As a third-generation Italian American growing up in the Little Italy neighborhood of South Philadelphia, I fondly remember learning about my immigrant grandparents. They immersed themselves in Italian opera and took great pride in the history and masterpieces of renowned Italian artisans and sculptors.

Our home, like many in the neighborhood, was adorned with grotto-like garden shrines or furniture topped with cherished Italian statuary and figurines — a tangible connection to our heritage. Last year, I had the privilege of viewing the historic works of sculptor Edoardo Alfieri (1913–1998) at an exhibition hosted by the Columbus Historical Society (CHS) in Ohio’s capital. .