National Italian American Foundation Meet & Greet

Join the History Center’s Italian American Program for a reception with representatives from the National Italian American Foundation.

During the meet and greet, attendees will learn more about how our organizations work to preserve and share the history and culture of Italian Americans.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a nationwide organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., and is the largest and most loyal representative of the more than 20 million Italian American citizens living in the United States. NIAF was founded in 1975 and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with no political affiliations. NIAF’s mission is to serve as a resource for the Italian American Community; to preserve the Italian American heritage and culture; to promote and inspire a positive image and legacy of Italian Americans; and to strengthen and empower ties between the United States and Italy.

NIAF’s two most important purposes are to encourage Italian Americans to continue keeping their culturally rich heritage and traditions alive and present, and to ensure that the entire community never forgets the great contribution that Italians have made to the history and progress of the United States. To this end, the Foundation actively collaborates with the United States Congress and the White House on all major issues affecting Italian Americans. Annually, NIAF awards roughly $1 million to promote Italian American culture and support the academic success of Italian American youth, administering nearly 200 scholarships annually, ranging in value from $2,500 to $12,000 to Italian American students studying a wide variety of subjects. Another program aimed at Italian American youth, The Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Voyage of Discovery (VOD), provides fully paid, first-time travel to Italy for young Italian American adults on a merit basis.

Admission 

This event is free to attend with advance registration and will be held in the museum’s fifth floor Mueller Center. Cash bar and light fare will be provided.

For more information, please contact Melissa E. Marinaro at memarinaro@heinzhistorycenter.org.