The city of Philadelphia holds a special place in America’s heart. The 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence in the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall, the home of the iconic Liberty Bell and other American Revolutionary sites in this city are forever part of our country’s rich history.

Italians have been part of the city’s history since colonial times. In 1665, a group of Italian protestants came to the area seeking religious asylum. When the English took over Philadelphia, it is believed that some of that original group came to live in Philly. William Penn had visited Italy and, as a Quaker, believed in freedom of religion.