Italian belonging in the SF Bay Area-ITAL 185 Winter 2024

This exhibit investigates the integration of Italian-American migrants and their descendants into various parts of American life.

The section "Beyond Little Italy: The Unrecognized Legacy of Italian-Americans in the Bay Area" examines the 'model colony' of San Francisco and delves into the lives of affluent Italian-American figures in the Bay Area, such as Amadeo P. Giannini and Domenico Ghirardelli. By exploring their enduring legacy and impact on the Bay Area and the greater United States, despite facing consistent prejudices, stereotypes, and difficulties assimilating, we gain a deeper appreciation for their impressive legacy that continues to prevail today.

In the section on Political Assimilation, there is a focus on the history and importance of political assimilation, answering the question, "Why is political assimilation so important?" It also compares and contrasts the experiences of Italian-American politicians from Illinois and California, based on interviews. This highlights the diversity and empowerment of Italian-Americans post-WWII.

The section on New York versus San Francisco assimilation explores the complex history of Italian Americans' journey of assimilation to American culture on both the East Coast and West Coast. It compares and contrasts the hardships these immigrants faced. It also showcases the periods when Italian immigrants first arrived in America and during the start of WWII.

"Worlds Apart" addresses intercontinental narratives of immigration, specifically between the unique experiences of Italian and Latino immigrants. It investigates why Italian and Latino immigrants identified with one another by detailing their cultural values, assimilation processes, and confrontations with outside forces throughout the 20th century.

The section exploring the Italian-American experience during the interwar period through the end of the Second World War examines how Italian-American attitudes towards politics, war, and culture changed during that turbulent time in world history.