I’m very thankful to my parents for speaking Italian to us growing up and although I understand the reasons behind some Italian parents not wanting their children to learn the language (depending on when they emigrated from Italy),I don’t agree with that philosophy and personally think it’s unfortunate as well as a wasted opportunity. Putting the language aside,what’s truly important in my opinion is staying in touch with our Italian heritage and customs. That’s a big reason behind Italyville. So what if you want to reconnect,stay connected or just learn about Italian culture? Oh,you mean beside visiting Italyville??
Many cities in the US have Italian Cultural Centers,which can be an incredible resource! We have a local Italian Cultural Center and you may have one too. Recently,Daniela from Westchester County contacted me regarding the Westchester Italian Cultural Center,so I went to their website and WOW! They have some impressive events,classes for children and adults,food and wine tastings,exhibits,art,music and more. For all you tri-state area Italians and there are LOTS of you…make sure to check it out. I haven’t been to many but Westchester looks top-notch. If you’re not from the tri-state area,make sure to check out the Italian Cultural Center near you. A simple google search brings up Italian Cultural Centers in Minneapolis/St. Paul,Chicago,Houston,San Diego,Baltimore,Westchester and Washington DC. Make sure to check out the Italian Cultural Center near you.
For more information on the Westchester Italian Cultural Center and their amazing programs and facilities (they have a great looking kitchen and wine cellar!):Westchester Italian Cultural Center Stay connected with your Italian Heritage and make sure to share it with your children. They will thank you for it.
Was raised in Westchester but I’ve never been inside the cultural center. Will look around here and see what we have. Our cultural center was grandma’s house
We’ve got a great Italian cultural center in Princeton,N.J. called “Dorothea’s House.”Check it out at http://www.dorotheashouse.org. Italian classes,movies,lectures,etc.
That’s funny as I used to work in one twenty odd years ago when I lived in Melbourne !
One of the biggest disappointments we’ve always had was that our grandparents refused to speak Italian to the kids (“we are Americans now!”).
As an adult its so hard to learn the language now to teach it to my children …especially since I married an English/Irish/Scottish/you name it sort of guy.
I took classes at the Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles and they were fantastic.
The Italian Cultural Center in San Diego is fantastic. I’m taking my 3rd class there right now and they offer all kinds of film events and food tastings. Love it!
http://www.italiancommunitycenter.org/
This is the Minneapolis and St Paul,Minnesota Italian Cultural Center. We have had some great events (Carnevale,etc),Italian film nights and also language classes and events for children…check it out…