument, 424 North Main Street, Los Angeles, 90012

When: October 1 through November 15, 2008

 

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BOCCE TOURNAMENT

bocce flyer

 

Invitation

 

Orchestra
Nick D'Egidio and the Dry Martini Orchestra entertain party goers at the Festa di Natale

 

Senator
Longtime supporter of the Italian Hall Museum California Senator Gilbert Cedillo (middle) with Suellen Cheng of the Chinese American Museum (left), HIHF President Josephine Mahoney and Board Member Rosemarie Lippman

 

Frank and Frank Jr
Frank DeSantis (standing) and Frank DeSantis Jr. with wife Penny (seated)

 

 

Cultural Affairs
Cultural Affairs Commissioner and Culture Clash member Richard Montoya (left) with El Pueblo Comissioners Patricia Nieto and Norma Navarro

 

Sergio
HIHF Vice President Sergio Bracci and President Josephine Mahoney greet Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa at a recent press conference held at the Italian Hall for the Siqueiros Mural.

 

Officers
HIHF Officer Installation 2006: Left to right: HIHF council Jim Mahoney, Vice President Sergio Bracci, President Josephine Mahoney, Curator Marianna Gatto, Joe Cerrell, Nick Costantini (seated), Italian Consul General Diego Brasioli, Treasurer George Carone

 

Mayor of Rome
Development Director Christine Giuliano and Curator Marianna Gatto greet Walter Veltroni, the Mayor of Rome.