The History Museum announces a new exhibit, Traditions and Progress: Italian Americans in Northern Indiana, on view through May 4, 2025. The exhibit features photographs, maps, artifacts, and an impressive amount of information about the history of Italian Americans in northern Indiana.
Traditions and Progress describes the heritage, values, and willingness to help their neighbors that has been the cornerstone of Italians’ progress in the United States despite hardships and challenges.
The exhibit also chronicles their local history. Italians began migrating to the St. Joseph River Valley in the 1880s, when many found jobs in local industries. Many local Italians rose to positions of prominence in the community, exhibiting a knack for entrepreneurship and accomplishment, becoming captains of industry, world champions, shoemakers to the Pope, and household names. Throughout, they have held on to a piece of Italy by maintaining their traditions and customs and bettered their community through social clubs and mutual aid societies.
Accomplishments of local Italian Americans in all sectors of the economy are presented, including the many jobs, innovations, and opportunities they have provided. The significance of their cultural stamp on the area is explored, including excellent food and entertainment.
Stories of many local Italian Americans are told, including Rocco Linarello of Rocco’s Style Shop, who apprenticed many barbers-to-be. Rocco Ameduri of Rocco’s trained many pizzaiolos who would start their own restaurant, and pioneer Rocco Simeri employed many early immigrants building South Bend’s infrastructure. In the 1950s and 1960s an hourly program was broadcast weekly on WJVA (AM 1580), hosted by Pietro Agostino, Louis Baldoni and Earnie Calabro.
Substantial assistance to this exhibit was provided by many local Italian Americans, especially the four local Italian American Clubs, Maria SS di Loreto Society, Italian American Relief Association, Edmondo DeAmicis Mutual Aid Society, and Italian American Heritage Society of Notre Dame/Michiana.
