Our History Through the Years

Originally called Ordine Figli d’Italia, the Order Sons of Italy in America® (OSDIA) was established in the Little Italy neighborhood of New York City on June 22, 1905, by Vincenzo Sellaro, M.D., and five other Italian immigrants who came to the United States during the great Italian migration (1880-1923). Their aim was to create a support system for all Italian immigrants that would assist them with becoming U.S. citizens, provide health/death benefits and educational opportunities and offer assistance with assimilation in America. In 2016, the Order Sons of Italy in America was renamed the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America® (OSDIA).

UNICO was founded on October 10, 1922, in Waterbury, Connecticut. A group of 15 men, led by Dr. Anthony P. Vastola, came together to create what has become a very special and very proud organization. It was Dr. Vastola’s dream to create an Italian American service organization to engage in charitable works, support higher education, and perform patriotic deeds.

Columbus Citizens Foundation was founded over 75 years ago by the children of immigrants to memorialize the contributions of their Italian ancestors to the rich mosaic of America. Originally formed as the Columbus Citizens Committee in 1944, the organization purchased their permanent headquarters just off Fifth Avenue in 1967 and became the Columbus Citizens Foundation in 1982.

Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) was established as the philanthropic arm of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America.

UNICO Foundation was established as the philanthropic arm of UNICO.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) was founded in Washington, D.C., in 1975. It was formed by a group of Italian Americans under the guidance of Monsignor Geno Baroni.

The organization was created as a national forum to support and represent the Italian American community, with its first office opening in Washington, D.C., in 1976

The Commission for Social Justice® (CSJ) was founded in 1979 as the anti-defamation arm of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America® to fight the stereotyping of Italian Americans by the entertainment, advertising and media industries.

Established in 1980, the National Organization of Italian American Women (NOIAW) was founded by Dr. Aileen Riotto Sirey when she was searching for an organization dedicated to Italian-American women. The more she searched, none were found.

Then, while at a lecture given by the groundbreaking Geraldine Ferraro, Aileen introduced herself. Afterwards she asked Gerry, “Do you know of any organizations for Italian-American women?”

Gerry replied, “No, why don’t you start one!”

And that was the beginning of the National Organization of Italian American Women (NOIAW), including a wonderful partnership and friendship.

Established in 2023, IALF was created to unify Italian American organizations and strengthen their collective influence. Since its founding, the Forum has worked to amplify the voice of our community, promote cultural pride, and address the most pressing public policy issues facing Italian Americans today.