Over the course of the past few months, the new History Committee for the Little Italy Historic District has been engaged in collecting the history of the Italian American people in Little Italy and Sacramento. Building on past programs to document the history of the Italian community in Sacramento, the committee has developed interview guidelines and lists of Italian families and businesses to interview.

The Committee members have taken on assignments to learn about the people and places that tell the story of the Italians of Sacramento. It is a collective story as the Italian community is very distinct and connected to one another.

For those who grew up in Italian East Sacramento there is a saying: "if you can get to one, you can get to them all." It was a cohesive community in many ways with its own business district and communal life.

In recent years we have witnessed the passing of many of those who lived in East Sacramento so the mission to uncover more history through the memories of them and their descendants is urgent.

The committee is recommending that all Italian families collect and document their own family histories to assist committee members in collecting the stories that tell our history. We will be collecting photographs, family history stories, and memorabilia that will help tell the story.

This is a new project, and we are just starting. We are looking for people to come forward with their stories. And for people who would like to be part of the Committee and help us organize the project and collect the information we seek.

The committee members are all volunteers from the Italian community and Italian clubs. Everyone is welcome to be part of the committee. Let us know if you would like to be interviewed or participate. Our goal is to develop an exhibit and a photo history of the Italians of Sacramento. And to document that history and preserve it.

Please contact Marie Booth at: bmbooth@aol.com for information. Visit www.italiancenter.net to learn more about LItttle Italy of Sacramento