American Italian Cultural Center facts for kids

The American Italian Cultural Center (AICC) is a special place in New Orleans, Louisiana. It's a group that doesn't aim to make money. Its main goal is to celebrate and honor the history and culture of Italian American people in Louisiana.

The AICC was started in 1985 by Joseph Maselli. It's right next to New Orleans' famous Piazza d'Italia. The center offers many cool things. You can take Italian language classes or enjoy concerts and other events. They even organize trips to Italy! The AICC also helps people apply to be citizens of both Italy and the US. It works with other Italian American groups to promote their events too. A special helper for Italy, called an Honorary Consul, also has an office here. The AICC is part of a bigger group called the American Italian Renaissance Foundation.

The AICC is home to two important places. One is the American Italian Museum. The other is the Louisiana American Italian Sports Hall of Fame. The museum focuses on the heritage and achievements of American Italians in the Southeast. This is especially true for the Italians in New Orleans. You can see old photos, articles, family stories, and cool items there.

The AICC holds a yearly St. Joseph's Day party in October. They also host a Festa d'Italia (Festival of Italy) in the Piazza. The AICC publishes a magazine four times a year called the Italian American Digest. They also look after the American Italian Research Library. This library is located in Metairie, a town near New Orleans.

What is an Honorary Consul?

The current leader of the AICC is Frank Maselli. He is the son of the founder, Joseph Maselli. Frank Maselli serves as an Honorary Consul for Italy. This means he is a special representative for Italy. He handles some limited official duties, like helping students get visas. Other official duties for the state of Louisiana are handled by the main Consulate General in Houston.

How to Join the AICC

Becoming a member of the American Italian Cultural Center is a great way to get involved. Membership lets you take their courses. You also get discounts at many Italian restaurants nearby. The AICC offers different levels of membership.

Louisiana Italian American Sports Hall of Fame

The AICC is proud to host the Louisiana Italian American Sports Hall of Fame. Each year, they hold a big dinner to honor new members. These are people who have made a big impact in sports. The banquet also gives out several special awards. These include the Dr. Adriani Medical Education Award. There's also the Louisiana American Italian Woman of the Year award. Other awards are the Joseph Maselli Heritage Award and the American Veteran Award. They also give out the Louis Prima Arts & Entertainment Award. Finally, there's the Buddy “D” Media Award.

See also

• Italians in New Orleans
• Logue House in Houston, Texas, which houses the Italian Cultural and Community Center (ICCC)