Little Italy, Omaha facts for kids

Little Italy is a special neighborhood in Omaha, Nebraska. It's a place where many Italian families first settled when they came to Omaha. This area was important for providing workers for the Union Pacific railroad. It's also known for the Santa Lucia Procession, a parade that started in 1924 and still happens every year.

This community is located between Pacific Street to the north, Center Street to the south, South 10th Street to the west, and the Missouri River to the east. It's right next to the Burlington Train Station and the Omaha Rail and Commerce Historic District.

In 2008, the City of Omaha shared plans to improve the area. This is because Little Italy is close to two popular places: the Old Market District and the Henry Doorly Zoo. The plans included making 10th Street better with things like a streetcar line, trees, parks, fountains, and sculptures.

History of Little Italy

Omaha's first Italian community began in the 1890s. It was near South 24th Street and Poppleton Street. This community was formed by people who moved from southern Italy. Others came from cities in the eastern United States.

Two brothers, Joseph and Sebastiano Salerno, are often given credit for creating the Little Italy we know today. It was closer to the Union Pacific yards in downtown Omaha. In 1904, Sebastiano became an agent for a steamship company. He encouraged friends from Sicily, an island in Italy, to move to Omaha. Joseph then helped these new arrivals find places to live and jobs. Many found work in the Union Pacific shops in downtown Omaha.

In 1905, more Sicilian immigrants settled along South 6th Street. This area was in the hills south of downtown. Even more Sicilians arrived between 1912 and 1913, and after World War I. South 10th Street was also a very important street for the Italian community.

Originally, Little Italy had a small shopping area on South 6th Street. It stretched west along Pierce Street. This area had a grocery store, clothing and shoe stores. The Bank of Sicily was also there, started by the Salerno brothers in 1908. A law called the Immigration Act of 1924 greatly reduced the number of Italians moving to Omaha.

Little Italy Today

Today, the Festival of Santa Lucia is still celebrated in Little Italy. This festival was started by Grazia Caniglia. It has been a tradition since the first immigrants arrived. An annual festival called "La Festa" also takes place. It brings together Omaha's Italian community to celebrate their heritage.

Besides the historic Italian families, the area is now home to many different people. This includes Latinos and people from Eastern Europe. Several new homes are also being built in the area. Many parts of Little Italy's history remain. These things make the neighborhood unique in the city.

Landmarks to See

Little Italy has several important buildings and places.

• St. Francis Cabrini Church was designed by Thomas Rogers Kimball. It was built in 1908 at 1335 South 10th Street.
• The Cornish Residence is a great example of Second Empire style architecture in Omaha.
• Santa Lucia Hall was originally built in 1891 as Fire Station 9.
• Other landmarks include the Santa Lucia Festival Committee Hall at 725 Pierce Street.
• Marino's Italian Grocery is at 1716 South 13th Street.
• Sons Of Italy Hall is located at 1238 South 10th Street.
• Orsi's Bakery is at 621 Pacific Street.
• Caniglia's, a historic building, was taken down in 2007. New townhomes were built in its place.

Notable Residents

• Giuseppe Mario Bellanca
• Anthony J. Biase
• Joe Bubs
• Jeremy Caniglia
• Michele Pane
• Angelo Rossitto
• Pat Venditte
• Nelso Bartolomei